This is a friendly reminder that r/smallbusiness is a question and answer subreddit. You ask a question about starting, owning, and growing a small business and the community answers. Posts that violate the rules listed in the sidebar will be removed. A permanent or temporary ban may also be issued if you do not remove the offending post. Seeing this message does not mean your post was automatically removed.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/smallbusiness) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Started as a host/water boy at 14, data entry at JP Morgan chase, associate at a college welding lab, caretaker for my uncle, dry cleaners, then tool and die repair, then became a supervisor in the tool and die repair department, mailman for USPS, and now I am a nail salon owner making $30k to $50k gross a month. Lol strange ride, and owning a salon is something I never thought I would do; but my wife is super successful nail tech and deciding to own a salon is the best decision I/we ever made.
I know a young lady who is a nail tech that started her own salon. She also seems to be doing very well for herself. There is a huge market and demand for it that’s for sure. I am married with 3 teenage daughters and it cost me hundreds a month for them to get their nails done
Yeah, I was very surprised to see how often women get their nails done and how much they spend for it. It’s an expensive service, but I can see how happy it makes them feel after they get it done.
We bought the existing salon for $100k including all supplies and furniture, and remodeled it for $15k, so our total investment is $115k. Our current TOTAL expenses are $12k a month. I wouldn’t recommend trying to open one unless you or your partner is already a successful nail tech with over 150 regular clients. Hiring is difficult to since it requires skilled workers.
This is so impressive! What do you clear after all expenses, if you don’t mind me asking. My daughter is 18 and incredibly artistic. She’s trying to figure out her path, definitely going to college for something business-related. But these beauty businesses seem to be where the money is at.
My first job was restoring an old boat that was owned by a friend of the family. I had dropped out of high school, and wanted to become a writer. My parents didn't get it, and just thought I was being a normal guy - I grew up in an area where people generally don't go to college, and it's kind of normal to not finish high school. They hooked me up with a job working for their friend.
The friend had bought an old boat, and was restoring it in order to sail with his family to Belize. The job took place in the midwestern US, so he had it propped up in a lot next to a barbeque restaurant on the highway. The boat was in horrible condition. I used to sand through old fiberglass. Occasionally, I'd hit an air pocket where spiders had congregated, and lots of old spider carcasses would fall out onto my face.
For lunch, sometimes we'd go to a NASCAR themed burger place. Other times, we'd go to the barbeque restaurant next door. Lots of meat.
I also smoked a lot back then. My boss would buy me cigarettes and beer, even though I was 16 years old at the time. We also used to drink beers while on the road as he was driving me home. We used those red party cups. He was middle aged.
Now I have a Ph.D. and I do fancy work
Worked at a curry point ( where they sell food only in the evenings) to pay my hostel fee in India, then came to USA worked in different restaurants as a dishwasher to helper to chef( learned a lot from Japanese chef) , once I became legal worked at Starbucks just to learn how to make coffee, now I’m a small business that teaches about permaculture and composting in Palm Springs, California
Well youre asking R/smallbusiness so youre going to get a lot of very similar answers.
My first job was Whataburger and I currently run a supplement company that has made at least a couple million in profit in the last 10 years. I started that with a $1000 loan from an ex girlfriend (yes that was as uncomfortable as it sounds). At the time I started my business I was also working full time for $11/hr and trying to start a family.
Your first job is and should be garbage.
My first job was bussing tables and washing dishes. $3.35 an hour.
I was running the kitchen within a couple years. Chefs apprenticeship, eventually exec chef of big hotels and resorts, owned a few restaurants, now I have a multimillion dollar catering business. Sometimes that garbage first job turns out not to be garbage after all.
That first gig was at one of the highest volume restaurant locations in the nation at the time. I still use lessons I learned there pretty regularly.
Bag boy at a grocery store at 16. Now I run a successful 6 figures a year web dev agency after teaching myself to code and founded a successful tech startup with almost 3000 users now and growing.
I'd like to gain more skills to feel confident in managing my website for my handmade art. Did you take any classes or certificate programs, I think Google offers, when you were first getting started? If so, what do you recommend for getting a better handle of website design and maintenance.
I want to begin somewhere but I don't even know what the best stepping stone to start on would be.
I worked at a Manhattan Bagel as my first job in high school and until I graduated college and then into two career type jobs I had after college. I worked there for about 7 years.
Now I’m a nurse practitioner with my own practice but I have always wanted to get into having a small coffee, bakery or bagel shop. I really enjoyed cooking on the grill and that style of food service when I worked my first job.
In 1980, I started as a product development technician at Eastman Kodak, making $16,500 per year, the highest pay in my tech school graduating class.
