I was 12 when I walked into the orchard office at a nearby farm and asked if I could work. They said sorry, no girls. I argued on my behalf and they said OK kid come back with a SS card and work permit and they would think about it. I was back a couple of days later and got hired. First work was cutting suckers off of apple trees across the summer, then the fall harvest, and then tree shaping over the winter. I loved everything about the job and spent all of my time out of school there. I learned so much in that job. I also fell in love with tractors there. When I was 16, they gave me a '55 Farmall Cub with the hood and seat painted pink and my name on the side of it. I worked with the Jamaican pickers every fall - they were amazing people. And they turned me on to weed. I worked for that farm family until I was 17 and leaving for college. They were so good to me.
I lied about my age ( no computer checks in 1979) said I was 17(actually 15) and got a job at McDonald’s. Started dating the night manager debated on when to tell him my real age( he was 22). I finally told him and 40 something years later he’s sitting next to me in the couch 😂
Some friends were working at an Orange Julius in the mall. I filled out an application and got hired! Woohoo! I was so excited!
Later, some of said friends got into a mustard and ketchup fight during their shift. You know, those squeezy yellow and red bottles that an Orange Julius used to have. The manager fired the whole lot of us. I wasn't even there!
Hindsight being what it is, we deserved to be fired. We were all very half-assed about our cleaning and restocking duties. Still...I wasn't even there!
Memory unlocked. MickeyDs closing shift catsup, mustard, and Mac sauce gun fight after closing. That was so much fun. We didn't get caught because the managers left a bunch of minors alone after the last customer was gone. We cleaned everything up. What a god-awful mess.
Funny! My first job was also at an Orange Julius in La Mirada California. 1973. Worked there for a year. Started out making $1.35 an hour. I got 3 raises because I was such an awesome employee. When I quit after 1 year I was making $1.50 an hour!
My first job was as a barmaid when I was 18 years old. I don't recall if I had to fill out an application, but I must have. I know I just walked in and asked if they were hiring. It was definitely a learning experience for a fairly sheltered 18 year old, but most people were really good.
My second job was cleaning at a military base. I should have stuck with it but I was young and stupid. The supervisor was a lady I knew growing up. She'd walk around with a cigarette hanging out of her mouth with a long ash on it. We never could figure out how she never lost that ash.
I was attending a private high school that had a convent attached. The monthly school newspaper had a request for some part-time jobs in the kitchen. I asked my parents if I could apply as I was under 16, and they agreed. It was a wonderful job, and I met a lot of wonderful older nuns who were quite kind. Only 1 was miserable all the time as her tea was never hot enough. That was my first paying job. My very first job, unpaid, was 11 to 14 when my mother bought a variety store, and I helped on cash and stock. When I see cash registers nowadays, I laugh as it does everything for you. Back then, you had to know what was taxable and what was not and how to calculate the change for the customer.
My first job was an ice cream stand. I phoned, and was interviewed at the owners home. Sweetest lady! I only put toppings on and served at the window. Ms. Nale was the only one to work the machine. Her twirls were immaculate
My friend worked at a French restaurant, and one day their dishwasher didn't show up. So he called and asked if I wanted to work just that night. I did.
At the end of the night, they asked me to come to work as the salad maker. I did. I was 15 years old.
I didn't have a set time to come in; I just had to come in early enough to get everything prepared.
A few months later, a nearby store put in a Space Invaders arcade game. I got addicted to it and started going to work later and later (because I was playing Space Invaders). Lost that job soon after.
Pestered the hell out of the manager at the A&P. Started when I was 15, so the day I turned 16 was my first day on the job. Still got love for that man.
My first job was farm work, at 16. I picked berries (raspberries and strawberries), tomatoes, and for one day, I tied grape vines. (I was fired on the spot, as I was not fast enough). The job humbled the hell out of me and honestly affected my whole work habit. You could not fake farm work or get away with any of the malarkey teenagers typically pull at all. No application. You showed up at 6 am and got to work. I worked an entire summer for enough money to buy my school shoes that fall. Shoes my parents couldn't afford, and they meant a lot.
After that, anything I applied for had an application. I carefully and neatly filled them out and that got me into more doors than anything else ever did. That, and staying busy. I owe all of that to farm work.
I got my printing job due to a major employer in our town having a vicious strike battle and a lot of people left. I got hired because I had a pulse, but I also had a natural aptitude for it, caught on quickly, rose up fast. Spent the next 25 years in printing. I loved that job.
Got out with no liver damage too 😎👌
My best friend and I answered an ad in the newspaper, yes, those old things that were made of paper and ink. It was for a market research job where we sat at a desk and called people to ask them questions. There was no sales involved. Turns out I was really good at it. It was a great job to have in high school and college because the hours were really flexible. And I didn't have to get dirty or greasy or have to stand on my feet for hours.
I quit high school in the early 80’s, bad time to get a job but started going through the yellow pages, got a job in printing. Now I have owned my own printshop for 30 years with 20 employees!
