Work Lessons from My Youth That Still Matter Today

Do you ever look back with nostalgia at the jobs you had as a kid? I do, often. I’ve long wanted to pay homage to those jobs and recognize the golden nuggets of wisdom they provided me—lessons that have guided me throughout my life. These early work experiences laid a solid foundation that eventually helped me start Accuworx (I’ll share the lessons of building that company in a later post).

?By the time I turned 19, I had already held 20 different jobs, each of which taught me something valuable. When I’d watch my elders work, I imagined what it would be like to step into their leadership roles and how I might approach things differently than them. For many of us, those early jobs offer our first real taste of developing a work ethic and understanding what it takes to earn a living. Some of the ‘golden nugget’ lessons I’ve carried with me are:

Humour

Making someone laugh and bringing a smile to their face can make a tremendous impact on their day. Laughter can be a powerful force in the workplace. It boosts morale, enhances creativity, and strengthens team bonds.

?Vibe

Ever notice how turnover is higher in places with a poor vibe? The energy in a workplace is palpable. A positive vibe can boost productivity, attract top talent, and facilitate collaboration. I can’t imagine a successful company that doesn’t prioritize a healthy workplace vibe.

?Thoughtfulness

Thoughtfulness has been key to my growth as a leader. A well-designed, considerate work environment can significantly impact productivity and satisfaction. Being thoughtful can be contagious and help to build trust in the organization.

?Artisanship

When you take pride in your work, it can be uplifting to others (as well as yourself).? And this applies to all tasks, no matter how small. People always notice the quality of your efforts.? Try to do things the right way at the first opportunity you have

?Passion

Passion is a rare and invaluable commodity, and it’s unmistakable when you see it in a workplace. If passion isn’t driving your work, is it really worth doing? Passion is contagious and often leads to personal fulfillment. It drives us to do good, make a difference, and find meaning in our work.

?Responsibility

This one is huge. When someone entrusts you with a task, take that responsibility seriously. Never take trust lightly—it will serve you well through your life.

?If you’re fortunate enough to have young people in your business, it’s important to pass on your learnings. Never underestimate the power of influence that even the simplest jobs can have—they’re rarely as simple as they seem.**

?Here are the jobs I worked at as a kid (Thanks for all the lessons!):?

1. Dishwasher at The Keg
2. Dishwasher at a Seniors Home in Mississauga
3. Cold-calling to sell bulk orders of garbage bags over the phone
4. Security Guard at Sussex Center, Mississauga
5. Dishwasher at OTMH Hospital
6. Dishwasher at the residence cafeteria at Western University
7. McDonald’s
8. Junior Achievement, in Mississauga
9. Laborer for a Burlington plumbing contractor
10. Maintenance at public tennis courts
11. Newspaper delivery for Mississauga News
12. Farm laborer in New Brunswick, picking mustard weeds and repairing wooden potato barrels
13. Laborer at a home building contractor
14. Laborer at a factory in Mississauga, helping them dismantle their production lines and move out
15. Car wash attendant in Hamilton, Ontario (Gasrite, Barton and Gage)
16. Laborer, helping an ice company deliver bags of ice to restaurants and convenience stores
17. Gas station attendant
18. Worked for a mechanical contractor specializing in installing car washes
19. Factory worker in Mississauga making fiberglass pickup truck caps
20. Banquet staff at Delta Armouries Hotel in London, Ontario

?