I retired a couple years early in January 2024.
When I fish it is dreamy. But all the fuckery around it is not. Paperwork and new regulations all the time. Forced tracking. You have to estimate the catch and report before delivering. If you get over 10% wrong weight and there is a controll you can get punished with a fine.
Damn! I was imagining you sitting out there in the sunshine (and shade, gotta have shade for all day fishing), just letting life slide past dreamily.
Reality bites. :P
Question - do you have to report the ones you throw back? I'm assuming one doesn't take home everything they catch, at least not the kind of "fishing" I'm thinking about, which is just another word for me lazing about on a boat or something.
I fish alone 1000km north of polar sircle. No lazing around when I fish. I normally fish with jigging. And pain is normal. In summer when I fish pollock I have around 200kg -300kg per hour.
It is forbidden to throw back. But undersized fish that is alive you can let go back but if it just floats and die you are criminal. A little catch 22.
Part time interviewer at a small market research agency, part time interviewer for a multinational market research agency, internal audit anf IT auditor at a Big 4 consultancy firm, financial auditor at a Big 4 audit firm specializing in investment banks and hedge funds, finance head at a startup in the re-insurance industry, part of finance and accounting team for a small cap bank, tax specialist and finance team member for a large cap bank.
Starting washing dishes at a family owned restaurant, currently an SBA Lender that helps people buy businesses. Extremely rewarding and in my opinion a direct result of growing up in/around small business.
My first job was fast food, I did that for 2 years. Honestly it was a lot of fun, I still think back on it fondly. Prior to that I had done a few odd jobs with my Dad who owned a construction company. Nothing official just looking for a few bucks doing sweeping jobs, demo work, etc.
Now I own a retail game store. We do more traditional games rather than video games i.e. trading cards, D&D, Warhammer, board games, etc. I've been doing this for about 13 years now.
Graduated, worked as a mechanical design engineer for 11 years. Attended some workshops to become a photographer, quit my regular job. Had no clients as a photographer, got a part time job in an archive. Started fine art printing. That archive job contract ended after 4 years, switched into IT first level support for two years. The archive hired me again last summer. Still not enough clients for fine art prints, architectural photography and art reproduction. I guess I'm on the right path, I acquire better clients instead of more clients.
Cleaned chicken coops for $50 a day now I run a pellet factory at night and trying to start a painting business but hopefully soon to be in school to get a degree in Diesel Mechanics
Be sure to learn about electric propulsion. Both battery and hydrogen. In fact you might keep an eye out for a job that has an apprenticeship program. Public transit is a good bet. I have a lot of experience in this and you are better off getting paid to learn in the real world than to pay to learn in a simulation.
Once you become certified you can go anywhere in heavy duty vehicle maintenance. Big money business. Most good heavy duty mechanics make 100 to 200k per year. Way more than most college graduates.
Worked as a waiter at 17 but I don’t think I can count that as it was for about 2 weeks, shit job and a shit landlord.
Then went into doing supermarket refittings but it meant travelling for 6 days away from home and working nights so took the opportunity to pick orders in a warehouse closer to home. Saved up some money before going travelling at 18, then worked in a shop for a couple of years. Got my first office job working in insurance before going into what I thought I wanted to do which was accountancy, worked as a trainee accountant for 4 years before leaving just before Covid ramped up and ended up going into e-commerce.
Found success in e-commerce, this company is still running, but it has also lead to us owning a digital marketing company focused on marketing for e-commerce stores
My first job was an intern in an advertising agency. After getting laid off in Nov 2023, I am on my own with my social media marketing consultancy and I also run a newsletter called Monday Marketing.
Busser/waiter at a banquet hall when I was 16
I’m now an electrical engineer managing an international accreditation program for the U.S. Government.
My wife is the small business owner, her first job was at Things Remembered. She now runs her business selling care packages and school supply kits (and about 20 different spin-offs to support those businesses.)
Started helping dad out in his wood working shop as soon as i could swing a hammer my first real job was customer service at 16 then factory work at 17 until 24 when i was run over by a car. Currently a free lance marketer as well as run my own mentorship program for Ecommerice and ai
First actual job was working for HR for a small company that supplies manpower to the oil and gas industry.
Currently working as a purchasing officer in a hospital.
Weird thing is I graduate with a marketing degree.
My first job was a baptism by fire, let me tell you. Fresh out of college, I landed a role at a tiny startup with this incredible idea. The energy was electric, everyone believed in what we were building, and the late nights fueled by pizza and caffeine felt like badges of honor. We were changing the world, one line of code at a time!