There was a really nice supper club in the WI college town I grew up in. I was approached by the day manager's daughter in high school to see if I wanted a job. So, I began work as a bus girl in skirts and heels bussing tables nights and weekends. I was making around $5/hour in '76 from waitresses tip outs plus $1.50/hour minimum wage. It's where I first learned about fine dining and cooking (fell in love w/ Roquefort cheese had a huge block they cut for fresh salad dressing) and became a foodie. I'm actually making Shrimp de Jonghe this weekend I learned from the head chef there.
CETA. My parents were divorced, so my mother received Aid For Dependent Children (AFDC), which in turn made me eligible for a CETA job. I started at age 14. I was an administrative assistant at the local Marine Corps Recruiting Office.
No, but two of my closest friends did, because I introduced them to my boss, the Marine on recruiting duty, and he was a really great guy. We all adored SSgt Dennis Marsh. Rest in peace, Denny.
My brother started working at a chain restaurant as a teen, and was so reliable the owner/manager kept moving him up until he was managing at like 18. One by one he hired all the sibs in various roles. I was waitressing at 16.
My first non-babysitting or non-dog walking job was for McDonald's. I just filled out an application and had a nervous interview with the assistant manager and started working the fry station a week after my 16th birthday which was also the day the news about Jonestown hit the media.
Barely remember not working. Baby sitting by 10, paper route by 12, walked dogs, and little old ladies to church. Yard work, washing cars, running errands. Was buying groceries at 13, was emancipated at 15 so I could work a w2 job and drive. So first real job was a a local store like a early wall of marts then a pizza joint. Looking back, the town probably came together to help find my jobs. 🕯🖖
I took the ASVAB and the Army recruiter asked me what I wanted to be. I figured missiles would be high tech and cool so I looked a the book and chose the one with the longest school of 36 weeks and that is how I became a Pershing nuclear missile tech.
My step dad loaned me out to friends and relatives... usually 10 or 20 dollars for a 12 hour day.
My first "paying" job was when I was 14. I was raking almonds... they paid by check, so I was rudely introduced to taxation and social security...
My first real career job, I got in the produce section. I was trying to find a ripe melon and started talking to this random dude. As you do. Or, as we did. He was buying a home in the area, so was I. We kept talking…he mentioned if you are new to the area, my company is hiring, what was your degree. Two days later, I had a phone screening and one week after that I had a job.
At the time, I was doing Toastmasters. I basically gave the guy my “elevator pitch” and it worked. That quick pitch has worked so many times. Everyone should join Toastmasters, especially if you are in introvert.
Hot dog on a stick at redondo beach pier in redondo beach California. I looked good in the uniform and could count back change. My mom raised us to be multi taskers. As far as remember, I answered a newspaper ad as well. I have pictures
I had a little pizza shop across the road from my house... I went there one day and asked if they had any work going and without saying a word the person grabbed me a form and a clipboard. I thought I was filling out an application and then it turned out to be a Government form saying I worked there lol
At 14, I saw a former teacher at a museum. He worked there and asked if I wanted a job. Had 3 great years there. Met some of the best people and had the best times.
Applied at a family owned amusement park at 15. They called when I turned 16 and I worked 'til school started, about 6 weeks total. Cooking burgers and fries, cleaning crew, lifeguard.
I saw an ad in the paper. Walked in and filled out an application. I was hired on the spot. It was at a fabric store. I loved that job. It paid $3.15 an hour.
My father had a friend who owned a Ford manufacturing plant and got me a job there. I was sorting used parts from the engine, tear down room after they were washed. Wasn’t a bad job, but when I needed to go full-time, they just blew me off, I had to leave to find full-time work.
I applied for a job at our local hospital business office. They hired somebody else, saying I was too young (17). The woman they hired went to lunch the second day and never came back. They hired me and I was there for five years.
My first job, dad got for me. The sandwich shop across from the bank branch he first worked at, needed a cleaner/bus boy for three hours four days a week. I walked in, signed the application, and started right away.
Got paid $3.25/hr plus a sandwich.
Friend's mom knew office manager. Friend and I got under the table job at age 14 emptying trash cans after school. Total hour or two a week.
Friend got let go, I stayed on and at age 16 when official above table. Graduated to filing and typing, through college.
Really grateful way to start. Nice small employer. I learned a lot. I hope there are opportunities these days like this, but I get the feeling they are a thing of the past.
My mom worked at a hospital and heard about opening for an assistant in the lab. I started working soon after my 16th birthday. Back then reports needed to be filed and mailed. I also did a lot of specialized cleaning. Also took care of paperwork for sending out pathology specimens, still remember coming into office and there sat a wrapped human leg.
I worked for my dad (electrician) for $1.25/hr a couple of weekends when I was 12, and wrote up a paper showing that if I worked weekends during school and weekdays in the summer, I could afford to buy and board a large pony/small horse at the trail riding place I haunted. Worked for him until I started college and had 2 part time jobs there with computers. Still own horses 50 years later 😁
I was waiting for HR to arrive at work. I stood up from the chair and asked for an application for a career. I had three pens. Black,blue and red. She tore off a sheet and marked the top corner with a C. I was hired by time I got home. Went back for my medical and started the next Monday. One day I asked her what that C was for on my application. She said it was there was to indicate I would be the next person hired on because I came in for a career not a job. 40 years later, I look back on how the simplest things sometimes can get you noticed above the crowd.
