How Old Were You When You Had Your 1st Paying Job?

Everyone has their unique story of starting out in the world of employment. For many, it begins in a familiar setting, but for me, it was with an eye-opening experience that shaped my future.

From Babysitting to Pool Jobs

My formative years weren't just about academic achievements; I was also involved in getting a foot in the workforce. At age 14 or 15, I started babysitting, a job that I enjoyed quite a bit because of my natural affinity with children. I continued to babysit throughout my high school years and supplemented it with various summer jobs.

The First Real Job

By the age of 16, I landed my first ‘real’ job that came with payroll, taxes, and other formalities. I worked at a pool in the changing area, handing out locker keys and towels. It was a task that I wasn't fond of, but it was a step toward adulthood and financial independence.

Building a Career in the Early Stage Startup Scene

With my financial situation taking a turn, I found myself at a juncture where I had to take matters into my own hands. At 18, I joined a small early-stage startup based in Gurgaon, driven by necessity rather than choice. Starting at just Rs. 8000 a month, I donned various hats and did anything that needed to be done. My role was fluid and ever-evolving, as is the norm in startups, where flexibility and versatility are key.

The startup was focused on kids' education products, and I played a key role in the development of a course. I wrote scripts, managed the production process, edited videos, and even launched the course on various platforms like Udemy. An additional challenge was managing the day-to-day operations of a CNC laser cutter, a critical piece of equipment for processing paper circuit kits. Despite the long hours at work, I was dedicated and enjoyed the experience.

Leaping to the Next Level

After a few years of navigating the startup world, I eventually transitioned into a full-time career in the mental health field. I hold a position as a mental health counselor, a role that brings with it immense personal satisfaction and a sense of purpose. Today, at 26, I am at a well-known company, Deloitte, where I work as a coder, earning nearly 13-14 times more than my startup counterpart but without the same measures of enjoyment and fulfillment.

As I look back, I realize how these early experiences contributed to my professional growth. The skills I learned during my time in the startup world, such as multitasking, problem-solving, and adaptability, have undoubtedly made me a more well-rounded individual. While the job market and job expectations have changed, the core values of work remain the same—dedication, resilience, and the willingness to learn and grow.

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