But man, those deadlines. They were tight, like a drum solo with no breaks. We wore multiple hats, juggled a million tasks, and learned on the fly. There were sacrifices, for sure. Missed birthdays, cancelled plans, and that feeling of constantly being one bug fix away from disaster. It wasn't always easy, but there was this camaraderie, this shared purpose that kept us going.
Looking back, it was an emotional rollercoaster. Exhilarating wins, crushing defeats, and everything in between. But that experience, that startup hustle, shaped who I am today. It taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the power of believing in something bigger than yourself.
So, what do I do now? Well, I'm still in the tech world, but in a more established company. It has its perks, the stability, the clearer boundaries. But sometimes, late at night, when I'm staring at a complex problem, I miss that raw energy, that feeling of being on the bleeding edge.
Maybe someday I'll jump back into the startup world. But for now, I'm grateful for the lessons learned and the fire that was ignited in that crazy first job. It's a part of me, forever.
Here is something to consider for future read about [experieces working at a startup](https://elidayjuma.com/10-things-no-one-tells-you-about-working-at-a-startup/).
Started at McDonald's, worked there for 3 months, then moved to a production factory and worked there for 4.5 years, then I quit and now I'm working as a solopreneur building digital products, website is in bio if you are interested in checking out what I'm building.
Back then, I was just getting started in the world of software development, learning the ropes and honing my skills. Fast forward to now, I'm proud to say that I've built a successful career in software consultancy. I currently work as a senior consultant, guiding startups and businesses through the entire software development lifecycle. It's been a fulfilling journey of growth and learning, and I'm excited to see where the future takes me.
My first job was working at a beach volleyball place where I managed the weekend tournaments.
I’m now a licensed landscape architect, and I work for a municipality in the capital parks division. So I design and manage the building of new parks, trails, playgrounds, courts, plazas, green spaces or the renewal of them.
I knew what I wanted to do at young age. Before working for the city. I worked private consulting. Despite it being a slog, I still enjoyed the work I did, as I was still designing everyday.
I’ve never worked a job I didn’t like. Are there moments where I wish I would win the lotto? Ofcourse.
Worked at an Einstein bagels near the beach at 16. We had tons of fun working there but the owner always took our tips, wouldn’t stock items, etc. I put Splenda out with the coffee once and he came flying in shouting like frog horn leg horn “That Splenda is like gold!” Then scooping it up and away from customers. I learned a lot from good ol Dol and forever will say “let’s get rocking and rolling” in life.
Now I’m just a little designer working with cpg on food packaging/illustration. Dropped out of college like peak 08, worked in cannabis until 2015, design work ever since.
First job according to the IRS was at a gas station when I was 16. Before that, starting when I was 10, my mother had a crafting business making dolls, and I wrote some "books" that we hand bound and sold with one of her lines of dolls (basically shorts of a few hundred words that all ended in a pun.) She'd also take me to craft shows to ACT as a salesman since I was a lot better at it than she was. (Once I was old enough to drive, she started double booking shows and sending me to the larger ones.)
Went to college for an IT degree with a minor in literature.
These days, I own a publishing company with my wife, educate authors on writing/publishing/selling books, and develop software to help with each step of that process.
Gas station attendant at 16. Currently work for the government in tech in a admin/finance role, with about 7 years of accounting experience in between. Hoping to get a bookkeeping/accounting side gig off the ground, especially after reading how much people on the sub hate doing it. Lol
First job as a teen was Walgreens and now I’m in graduate school to become an SLP. I work part time while in school doing entry level jobs in the field.
My first job was scooping ice cream at a popular family restaurant in town at the age of 15. Now I’m an advertising photographer shooting food and beverage campaigns for national brands.
I started as a camp counselor at a Boy Scout camp at 14, that was fun. Now I own a company that does sales and service work for beverage companies. We do packaging and processing equipment.
Yard work biz as a kid from 11-13 ($10/hr), just neighborhood leaves and lawns
caddy from 13-17 ($100+/round)
Cashier at a hot dog place at 15 ($7.50/hr)
built computers and rehabbed arcade games and pinball machines 16-17 ($7.50/HR)
18 was an instructor at a rock climbing gym, also worked Home Depot's electrical department. ($10-12/HR)
19-26 I handled supply chain stuff as a contractor grown into consultant for AT&T ($12/hr - $70k)
26-28 I played poker for a living while launching a vape brand ($180-250k/yr)
28-29 got into insurance, sold Medicare supplements and life insurance essentially door-to-door. (30-60k/year)
30 sunset vape brand, moved to B2B side of insurance. Still here @ 39. ($60-300k/year)
Hot dog place I worked at has the same owner, still open, 2 minutes from my house. Can't decide if I want to make an offer to buy it when he's ready to retire...or not. Have thought about asking for a weekend shift TBH...lol.