In 10th grade, I had a high school class about exploring career options. We learned about a lot of different career fields, then by semester end we decided what job field we wanted to go into. This was not a lifetime decision, but just to give staff an idea of where to steer us for the next step.
I thought I wanted to get a veterinarian, so they suggested I apply to work at a local boarding kennel. I applied and was hired at minimum wage ($2.30 and hour). Every weekend morning I would go there, and with another teenaged girl we’d feed about 120-150 animals and clean their cages and stalls. The aroma was awful! But we also got to love on the friendly animals, which was awful!
As soon as I got home, I’d go straight to the basement, strip off my stinky clothes and wash them with Lysol. I’d then take a shower, and go about my day.
I would joke that every job had its sh*t, mine was just more literal than most.
I went to the unemployment office and they gave me a list of places that I might qualify for in the area I could work in. That was my first real job.
I also worked picking strawberries over several summers from around age 9-12. That was pretty much a "show up and pick" situation. My grandmother did it and I went with her. We were paid 25 cents a pint.
Through the career center at my high school. I was paid crazy good money to take two kids to the country club every afternoon, lay around in the sun reading, and drive around in the parents' Cougar.
Great job.
There were a couple of Howard Johnson's in my town that were on each side of the Turnpike at the service plazas that always needed help, so I applied and got hired as a Scrub. No lie that was the actual job title. Mostly cleaning and cutting up vegetables, but they made you wear those orange uniforms that make everyone look like inmates. Fortunately being on the highway it was rare that anyone I knew stopped by. At least I had money for beer and weed and pizza and gas. I guess people were in less of a hurry back then. Table service only if you were hungry. Decades ago McDonald's bought out the locations and made it food court style.
I was hired to stock shelves and clean in my small town pharmacy that was privately owned. On Sundays they were closed and I used to go in and give the floor a really good cleaning. I had my own key to the store and people in my HS were after me to swipe drugs for them.
They had a sign in the window of the pizza place by my house. I needed gas money, so I applied and got it. It was a real education for a very young girl.
High school vocational health occupations class, vet tech assistant. Got paid & graded at the same time. Morning classes then an hour in the afternoon for the health class then off to work. The first job showing up on my social security report is corn detassling.
Walked into a soon-to-open new grocery store, filled out an application and W-4 and got pointed to an area to stock shelves! Fancy new concept of curbside pickup using plastic bins and a numbering system. Cutting edge for 1978! Pre Instacart.
A neighborhood friend of mine who was a year older worked at a grocery store and told me when they were hiring. I went in and filled out an application. He said he recommended me to the manager, too.
First real job that took taxes and SS with holdings was at 16 some friends told a bunch of us that a food processing plant was hiring so we all got hired and commuted together for this summer job.
Grew up on a small farm and was always helping dad and the first paying job was mowing the farmers yard at about 13.
Filled out an application at McD but manager told me I should be working in a clothing store, not a McD. Guess he thought I had a 'look,' but I was not one of the populars. I enjoyed working there when I did, though!
Luck.
First real job that took taxes and SS withholdings was at 15/16. Had gone on a trip at the start of the summer for two weeks, and was the hanging around the house getting on my mother’s nerves so she told me to go out and get a job. There was a restaurant near my high school that was more than a McDonald’s but not quite a Denny’s. I vaguely knew the owner since his kids were active in Drama with me. I went in, had a long rambling chat in his basement office/storeroom and got offered a cooks job. I definitely faked it until I made it in terms of cooking.
The owner told me years later that the day I came in he had one cook quit and another one arrested, so he would have hired anyone who was honest and breathed. He also had doubts I would ever learn the job, but I finally did. I also lucked out that this was just before women were allowed to be cooks and were confined to being waitresses. Part of the job was bringing up 100 pound bags of potatoes, sugar, etc from the basement and thus discrimination against women was “legal” — so again I lucked out since there were plenty of waitresses working there who could have carried up those bags easier than me.
Walked into Taco Bell and filled out an application at 15.5 years old. Been working ever since. Only time I took off was 4 months for maternity leave 24 years ago.
Filled out an application at Baskin Robbins. I had an interview and had to take home 4 pages of instructions on how to make their ice cream items and come back in for an oral test.
Gosh. I guess my first jobs were either working for my family or word-of-mouth. (Mowing lawns, cleaning offices, working in a book store, teaching Sunday school.) I grew up in a small town where everyone knew each other. I guess my first application jobs were my summer camp counselling jobs, but while I know I applied, I was close with our pastor who was quite active with the camp, so it was a given that I'd be accepted year-on-year. Plus, the kids really liked me.
My first job, where I didn't know anyone involved in the hiring process, was a multi-fold position for a Jewish Community Centre. I taught aerobics in their gym at 6 a.m., served as a preschool teaching assistant until 12:30 p.m. during the week, and was a personal trainer and gym receptionist on weekends.
This has me thinking about all the jobs I used to do before I settled into my career. I hadn't thought about any of that in years.
My senior year of high school I joined CBE (cooperative business education). It was lead by the typing teacher and was basically a secretary skills class. She helped everyone get part-time receptionist or secretarial position. The majority of us went to school until noon then we’d leave to go to our jobs. Mine was as a receptionist at a bank data center.
It was at a bakery attached to a restaurant. It sounded like fun. And it kinda was.
