How old were you when you landed your very first real job?

Question

My first w2 form was filled out at a Wendy's when I was 14. I had applied at almost every business within biking distance of my home except Wendy's because I didn't want to work there 😂

But some friends decided to work there because how fun would it be if we all got paid to hang out.

They all quit in less than a month. I didn't realize it at the time but I learned a lot of really important lessons about work and people there. Come to think about it, lessons I learned at 14 at Wendy's were echoed in pretty much all the other jobs I had after.

RingOfFire · Accepted Answer

Hmmmmm VERY first was probably a lemonade stand at about 8. At around 11 I think I was selling cherries off of the trees in our yard. Don't know if this counted as a "real" job but at around 15 I was working as a "teachers aide" for the school system. Got that one through my mother who held a high position in the school system. It paid $1.50 an hour. About 6 months later I took another job at a gas station for a 10 cent an hour raise. First "real" office job was in advertising for a global electronic engineering trade publication. Later had a management position at a major global cosmetics company. Can't even count all the jobs I've had since then.

Who would have ever though I would be a Chief Financial Officer some day. That was my last job before leaving the employment scene and (still) working for myself.

molonski2 · Accepted Answer

16 was first real part time job at the Tennis courts , was great experience complete autonomy, handling cash , banking.. Paved the way to my future in land subdivisions.

ShellyB · Accepted Answer

I did babysitting starting when I was 14 but I guess my first “real” job was server in a diner when I was 16.

lilBigPotato · Accepted Answer

A summer job when I was 16. I was helping out in a beach bar, a mix of waitress and helping in the kitchen.

Advisor Smith · Accepted Answer

I was 15 when I got my first “real” job: stocking shelves and running the register at a small neighborhood pharmacy.

I remember being terrified of making mistakes with customers, but that job taught me:

- How showing up on time changes how people trust you
- That attitude matters more than tasks
- How to read people quickly

Those same lessons followed me through corporate roles, consulting, and now coaching. Early “small” jobs often teach the deepest, most transferable skills.

OneViewpoint · Answer

Real job? I graduated with 2 degrees at age 21 and started a few days later as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army. An initial 3 year commitment turned into 15 years.

HawkPerception · Answer

15 or 16. I think 15. 15 I did construction for my Uncle where I learned a shit ton, and then soon after got a pizza job and stuck with that a few years.

Anonymous · Answer

All my jobs were real. First job was in the British Army. First paying job was as an electrician, couldn't believe the money u was making. Then I went to the US and the streets are paved with gold.

AngryCarl3 · Answer

I was 20 when I got a "permanent" full-time job. Back then real jobs were still available. Now you'll get a zero hours contract and like it.

Smileygirl2000 · Answer

Real job when I was 20 going on 21 . Earned my BSN.

AviatorTom · Answer

I was 20, working as an Engineer Trainee at the local electric utility.

Chazmatazz269 · Answer

I was fifteen and in my state that’s the youngest you can be and work in the public sector unless the business is owned by your family. I still had to have a waiver from my mother.

Alex-Snow · Answer

I was 16 and worked in an ice cream and burger place. The good part was that there was a lot of hot girls my age who also worked there which lead to some fun at times.

usernameobvious · Answer

19 🙃🫡 Better late than never

MissSunshine2 · Answer

I was eighteen in senior school, it was a weekend job.

BCRanger10 · Answer

I was 16 when I had my first job at a grocery store.

LC75LC71 · Answer

16 in 1995 at Wendy's Here's pne of the training videos I had to watch..

genericname85 · Answer

when i was 21 and done with my first apprenticeship.

najekim · Answer

14. Work on a few farms. Get paid AND fed for a days work.

Tomislav7 · Answer

I was 18 I think, 2012 maybe 2013. State min wage was like 9.47 I was making 11.50

jahaims · Answer

18. I did under the table construction before that, bailed hay, detasselled corn and mowed lawns.

Iron_Man · Answer

at my family business about 11 years old on my own about 14 or 15 I hated it

ThisSiteSux · Answer

11 years old. I was a prostitute for adult politicians and wealthy actors and bankers.

TheGreatCornholio79 · Answer

I was 18 place called Funscape in Delaware no longer around. It closed up 25 years ago.

CherryLove007 · Answer

Sweet 16, Summer job at Nordstroms

exitseven · Answer

I was 17 just out of high school.

jamesgoldman · Answer

16 when I started in the restaurant

kitty91996 · Answer

I was 18 I got a job at a warehouse.

sage2021 · Answer

I was 16.

Agape93 · Answer

Eighteen

beenherebefore · Answer

I was 18 or 19.

Anonymous · Answer

16 lost my Dad and brother had to help mom

TonyMetal___86 · Answer

19 and a half

Anonymous · Answer

I was 19.

How old were you when you landed your very first real job?

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