Everyone remembers their first job. It’s a definitive time in your life: it’s a step up from childhood, and a preview of adulthood. It’s a proud moment when you are old enough to earn your own money. First-job experiences are also formative. Not only do they teach you the value of hard work and money — but they also shape your understanding of the world. They increase your self-confidence and self-sufficiency. And a good first job will get you started on the path to future success.
I had my first job because I wanted to have spare money to spend. It was the scariest thing that had happened to me as a young adult. I heard about the job from my friend who worked there. I applied online for the position now all I had to do was wait for a phone call.
I was very nervous waiting at home impatiently on the phone. When I was just about to hang out with several friends, the telephone started ringing and I picked it up very quickly. A man’s voice said Hello, I am calling from Santikos Embassy. Can I talk to Kiana Castillo? Did I reply politely Kiana? Sure, this is Kiana. The man assured me who I am and continued to ask. When will you have time to come in for an interview? Any time will just be fine. I answered excitedly. It was the phone call that I had been expecting for the whole day and I could not believe what I heard. Our phone conversation ended in less than two minutes. At the same time, my mom was standing around and waiting for my response. Suddenly, I shouted out, I got an interview! I was so excited for myself and possibly for my very first job.
It was Monday afternoon and I was ready for my first interview. Being nervous and excited is something that everyone goes through before an interview. I was definitely not an exception. I began to ask my awkward self if I was ok to be a guest experience specialist, and I was wondering if I would even get the job. However, I didn’t want to be a wimp, so I took my first step toward the door and walked in. Then, a new reality entered my mind. What if I froze? Or embarrassed me? Surprisingly the interview was easy and quick the manager was amazing. He told me I got the job and to wait for an email about my orientation.
My first day of orientation was weird. I didn’t expect my orientation to take place in a storage room. Instead of learning what my job was, I learned how to spot fake ids and cash, and how to tell the bar to cut a person’s alcohol. It was my second day of orientation and I was excited to start actually working and not sit in a room watching slides. I wanted to actually get hands-on experience. My day of cleaning theaters and restrooms soon came and I found out it was a very stressful job, unlike the simplicity it looked to be. We had less than 15 minutes to clean the theater and move on to the next one. I had to make sure that as I was moving along, I had checked the restrooms and the counters to make sure they were clean. I had to make sure the trash was taken out; the dishes were done and the coke machine and slushy machine were all functioning well.
It was harder to do all this when there were only 5 people and it was opening night for a huge movie. I now had to work 10 times harder and faster than before. On nights like this, I wouldn’t leave the theater till about 2 almost 3 am if I was closing. It was a lot harder to close than anything else. Before I clocked out, I had to make sure all the dishes were picked up and cleaned, the soda dispensers were taken out and cleaned and the trash was taken care of. Working at the theater was hard many complained but didn’t do anything about it because of the perks we got. We would get 12 free movie tickets a month, and 75 dollars off food and drinks. We also got to see movies before they even came out to the public.
I have to say that working at the embassy taught me that I was not meant to work at a place that didn’t use my full potential. I’m glad I took the job because it is an experience I will never forget and never relive. I remember getting home at 2 am tired but still having to do my homework and chores and then sleep to go to school the next day. I remember how stressful it was working there making sure that not only I was doing my job but also everyone else on the floor. When people ask me what my experience there was like I respond with good but stressful. The managers there were amazing and made sure we were all okay and even helped at some points.
A relationship that is unique is one between a worker and their boss. My boss, no matter how typical of a boss he may be, has had a perpetual effect on me that I cannot deny. He would always greet me with the same welcoming tone. My boss has taught me a staple lesson, that work you have dedicated yourself to comes before fun and play.
In many ways, my first job helped shape me into who I am today — it taught me the value of hard work, the importance of being dedicated and committed to getting the job done, and the proud feeling you get when you earn your own money. It also shaped my understanding of how crucial part-time jobs are for a young person’s growth and development.
Here’s what I learned about first jobs: It is your first job, not your last. Get as many skills as you can and build a strong foundation. Even if the sky is falling, don’t get discouraged. Take advantage of all of the experiences, good and bad, they’ll all make you better at your next job.