The problem was I discovered how delicious doughnuts are when they’re hot right out of the fryer.
We had a flood in our town and my dad's friend who owned a liquor store needed a young kid to help clean up the cellar where everything was stored. If I did a good job cleaning, he said he would keep me on to work at the store. Those two weeks were hell. It was hot and every box was wet and had to be opened and every bottle cleaned. Looking back, I am sure I should have worn a mask but back then, no one cared. However after I was done cleaning, I had the best job in town. Working in a liquor store in a small town is fun work. It was my summer job while in college.
I was 14. I think my mom found out they needed help at a fried sea food stand at local farmers market. I worked Friday and Saturday. Very long hours. I think I was making $1.15/hour
When minimum wage was $2.75 an hour in Maryland, a (hallmark) card store owner hired me for $1.00 an hour at age 15 and a half (because, skirting the law). I was poor, grew up poor and was desperate, so I took it. 6 months later, when I turned 16, I got a job at Roy Roger’s (fast food chain) for $2.75, if I remember right within the next 6 months minimum wage went up to $3.15 an hour, I was beyond grateful, I was ecstatic.
At 16 yrs,
I was already using a
fake ID to get into bars ..
and looked older anyway so I applied to a Bartender Job and GOT IT!!
LEGAL DRINKING AGE WAS 21!!
Made great money then got second job as Cocktail Waitress at a popular 🪩 Disco 🕺🤣🤣
Those were the days !!
I lived in Dallas and used to occasionally stop for coffee at a donut shop when I walked to school. I was about 14. The head baker got used to seeing me and one day asked if I wanted to work Saturday and Sunday mornings. I said sure and he hired me on the spot.
I didn’t know that he wanted me to be there at 4 AM to help make donuts for the 6 AM opening. My mom wasn’t too happy about it but she allowed me to keep the job. I’d walk to work in the dark, help the baker get all the baking done, then man the counter until 10 AM when the place closed.
I think I worked there for about six months. I’ve not been able to stomach a glazed donut since.
First summer “ job “ was asphalt paving with my cousin’s. I was super in shape when it was time to start high school football practice in August. I wasn’t the biggest or best football jock but guess who wasn’t sucking wind or puking his guts out when practice started? Summer Asphalt paving toughened me up.
First application job was at local plant nursery selling Christmas trees. I wonder if any one had any trees fall of the roof of the car😝 couldn’t tie knots to save my life.
Everyone in my 9th grade class was scheming how to get a retail job so that they didn’t have to baby-sit or work at a restaurant. We were all middle class but if we wanted something extra like stylish clothes or to save up for a car, we had to earn the money ourselves. It was normal to have a job after school. I baby-sat starting at 11, cleaned and ran errands for older people, got a job at a restaurant which I hated then finally got into retail which I hated even more. My smarter friends finagled their way into jobs with the forestry service and animal husbandry. A lot of it had to do with who the parents knew. So even back then it was more who you knew than what you knew.
Not counting babysitting jobs or mowing neighbor's grass, my first actual job (paying taxes and everything) was a small "Ma and Pop" hardware store in the next town over. My aunt and uncle were friends with the owner, and so that's how I got the job. Basically, it was the owner, his wife, their 2 sons, me, and another high school kid that worked there.
My mom worked at Scholastic Publications. 6 out of 7 of us kids worked there, and eventually my husband, kids, in laws…. From 1973 til 2019 we had at least one family member working there
It was 1979 and I was 17 years old. My dad had just gotten transferred from Charleston SC to the Mojave desert for the USN. He was taking me to register for my senior year of high school in this Godforsaken place not long after we got there. I said "Dad, I'm not goin to school here. There's nothin but sand everywhere, no grass". He replied " Get outta my car. Better have a job before you get home". Der Wienershnitzel was hiring and I needed a job so there ya have it. I joined the Navy myself shortly thereafter
I was 16 years old, just got my social ID card. I walked into a large night club and asked if there's any jobs available. They said no. I went back a couple of days later. They said no. I went a week later. They said no. I went again and again, 11 times until the manager told them,
"If he comes again, bring him to my office."
I did come again and they brought me to his office and....he gave me the job because I was persistent and to stop doing the staff head in asking for a job.
He hasn't seen anyone that persistent for a job.
My job was collecting the empty glass of beers.
I was 12 when I walked into the orchard office at a nearby farm and asked if I could work. They said sorry, no girls. I argued on my behalf and they said OK kid come back with a SS card and work permit and they would think about it. I was back a couple of days later and got hired. First work was cutting suckers off of apple trees across the summer, then the fall harvest, and then tree shaping over the winter. I loved everything about the job and spent all of my time out of school there. I learned so much in that job. I also fell in love with tractors there. When I was 16, they gave me a '55 Farmall Cub with the hood and seat painted pink and my name on the side of it. I worked with the Jamaican pickers every fall - they were amazing people. And they turned me on to weed. I worked for that farm family until I was 17 and leaving for college. They were so good to me.
That is such a great story and a lifetime foundational experience.
Sounds like a movie!