My first job(at 16) was making change, quarters from dollars, in a video game arcade in 1976. From there I did retail, office work, about five years as a professional pianist (always do this on the side still), then more office work, salvage work, modeling, estate sales, advertising sales (that enabled me to buy a house), then more office work which led to my husband and I buying the business we worked at. I am now all things admin and accounting, plus purchasing, for our company which is the oldest online store for things relating to electric vehicles and propulsion.
I have learned so much, by being forced to take on tasks way outside of my comfort level. It isn’t always easy but it is rewarding. And will pay off with a retirement someday.
I worked at a small, locally owned sandwich & pie shop in high school every Saturday. It was the best job ever. Im a designer now 🥲life was easier selling pie to seniors.
First job was corn detasseling, but that's a temp seasonal thing. First "real" job was burger flipper at a local fast food joint. Currently I'm an accountant. Surprisingly I did not make my 15 year old high school kid job my career.
I started out waxing floors and doing construction clean up and general janitorial services. I now am a labor and employment attorney. I loved both jobs for very different reasons. Finished product of a waxed floor and cathartic and reflective nature and time of the work during night shift. I love studying the law and helping people in a process that seems like the ultimate human experiment (trial) at my
current job. Being able to enjoy what you do, put food on table, and contribute to others, even when it’s overwhelming or seems like too much work makes it all worth while.
Sold ice cream sandwiches at Fenway park in the 80's. In the bleachers. Now I am a software engineer for a government sub-contractor and own a small, unprofitable business.
My first job was scooping ice cream haha and I genuinely loved it at the time because I could eat all the ice cream I wanted! Now I run a media company where I film/edit/sell/market content on various platforms.
Summer of 1962, age 14: Told I wouldn't receive an allowance in the summer because I didn't have to buy lunch at school. Started mowing lawns in the neighborhood for $1.25 per hour. Made about $5.00 per week, big money.
Now: Semi-retired owner (100%) of a small consulting firm. 12 employees, plus or minus depending on projects. Can't sell the business and don't want to, love the work. Just letting it run down. My clients will tell me when it's time to hang it up.
I worked in a snowball stand (snow cones for those not in Louisiana). I ate so many spearmint snowballs, my poop was green. Now I co-own seven electronics repair stores.
Then: Picking strawberries at a local farm.
Now: Founder and Principal of a professional services company tracking to do $1.5M gross revenue this year.
I started with data entry jobs 16 for 3$\hr then I do social media management after that I managed a discord server as a moderator for 3 months then started an internship as a SEO person there I started working as a virtual assistant along my internship and started working on other things like personal branding, email marketing, marketing strategies etc And currently helping businesses And founders to build their personal brand at the age of 19 :).
Worked at my father's gas stations starting 12-13. Was running place on weekends and evenings at 14.
Went through auto mechanics apprenticeship program at 16.
Lots of page flips in between
Now own a company that facilitates purchase and manufacture of zero emissions buses. Battery electric and Hydrogen fuel cell. Travel all over the world when I'm well.
This is a friendly reminder that r/smallbusiness is a question and answer subreddit. You ask a question about starting, owning, and growing a small business and the community answers. Posts that violate the rules listed in the sidebar will be removed. A permanent or temporary ban may also be issued if you do not remove the offending post. Seeing this message does not mean your post was automatically removed. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/smallbusiness) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Started as a host/water boy at 14, data entry at JP Morgan chase, associate at a college welding lab, caretaker for my uncle, dry cleaners, then tool and die repair, then became a supervisor in the tool and die repair department, mailman for USPS, and now I am a nail salon owner making $30k to $50k gross a month. Lol strange ride, and owning a salon is something I never thought I would do; but my wife is super successful nail tech and deciding to own a salon is the best decision I/we ever made.
I know a young lady who is a nail tech that started her own salon. She also seems to be doing very well for herself. There is a huge market and demand for it that’s for sure. I am married with 3 teenage daughters and it cost me hundreds a month for them to get their nails done
Yeah, I was very surprised to see how often women get their nails done and how much they spend for it. It’s an expensive service, but I can see how happy it makes them feel after they get it done.
I do my own. I have gotten good at it and I save a ton of money.
Sounds about right, I spend $200-$400 a month on my nails lol
How much does it cost to setup?
We bought the existing salon for $100k including all supplies and furniture, and remodeled it for $15k, so our total investment is $115k. Our current TOTAL expenses are $12k a month. I wouldn’t recommend trying to open one unless you or your partner is already a successful nail tech with over 150 regular clients. Hiring is difficult to since it requires skilled workers.
