Opportunity usually shows up in overalls and looking like work. -- Mike Rowe
My first job happened when I was 12 years old. It was summertime and while most of my friends were still sleeping in the morning I was selling donuts. My friend’s dad owned a local donut shop. Donuts were fried early in the morning, sorted, bagged, and then placed into metal wire baskets that were lugged by kids like me who sold the donuts to businesses in Salt Lake City. This obviously happened before more restrictive state child labor laws were passed.
First of all, why in the world was I even working during the summer break while other kids were having fun? I was raised in a home where we were taught the importance of self-reliance. My parents believed that becoming dependent on someone else for resources that we could provide for ourselves weakens us spiritually and physically and stunts our growth. I soon learned the satisfaction and pride of paying for something myself instead of asking Mom or Dad for spare change.
Working my route in the heart of the industrial part of town, I had a limited amount of time to sell about 12 dozen donuts (24 bags) before my boss came back to pick me up. I quickly discovered what businesses to call on consistently and those to avoid. I figured out how to count back change (each transaction was cash only). I knew what days of the week when certain customers would make a purchase and planned my sales calls accordingly.
I was also able to overcome self-doubt, approach strangers and speak to them with confidence. I learned how to position our product against the competition. Our donuts were more fresh tasting, moist and we offered more variety in flavors. I was able to discipline myself to wake up early in the morning and become an employee that my boss eventually trusted and rewarded me with better pay and more responsibility.
Work helped me learn the importance of:
Being accountable -- Even when something isn’t your fault
Delivering quality
Being honest -- My boss would fire kids on the spot who stole from him
Being reliable
Being positive -- Even when others give you negative feedback
Meeting deadlines
Being an effective team member
Respecting others -- Even when they are upset with you
Showing tolerance
Work is a significant part of my life. And even though as a 12-year-old I reluctantly agreed to accept the offer of my first job, I’m grateful for the experience, how it positively influenced my life, and opened the door for better career opportunities.
Sources
Mike Rowe Quotes
https://www.azquotes.com/author/12706-Mike_Rowe
Mindtools.com
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