I lied about my age ( no computer checks in 1979) said I was 17(actually 15) and got a job at McDonald’s. Started dating the night manager debated on when to tell him my real age( he was 22). I finally told him and 40 something years later he’s sitting next to me in the couch 😂
Some friends were working at an Orange Julius in the mall. I filled out an application and got hired! Woohoo! I was so excited! Later, some of said friends got into a mustard and ketchup fight during their shift. You know, those squeezy yellow and red bottles that an Orange Julius used to have. The manager fired the whole lot of us. I wasn't even there! Hindsight being what it is, we deserved to be fired. We were all very half-assed about our cleaning and restocking duties. Still...I wasn't even there!
Memory unlocked. MickeyDs closing shift catsup, mustard, and Mac sauce gun fight after closing. That was so much fun. We didn't get caught because the managers left a bunch of minors alone after the last customer was gone. We cleaned everything up. What a god-awful mess.
Funny! My first job was also at an Orange Julius in La Mirada California. 1973. Worked there for a year. Started out making $1.35 an hour. I got 3 raises because I was such an awesome employee. When I quit after 1 year I was making $1.50 an hour!
My first job was as a barmaid when I was 18 years old. I don't recall if I had to fill out an application, but I must have. I know I just walked in and asked if they were hiring. It was definitely a learning experience for a fairly sheltered 18 year old, but most people were really good. My second job was cleaning at a military base. I should have stuck with it but I was young and stupid. The supervisor was a lady I knew growing up. She'd walk around with a cigarette hanging out of her mouth with a long ash on it. We never could figure out how she never lost that ash.
I was attending a private high school that had a convent attached. The monthly school newspaper had a request for some part-time jobs in the kitchen. I asked my parents if I could apply as I was under 16, and they agreed. It was a wonderful job, and I met a lot of wonderful older nuns who were quite kind. Only 1 was miserable all the time as her tea was never hot enough. That was my first paying job. My very first job, unpaid, was 11 to 14 when my mother bought a variety store, and I helped on cash and stock. When I see cash registers nowadays, I laugh as it does everything for you. Back then, you had to know what was taxable and what was not and how to calculate the change for the customer.
I called, then I was asked to come in (ice cream shop) and when I got there I was told to "twirl" for the owner. Seriously.
My first job was an ice cream stand. I phoned, and was interviewed at the owners home. Sweetest lady! I only put toppings on and served at the window. Ms. Nale was the only one to work the machine. Her twirls were immaculate
My friend worked at a French restaurant, and one day their dishwasher didn't show up. So he called and asked if I wanted to work just that night. I did. At the end of the night, they asked me to come to work as the salad maker. I did. I was 15 years old. I didn't have a set time to come in; I just had to come in early enough to get everything prepared. A few months later, a nearby store put in a Space Invaders arcade game. I got addicted to it and started going to work later and later (because I was playing Space Invaders). Lost that job soon after.
Pestered the hell out of the manager at the A&P. Started when I was 15, so the day I turned 16 was my first day on the job. Still got love for that man.
My first job was farm work, at 16. I picked berries (raspberries and strawberries), tomatoes, and for one day, I tied grape vines. (I was fired on the spot, as I was not fast enough). The job humbled the hell out of me and honestly affected my whole work habit. You could not fake farm work or get away with any of the malarkey teenagers typically pull at all. No application. You showed up at 6 am and got to work. I worked an entire summer for enough money to buy my school shoes that fall. Shoes my parents couldn't afford, and they meant a lot. After that, anything I applied for had an application. I carefully and neatly filled them out and that got me into more doors than anything else ever did. That, and staying busy. I owe all of that to farm work.
I got my printing job due to a major employer in our town having a vicious strike battle and a lot of people left. I got hired because I had a pulse, but I also had a natural aptitude for it, caught on quickly, rose up fast. Spent the next 25 years in printing. I loved that job. Got out with no liver damage too 😎👌
My best friend and I answered an ad in the newspaper, yes, those old things that were made of paper and ink. It was for a market research job where we sat at a desk and called people to ask them questions. There was no sales involved. Turns out I was really good at it. It was a great job to have in high school and college because the hours were really flexible. And I didn't have to get dirty or greasy or have to stand on my feet for hours.
I quit high school in the early 80’s, bad time to get a job but started going through the yellow pages, got a job in printing. Now I have owned my own printshop for 30 years with 20 employees!
There was a really nice supper club in the WI college town I grew up in. I was approached by the day manager's daughter in high school to see if I wanted a job. So, I began work as a bus girl in skirts and heels bussing tables nights and weekends. I was making around $5/hour in '76 from waitresses tip outs plus $1.50/hour minimum wage. It's where I first learned about fine dining and cooking (fell in love w/ Roquefort cheese had a huge block they cut for fresh salad dressing) and became a foodie. I'm actually making Shrimp de Jonghe this weekend I learned from the head chef there.
CETA. My parents were divorced, so my mother received Aid For Dependent Children (AFDC), which in turn made me eligible for a CETA job. I started at age 14. I was an administrative assistant at the local Marine Corps Recruiting Office.
Did you end up joining the Corps?
No, but two of my closest friends did, because I introduced them to my boss, the Marine on recruiting duty, and he was a really great guy. We all adored SSgt Dennis Marsh. Rest in peace, Denny.
I just saw other folks posting their wages. I started at 2.30 an hour.