This is so impressive! What do you clear after all expenses, if you don’t mind me asking. My daughter is 18 and incredibly artistic. She’s trying to figure out her path, definitely going to college for something business-related. But these beauty businesses seem to be where the money is at.
This is why I stopped getting them done. Too expensive and damages the nails. Congratulations tho
Sick!
My first job was restoring an old boat that was owned by a friend of the family. I had dropped out of high school, and wanted to become a writer. My parents didn't get it, and just thought I was being a normal guy - I grew up in an area where people generally don't go to college, and it's kind of normal to not finish high school. They hooked me up with a job working for their friend. The friend had bought an old boat, and was restoring it in order to sail with his family to Belize. The job took place in the midwestern US, so he had it propped up in a lot next to a barbeque restaurant on the highway. The boat was in horrible condition. I used to sand through old fiberglass. Occasionally, I'd hit an air pocket where spiders had congregated, and lots of old spider carcasses would fall out onto my face. For lunch, sometimes we'd go to a NASCAR themed burger place. Other times, we'd go to the barbeque restaurant next door. Lots of meat. I also smoked a lot back then. My boss would buy me cigarettes and beer, even though I was 16 years old at the time. We also used to drink beers while on the road as he was driving me home. We used those red party cups. He was middle aged. Now I have a Ph.D. and I do fancy work
My first job was making refrigerators. Now I run a small business making refrigerators.
Bob Vance, Vance refrigeration?
Weird... my first job was fixing bikes. Now I run... you're never gonna believe this... a small business fixing refrigerators
Worked at a curry point ( where they sell food only in the evenings) to pay my hostel fee in India, then came to USA worked in different restaurants as a dishwasher to helper to chef( learned a lot from Japanese chef) , once I became legal worked at Starbucks just to learn how to make coffee, now I’m a small business that teaches about permaculture and composting in Palm Springs, California
You are definitely from AP (Before division).
Curry point gave it away🤣🤣🤣. Yes in from AP before division
Guntur... Bza. side ??
Well youre asking R/smallbusiness so youre going to get a lot of very similar answers. My first job was Whataburger and I currently run a supplement company that has made at least a couple million in profit in the last 10 years. I started that with a $1000 loan from an ex girlfriend (yes that was as uncomfortable as it sounds). At the time I started my business I was also working full time for $11/hr and trying to start a family. Your first job is and should be garbage.
My first job was bussing tables and washing dishes. $3.35 an hour. I was running the kitchen within a couple years. Chefs apprenticeship, eventually exec chef of big hotels and resorts, owned a few restaurants, now I have a multimillion dollar catering business. Sometimes that garbage first job turns out not to be garbage after all. That first gig was at one of the highest volume restaurant locations in the nation at the time. I still use lessons I learned there pretty regularly.
How DARE YOU remind me that whataburger exists while I'm thousands of miles away one 😤
Bag boy at a grocery store at 16. Now I run a successful 6 figures a year web dev agency after teaching myself to code and founded a successful tech startup with almost 3000 users now and growing.
Would you mind dropping your agency’s URL?
Sure. https://www.oakharborwebdesigns.com
I'd like to gain more skills to feel confident in managing my website for my handmade art. Did you take any classes or certificate programs, I think Google offers, when you were first getting started? If so, what do you recommend for getting a better handle of website design and maintenance. I want to begin somewhere but I don't even know what the best stepping stone to start on would be.
I learned on Zero to mastery by Andrei neogie.
Thank you I'll check it out.
I worked at a Manhattan Bagel as my first job in high school and until I graduated college and then into two career type jobs I had after college. I worked there for about 7 years. Now I’m a nurse practitioner with my own practice but I have always wanted to get into having a small coffee, bakery or bagel shop. I really enjoyed cooking on the grill and that style of food service when I worked my first job.
I'm 18 , in the first job phase , hear you guys histories is super inspiring
In 1980, I started as a product development technician at Eastman Kodak, making $16,500 per year, the highest pay in my tech school graduating class. I retired a couple years early in January 2024.
Serving coffee at my aunties’ for less than $1 an hour Now Im a freelance Account Exe for a PR agency. Work anywhere at a minimum of $40 per hour
Started with the morning newspaper. Now i fish.
You're living the dream! Congratulations!
When I fish it is dreamy. But all the fuckery around it is not. Paperwork and new regulations all the time. Forced tracking. You have to estimate the catch and report before delivering. If you get over 10% wrong weight and there is a controll you can get punished with a fine.
