3 Important Things I Learned From My First Job

With all the Jurassic World stuff that has come out over the past few years, I’ve been reminded a lot of a job I had at Universal Studios around 1996, when the first Jurassic Park ride opened there. I actually started working there a few months before the opening and helped open the ride and train new people to work there.

But that wasn’t my first job… I've recorded a VIDEO for you and you can click here to listen or watch.

My first job was at Pizza Hut when I was 16. It was so important to me to get a job that I went out to find that job on my birthday. I was ready to drive and I was ready to work to have my own money. (At 16, I need money for 3 things: gas, CDs, and concerts.)

I filled out my application and I got a call back from the manager telling me that it was me and one other person. I was so nervous about the interview, which was at the same time as this other guy, but we both ended up working there.

I ran the front part of the restaurant and answered phones, and working my first job at such a young age taught me 3 things.

To over-deliver.

I worked hard at Pizza Hut. When there was down time, I didn’t slack off. I prepped food, I stacked napkins, I assembled pizza boxes. I remember one of my coworkers asking me, “Why are you doing that? No one asked you to do it.”

I was so surprised when I realized that not everyone is going to go above and beyond. I made the choice to over-deliver and it has helped me immensely throughout my life, and especially in my business!

To manage my money.

Working at a young age taught me how to spend and prioritize my money, although it took me longer to learn to save it! I made about $110 every two weeks (this is back when minimum wage was $4.25) and I was so excited and felt so rich when I got those checks!

Now that I’m older, I’d tell my younger self to save 10%, but at the time, making my own money did teach me to prioritize money, the value of money, and how to have fun with it.

To speak up.

Because I loved going to concerts, there were times I had to ask my boss if I could have this day or that day off. I used to get so nervous, especially in the beginning, asking for time off, even though I asked well in advance.

Over time, it really taught me to speak up, use my voice, and ask for what I need. It helped me grow up and be an adult in how I communicate with other people.

That first job had such a huge impact and taught me values that have served me for the rest of my life. If you are a teenager or have a teenager, I cannot recommend enough the value of getting a part-time job as a way of learning these values. You will carry them so far in your life and they will make a huge long-term impact.

IG www.instagram.com/joannavargasofficial

FB www.fb.com/joannavargasofficial

LI www.dhirubhai.net/joannavargasofficial