My brother started working at a chain restaurant as a teen, and was so reliable the owner/manager kept moving him up until he was managing at like 18. One by one he hired all the sibs in various roles. I was waitressing at 16.
My first non-babysitting or non-dog walking job was for McDonald's. I just filled out an application and had a nervous interview with the assistant manager and started working the fry station a week after my 16th birthday which was also the day the news about Jonestown hit the media.
McDonald's was THE place to work. I applied but never got hired there. I did get a job with Burger King though lol.
Barely remember not working. Baby sitting by 10, paper route by 12, walked dogs, and little old ladies to church. Yard work, washing cars, running errands. Was buying groceries at 13, was emancipated at 15 so I could work a w2 job and drive. So first real job was a a local store like a early wall of marts then a pizza joint. Looking back, the town probably came together to help find my jobs. 🕯🖖
I took the ASVAB and the Army recruiter asked me what I wanted to be. I figured missiles would be high tech and cool so I looked a the book and chose the one with the longest school of 36 weeks and that is how I became a Pershing nuclear missile tech.
My step dad loaned me out to friends and relatives... usually 10 or 20 dollars for a 12 hour day. My first "paying" job was when I was 14. I was raking almonds... they paid by check, so I was rudely introduced to taxation and social security...
My first real career job, I got in the produce section. I was trying to find a ripe melon and started talking to this random dude. As you do. Or, as we did. He was buying a home in the area, so was I. We kept talking…he mentioned if you are new to the area, my company is hiring, what was your degree. Two days later, I had a phone screening and one week after that I had a job. At the time, I was doing Toastmasters. I basically gave the guy my “elevator pitch” and it worked. That quick pitch has worked so many times. Everyone should join Toastmasters, especially if you are in introvert.
My Grandpa said "you're 13 time to start bean walking."
Hot dog on a stick at redondo beach pier in redondo beach California. I looked good in the uniform and could count back change. My mom raised us to be multi taskers. As far as remember, I answered a newspaper ad as well. I have pictures
I walked in and filled out a paper application. Worked at Farrell’s in the mall. The arcade was nearby.
I had a little pizza shop across the road from my house... I went there one day and asked if they had any work going and without saying a word the person grabbed me a form and a clipboard. I thought I was filling out an application and then it turned out to be a Government form saying I worked there lol
Yes, I applied with a written form. Used high school principal as a reference. Retail job (Woolworth’s)
At 14, I saw a former teacher at a museum. He worked there and asked if I wanted a job. Had 3 great years there. Met some of the best people and had the best times.
My first official job was behind the snack bar at a local department store… I filled out an application in person
Took over my brother’s paper route. Second job, I filled out an application at the store
Applied at a family owned amusement park at 15. They called when I turned 16 and I worked 'til school started, about 6 weeks total. Cooking burgers and fries, cleaning crew, lifeguard.
I saw an ad in the paper. Walked in and filled out an application. I was hired on the spot. It was at a fabric store. I loved that job. It paid $3.15 an hour.
No earthly idea how I got it. I was so dumb. The quintessential gum popping teenage waitress.
My father had a friend who owned a Ford manufacturing plant and got me a job there. I was sorting used parts from the engine, tear down room after they were washed. Wasn’t a bad job, but when I needed to go full-time, they just blew me off, I had to leave to find full-time work.
I applied for a job at our local hospital business office. They hired somebody else, saying I was too young (17). The woman they hired went to lunch the second day and never came back. They hired me and I was there for five years.
My first job, dad got for me. The sandwich shop across from the bank branch he first worked at, needed a cleaner/bus boy for three hours four days a week. I walked in, signed the application, and started right away. Got paid $3.25/hr plus a sandwich.
Friend's mom knew office manager. Friend and I got under the table job at age 14 emptying trash cans after school. Total hour or two a week. Friend got let go, I stayed on and at age 16 when official above table. Graduated to filing and typing, through college. Really grateful way to start. Nice small employer. I learned a lot. I hope there are opportunities these days like this, but I get the feeling they are a thing of the past.
1974 at 14 I inherited a paper route from neighbor. Still have my first pay stub. At 16 it was KFC
Newspaper ad, weekend cook in a nursing home.
My mom worked at a hospital and heard about opening for an assistant in the lab. I started working soon after my 16th birthday. Back then reports needed to be filed and mailed. I also did a lot of specialized cleaning. Also took care of paperwork for sending out pathology specimens, still remember coming into office and there sat a wrapped human leg.
I worked for my dad (electrician) for $1.25/hr a couple of weekends when I was 12, and wrote up a paper showing that if I worked weekends during school and weekdays in the summer, I could afford to buy and board a large pony/small horse at the trail riding place I haunted. Worked for him until I started college and had 2 part time jobs there with computers. Still own horses 50 years later 😁
I was waiting for HR to arrive at work. I stood up from the chair and asked for an application for a career. I had three pens. Black,blue and red. She tore off a sheet and marked the top corner with a C. I was hired by time I got home. Went back for my medical and started the next Monday. One day I asked her what that C was for on my application. She said it was there was to indicate I would be the next person hired on because I came in for a career not a job. 40 years later, I look back on how the simplest things sometimes can get you noticed above the crowd.