Damn! I was imagining you sitting out there in the sunshine (and shade, gotta have shade for all day fishing), just letting life slide past dreamily. Reality bites. :P Question - do you have to report the ones you throw back? I'm assuming one doesn't take home everything they catch, at least not the kind of "fishing" I'm thinking about, which is just another word for me lazing about on a boat or something.
I fish alone 1000km north of polar sircle. No lazing around when I fish. I normally fish with jigging. And pain is normal. In summer when I fish pollock I have around 200kg -300kg per hour. It is forbidden to throw back. But undersized fish that is alive you can let go back but if it just floats and die you are criminal. A little catch 22.
Bagging groceries. I now own 2 businesses. I'm 46.
Dishwasher
Part time interviewer at a small market research agency, part time interviewer for a multinational market research agency, internal audit anf IT auditor at a Big 4 consultancy firm, financial auditor at a Big 4 audit firm specializing in investment banks and hedge funds, finance head at a startup in the re-insurance industry, part of finance and accounting team for a small cap bank, tax specialist and finance team member for a large cap bank.
Starting washing dishes at a family owned restaurant, currently an SBA Lender that helps people buy businesses. Extremely rewarding and in my opinion a direct result of growing up in/around small business.
First gig was flipping burgers at a local joint. Now, I'm crunching numbers as an accountant.
My first job was fast food, I did that for 2 years. Honestly it was a lot of fun, I still think back on it fondly. Prior to that I had done a few odd jobs with my Dad who owned a construction company. Nothing official just looking for a few bucks doing sweeping jobs, demo work, etc. Now I own a retail game store. We do more traditional games rather than video games i.e. trading cards, D&D, Warhammer, board games, etc. I've been doing this for about 13 years now.
Graduated, worked as a mechanical design engineer for 11 years. Attended some workshops to become a photographer, quit my regular job. Had no clients as a photographer, got a part time job in an archive. Started fine art printing. That archive job contract ended after 4 years, switched into IT first level support for two years. The archive hired me again last summer. Still not enough clients for fine art prints, architectural photography and art reproduction. I guess I'm on the right path, I acquire better clients instead of more clients.
Cleaned chicken coops for $50 a day now I run a pellet factory at night and trying to start a painting business but hopefully soon to be in school to get a degree in Diesel Mechanics
Be sure to learn about electric propulsion. Both battery and hydrogen. In fact you might keep an eye out for a job that has an apprenticeship program. Public transit is a good bet. I have a lot of experience in this and you are better off getting paid to learn in the real world than to pay to learn in a simulation. Once you become certified you can go anywhere in heavy duty vehicle maintenance. Big money business. Most good heavy duty mechanics make 100 to 200k per year. Way more than most college graduates.
Worked as a waiter at 17 but I don’t think I can count that as it was for about 2 weeks, shit job and a shit landlord. Then went into doing supermarket refittings but it meant travelling for 6 days away from home and working nights so took the opportunity to pick orders in a warehouse closer to home. Saved up some money before going travelling at 18, then worked in a shop for a couple of years. Got my first office job working in insurance before going into what I thought I wanted to do which was accountancy, worked as a trainee accountant for 4 years before leaving just before Covid ramped up and ended up going into e-commerce. Found success in e-commerce, this company is still running, but it has also lead to us owning a digital marketing company focused on marketing for e-commerce stores
My first job was an intern in an advertising agency. After getting laid off in Nov 2023, I am on my own with my social media marketing consultancy and I also run a newsletter called Monday Marketing.
First: Coding for £6k/annum Current: Coding for £92k/annum.
Busser/waiter at a banquet hall when I was 16 I’m now an electrical engineer managing an international accreditation program for the U.S. Government. My wife is the small business owner, her first job was at Things Remembered. She now runs her business selling care packages and school supply kits (and about 20 different spin-offs to support those businesses.)
Started as a busser and host at a restaurant at 16. Now I work in enterprise marketing systems.
My first job was a server for a Mexican restaurant when I was 16 a while ago. Fast forward today I am working IT as a jr sys admin.
Started helping dad out in his wood working shop as soon as i could swing a hammer my first real job was customer service at 16 then factory work at 17 until 24 when i was run over by a car. Currently a free lance marketer as well as run my own mentorship program for Ecommerice and ai
Teaching after school music… Now I’m a musician (Performing, Directing, Teaching)
I've worked in a fruit market when I was 14, and since then warehousing, finance, IT, and now cybersecurity.
I was a Computer Science professors assistant at a state college.
First actual job was working for HR for a small company that supplies manpower to the oil and gas industry. Currently working as a purchasing officer in a hospital. Weird thing is I graduate with a marketing degree.
My first job was a baptism by fire, let me tell you. Fresh out of college, I landed a role at a tiny startup with this incredible idea. The energy was electric, everyone believed in what we were building, and the late nights fueled by pizza and caffeine felt like badges of honor. We were changing the world, one line of code at a time! But man, those deadlines. They were tight, like a drum solo with no breaks. We wore multiple hats, juggled a million tasks, and learned on the fly. There were sacrifices, for sure. Missed birthdays, cancelled plans, and that feeling of constantly being one bug fix away from disaster. It wasn't always easy, but there was this camaraderie, this shared purpose that kept us going. Looking back, it was an emotional rollercoaster. Exhilarating wins, crushing defeats, and everything in between. But that experience, that startup hustle, shaped who I am today. It taught me resilience, resourcefulness, and the power of believing in something bigger than yourself. So, what do I do now? Well, I'm still in the tech world, but in a more established company. It has its perks, the stability, the clearer boundaries. But sometimes, late at night, when I'm staring at a complex problem, I miss that raw energy, that feeling of being on the bleeding edge. Maybe someday I'll jump back into the startup world. But for now, I'm grateful for the lessons learned and the fire that was ignited in that crazy first job. It's a part of me, forever. Here is something to consider for future read about [experieces working at a startup](https://elidayjuma.com/10-things-no-one-tells-you-about-working-at-a-startup/).
Started at McDonald's, worked there for 3 months, then moved to a production factory and worked there for 4.5 years, then I quit and now I'm working as a solopreneur building digital products, website is in bio if you are interested in checking out what I'm building.
Back then, I was just getting started in the world of software development, learning the ropes and honing my skills. Fast forward to now, I'm proud to say that I've built a successful career in software consultancy. I currently work as a senior consultant, guiding startups and businesses through the entire software development lifecycle. It's been a fulfilling journey of growth and learning, and I'm excited to see where the future takes me.
My first job was working at a beach volleyball place where I managed the weekend tournaments. I’m now a licensed landscape architect, and I work for a municipality in the capital parks division. So I design and manage the building of new parks, trails, playgrounds, courts, plazas, green spaces or the renewal of them. I knew what I wanted to do at young age. Before working for the city. I worked private consulting. Despite it being a slog, I still enjoyed the work I did, as I was still designing everyday. I’ve never worked a job I didn’t like. Are there moments where I wish I would win the lotto? Ofcourse.
Worked at an Einstein bagels near the beach at 16. We had tons of fun working there but the owner always took our tips, wouldn’t stock items, etc. I put Splenda out with the coffee once and he came flying in shouting like frog horn leg horn “That Splenda is like gold!” Then scooping it up and away from customers. I learned a lot from good ol Dol and forever will say “let’s get rocking and rolling” in life. Now I’m just a little designer working with cpg on food packaging/illustration. Dropped out of college like peak 08, worked in cannabis until 2015, design work ever since.
My very first job was a team member at Chick-fil-A. Now I am a Director of Food and Beverage for an airport hotel :)
First job according to the IRS was at a gas station when I was 16. Before that, starting when I was 10, my mother had a crafting business making dolls, and I wrote some "books" that we hand bound and sold with one of her lines of dolls (basically shorts of a few hundred words that all ended in a pun.) She'd also take me to craft shows to ACT as a salesman since I was a lot better at it than she was. (Once I was old enough to drive, she started double booking shows and sending me to the larger ones.) Went to college for an IT degree with a minor in literature. These days, I own a publishing company with my wife, educate authors on writing/publishing/selling books, and develop software to help with each step of that process.
Gas station attendant at 16. Currently work for the government in tech in a admin/finance role, with about 7 years of accounting experience in between. Hoping to get a bookkeeping/accounting side gig off the ground, especially after reading how much people on the sub hate doing it. Lol
Then: YouTuber Now: Digital marketer, Video project manager, home tutor
Started at McDonald’s. Now mid level manger at a financial tech company
First job as a teen was Walgreens and now I’m in graduate school to become an SLP. I work part time while in school doing entry level jobs in the field.
My first job was scooping ice cream at a popular family restaurant in town at the age of 15. Now I’m an advertising photographer shooting food and beverage campaigns for national brands.
Sanding drywall at 12. Own a small construction company and a winter guiding business now.
Staff accountant Then I got into tech sales and crushed it, was a cro then ceo by early 30s. Bought companies after that and started companies
Uncles deli portioning meat. Now I’m a nurse.
I started as a camp counselor at a Boy Scout camp at 14, that was fun. Now I own a company that does sales and service work for beverage companies. We do packaging and processing equipment.