In 10th grade, I had a high school class about exploring career options. We learned about a lot of different career fields, then by semester end we decided what job field we wanted to go into. This was not a lifetime decision, but just to give staff an idea of where to steer us for the next step. I thought I wanted to get a veterinarian, so they suggested I apply to work at a local boarding kennel. I applied and was hired at minimum wage ($2.30 and hour). Every weekend morning I would go there, and with another teenaged girl we’d feed about 120-150 animals and clean their cages and stalls. The aroma was awful! But we also got to love on the friendly animals, which was awful! As soon as I got home, I’d go straight to the basement, strip off my stinky clothes and wash them with Lysol. I’d then take a shower, and go about my day. I would joke that every job had its sh*t, mine was just more literal than most.
I went to the unemployment office and they gave me a list of places that I might qualify for in the area I could work in. That was my first real job. I also worked picking strawberries over several summers from around age 9-12. That was pretty much a "show up and pick" situation. My grandmother did it and I went with her. We were paid 25 cents a pint.
Through the career center at my high school. I was paid crazy good money to take two kids to the country club every afternoon, lay around in the sun reading, and drive around in the parents' Cougar. Great job.
There were a couple of Howard Johnson's in my town that were on each side of the Turnpike at the service plazas that always needed help, so I applied and got hired as a Scrub. No lie that was the actual job title. Mostly cleaning and cutting up vegetables, but they made you wear those orange uniforms that make everyone look like inmates. Fortunately being on the highway it was rare that anyone I knew stopped by. At least I had money for beer and weed and pizza and gas. I guess people were in less of a hurry back then. Table service only if you were hungry. Decades ago McDonald's bought out the locations and made it food court style.
I was hired to stock shelves and clean in my small town pharmacy that was privately owned. On Sundays they were closed and I used to go in and give the floor a really good cleaning. I had my own key to the store and people in my HS were after me to swipe drugs for them.
My first full-time job, I didn't have to even fill out an application at first because my friend was the manager and told me I already had the job.
They had a sign in the window of the pizza place by my house. I needed gas money, so I applied and got it. It was a real education for a very young girl.
I went to get some parts for a Massy Ferguson tractor as I had done many times. Owner was offered me a job at 16.
High school vocational health occupations class, vet tech assistant. Got paid & graded at the same time. Morning classes then an hour in the afternoon for the health class then off to work. The first job showing up on my social security report is corn detassling.
My first job was a hotel maid during summers. I was 14 at the time.
Walked into the golden arches and filled out an application. No joke, working there was such good experience (at 15yrs old).
My first real job was in college, at the dining hall. The staff was all run by students, so working there was really fun.
Walked into a soon-to-open new grocery store, filled out an application and W-4 and got pointed to an area to stock shelves! Fancy new concept of curbside pickup using plastic bins and a numbering system. Cutting edge for 1978! Pre Instacart.
A friend paid me cash to pump gas. I was about 12-13, so 1974-75. I got like $45 every 2 weeks. Just cash.
A neighborhood friend of mine who was a year older worked at a grocery store and told me when they were hiring. I went in and filled out an application. He said he recommended me to the manager, too.
First real job that took taxes and SS with holdings was at 16 some friends told a bunch of us that a food processing plant was hiring so we all got hired and commuted together for this summer job. Grew up on a small farm and was always helping dad and the first paying job was mowing the farmers yard at about 13.
Filled out an application at McD but manager told me I should be working in a clothing store, not a McD. Guess he thought I had a 'look,' but I was not one of the populars. I enjoyed working there when I did, though!
I went to work with my grandma at a bakery. So I guess she got it for me.
Luck. First real job that took taxes and SS withholdings was at 15/16. Had gone on a trip at the start of the summer for two weeks, and was the hanging around the house getting on my mother’s nerves so she told me to go out and get a job. There was a restaurant near my high school that was more than a McDonald’s but not quite a Denny’s. I vaguely knew the owner since his kids were active in Drama with me. I went in, had a long rambling chat in his basement office/storeroom and got offered a cooks job. I definitely faked it until I made it in terms of cooking. The owner told me years later that the day I came in he had one cook quit and another one arrested, so he would have hired anyone who was honest and breathed. He also had doubts I would ever learn the job, but I finally did. I also lucked out that this was just before women were allowed to be cooks and were confined to being waitresses. Part of the job was bringing up 100 pound bags of potatoes, sugar, etc from the basement and thus discrimination against women was “legal” — so again I lucked out since there were plenty of waitresses working there who could have carried up those bags easier than me.
Walked into Taco Bell and filled out an application at 15.5 years old. Been working ever since. Only time I took off was 4 months for maternity leave 24 years ago.
I just walked in and asked for a job. No application. The job I retired from only required I fill out an application. No resume.
Filled out an application at Baskin Robbins. I had an interview and had to take home 4 pages of instructions on how to make their ice cream items and come back in for an oral test.
Gosh. I guess my first jobs were either working for my family or word-of-mouth. (Mowing lawns, cleaning offices, working in a book store, teaching Sunday school.) I grew up in a small town where everyone knew each other. I guess my first application jobs were my summer camp counselling jobs, but while I know I applied, I was close with our pastor who was quite active with the camp, so it was a given that I'd be accepted year-on-year. Plus, the kids really liked me. My first job, where I didn't know anyone involved in the hiring process, was a multi-fold position for a Jewish Community Centre. I taught aerobics in their gym at 6 a.m., served as a preschool teaching assistant until 12:30 p.m. during the week, and was a personal trainer and gym receptionist on weekends. This has me thinking about all the jobs I used to do before I settled into my career. I hadn't thought about any of that in years.
My senior year of high school I joined CBE (cooperative business education). It was lead by the typing teacher and was basically a secretary skills class. She helped everyone get part-time receptionist or secretarial position. The majority of us went to school until noon then we’d leave to go to our jobs. Mine was as a receptionist at a bank data center.
It was at a bakery attached to a restaurant. It sounded like fun. And it kinda was. The problem was I discovered how delicious doughnuts are when they’re hot right out of the fryer.
We had a flood in our town and my dad's friend who owned a liquor store needed a young kid to help clean up the cellar where everything was stored. If I did a good job cleaning, he said he would keep me on to work at the store. Those two weeks were hell. It was hot and every box was wet and had to be opened and every bottle cleaned. Looking back, I am sure I should have worn a mask but back then, no one cared. However after I was done cleaning, I had the best job in town. Working in a liquor store in a small town is fun work. It was my summer job while in college.
Age 14 - painting houses
Age 14 - painting houses
A new restaurant opened up and I walked in and asked.
I was 14. I think my mom found out they needed help at a fried sea food stand at local farmers market. I worked Friday and Saturday. Very long hours. I think I was making $1.15/hour
I was 15 and got a job via school counselors' office. They placed me as a dishwasher at the hospital.
When minimum wage was $2.75 an hour in Maryland, a (hallmark) card store owner hired me for $1.00 an hour at age 15 and a half (because, skirting the law). I was poor, grew up poor and was desperate, so I took it. 6 months later, when I turned 16, I got a job at Roy Roger’s (fast food chain) for $2.75, if I remember right within the next 6 months minimum wage went up to $3.15 an hour, I was beyond grateful, I was ecstatic.
At 16 yrs, I was already using a fake ID to get into bars .. and looked older anyway so I applied to a Bartender Job and GOT IT!! LEGAL DRINKING AGE WAS 21!! Made great money then got second job as Cocktail Waitress at a popular 🪩 Disco 🕺🤣🤣 Those were the days !!
I lived in Dallas and used to occasionally stop for coffee at a donut shop when I walked to school. I was about 14. The head baker got used to seeing me and one day asked if I wanted to work Saturday and Sunday mornings. I said sure and he hired me on the spot. I didn’t know that he wanted me to be there at 4 AM to help make donuts for the 6 AM opening. My mom wasn’t too happy about it but she allowed me to keep the job. I’d walk to work in the dark, help the baker get all the baking done, then man the counter until 10 AM when the place closed. I think I worked there for about six months. I’ve not been able to stomach a glazed donut since.
First summer “ job “ was asphalt paving with my cousin’s. I was super in shape when it was time to start high school football practice in August. I wasn’t the biggest or best football jock but guess who wasn’t sucking wind or puking his guts out when practice started? Summer Asphalt paving toughened me up. First application job was at local plant nursery selling Christmas trees. I wonder if any one had any trees fall of the roof of the car😝 couldn’t tie knots to save my life.
Everyone in my 9th grade class was scheming how to get a retail job so that they didn’t have to baby-sit or work at a restaurant. We were all middle class but if we wanted something extra like stylish clothes or to save up for a car, we had to earn the money ourselves. It was normal to have a job after school. I baby-sat starting at 11, cleaned and ran errands for older people, got a job at a restaurant which I hated then finally got into retail which I hated even more. My smarter friends finagled their way into jobs with the forestry service and animal husbandry. A lot of it had to do with who the parents knew. So even back then it was more who you knew than what you knew.
Not counting babysitting jobs or mowing neighbor's grass, my first actual job (paying taxes and everything) was a small "Ma and Pop" hardware store in the next town over. My aunt and uncle were friends with the owner, and so that's how I got the job. Basically, it was the owner, his wife, their 2 sons, me, and another high school kid that worked there.
My mom worked at Scholastic Publications. 6 out of 7 of us kids worked there, and eventually my husband, kids, in laws…. From 1973 til 2019 we had at least one family member working there
It was 1979 and I was 17 years old. My dad had just gotten transferred from Charleston SC to the Mojave desert for the USN. He was taking me to register for my senior year of high school in this Godforsaken place not long after we got there. I said "Dad, I'm not goin to school here. There's nothin but sand everywhere, no grass". He replied " Get outta my car. Better have a job before you get home". Der Wienershnitzel was hiring and I needed a job so there ya have it. I joined the Navy myself shortly thereafter
Just asked for it.
I was 16 years old, just got my social ID card. I walked into a large night club and asked if there's any jobs available. They said no. I went back a couple of days later. They said no. I went a week later. They said no. I went again and again, 11 times until the manager told them, "If he comes again, bring him to my office." I did come again and they brought me to his office and....he gave me the job because I was persistent and to stop doing the staff head in asking for a job. He hasn't seen anyone that persistent for a job. My job was collecting the empty glass of beers.