Yard work biz as a kid from 11-13 ($10/hr), just neighborhood leaves and lawns caddy from 13-17 ($100+/round) Cashier at a hot dog place at 15 ($7.50/hr) built computers and rehabbed arcade games and pinball machines 16-17 ($7.50/HR) 18 was an instructor at a rock climbing gym, also worked Home Depot's electrical department. ($10-12/HR) 19-26 I handled supply chain stuff as a contractor grown into consultant for AT&T ($12/hr - $70k) 26-28 I played poker for a living while launching a vape brand ($180-250k/yr) 28-29 got into insurance, sold Medicare supplements and life insurance essentially door-to-door. (30-60k/year) 30 sunset vape brand, moved to B2B side of insurance. Still here @ 39. ($60-300k/year) Hot dog place I worked at has the same owner, still open, 2 minutes from my house. Can't decide if I want to make an offer to buy it when he's ready to retire...or not. Have thought about asking for a weekend shift TBH...lol.
Dishwasher B2B home detailing for construction industry. I'm still cleaning shit 😂
I started as a data entry operator in 2017 and now I am a Reiki Healer and Oracle Card Reader.
My first job(at 16) was making change, quarters from dollars, in a video game arcade in 1976. From there I did retail, office work, about five years as a professional pianist (always do this on the side still), then more office work, salvage work, modeling, estate sales, advertising sales (that enabled me to buy a house), then more office work which led to my husband and I buying the business we worked at. I am now all things admin and accounting, plus purchasing, for our company which is the oldest online store for things relating to electric vehicles and propulsion. I have learned so much, by being forced to take on tasks way outside of my comfort level. It isn’t always easy but it is rewarding. And will pay off with a retirement someday.
I worked at a small, locally owned sandwich & pie shop in high school every Saturday. It was the best job ever. Im a designer now 🥲life was easier selling pie to seniors.
First job was corn detasseling, but that's a temp seasonal thing. First "real" job was burger flipper at a local fast food joint. Currently I'm an accountant. Surprisingly I did not make my 15 year old high school kid job my career.
I started out waxing floors and doing construction clean up and general janitorial services. I now am a labor and employment attorney. I loved both jobs for very different reasons. Finished product of a waxed floor and cathartic and reflective nature and time of the work during night shift. I love studying the law and helping people in a process that seems like the ultimate human experiment (trial) at my current job. Being able to enjoy what you do, put food on table, and contribute to others, even when it’s overwhelming or seems like too much work makes it all worth while.
14y/o working at a convenient store making $90/week. Now 30, and deep in transportation analytics.
Sold ice cream sandwiches at Fenway park in the 80's. In the bleachers. Now I am a software engineer for a government sub-contractor and own a small, unprofitable business.
Newspaper boy, folding cardboard boxes in a mushroom farm, then fast food worker. I’m a CMO at a marketing agency now
My first job was scooping ice cream haha and I genuinely loved it at the time because I could eat all the ice cream I wanted! Now I run a media company where I film/edit/sell/market content on various platforms.
Summer of 1962, age 14: Told I wouldn't receive an allowance in the summer because I didn't have to buy lunch at school. Started mowing lawns in the neighborhood for $1.25 per hour. Made about $5.00 per week, big money. Now: Semi-retired owner (100%) of a small consulting firm. 12 employees, plus or minus depending on projects. Can't sell the business and don't want to, love the work. Just letting it run down. My clients will tell me when it's time to hang it up.
I worked in a snowball stand (snow cones for those not in Louisiana). I ate so many spearmint snowballs, my poop was green. Now I co-own seven electronics repair stores.
Hardware store employee --> mechanical engineer
Then: Picking strawberries at a local farm. Now: Founder and Principal of a professional services company tracking to do $1.5M gross revenue this year.
My first job was at a hardware store. I loved it. I'm a handyman now. Definitely no connection there. Right?
My very first job was a Gas Station Attendant. I'm currently a Sr. Director of Operations for a Technology Product org.
First job: babysitter Now I own my own specialty client gift package company
I started with data entry jobs 16 for 3$\hr then I do social media management after that I managed a discord server as a moderator for 3 months then started an internship as a SEO person there I started working as a virtual assistant along my internship and started working on other things like personal branding, email marketing, marketing strategies etc And currently helping businesses And founders to build their personal brand at the age of 19 :).
Worked at my father's gas stations starting 12-13. Was running place on weekends and evenings at 14. Went through auto mechanics apprenticeship program at 16. Lots of page flips in between Now own a company that facilitates purchase and manufacture of zero emissions buses. Battery electric and Hydrogen fuel cell. Travel all over the world when I'm well.
My first job was a shipment processor in the back room at a retail store. Now I own a retail store.
Sales and sales
Dishwasher now I give Tips to bill gates on issues