Yes! You read it right. I started working when I was 14 years old.
I was like…
“Wow! I’ve been working for 13 years now!” And for 13 years I’ve been exposed to different industries.. (if you wanna know how old i am, you do the math haha!) Thank God He directed me to my current career which is what I truly love.. as mommy+preneur..
When I was 14 years old, I worked as Summer Raid Representative under my uncle’s team in one of our country’s leading ice cream brand. (with my Parents’ Consent)
What I did as a Summer Raid Representative?
I sell and give free taste of ice creams.
Since I was only 14 during that time, though the job for me was pretty cool plus I was earning PHP 350-500/day from a 3 day event per week. It was not as easy as i thought!
But when I grew up and faced the real world.. I’ve realized that, that first job experience helped me in many ways during my employee days and now in my entrepreneurial journey…
1. I’ve learned the value of money
Since I am working that time to earn money to buy my own school supplies and kikay stuff, at early age I became a saver, I also don’t ask much from my parents because I know how hard it is to earn a single peso.
2. I was exposed to pain and hard work
A pastor told my husband if you will not expose your child to pain how will he respond to pain and aches when he’s an adult?
And unintentionally, I was exposed early to hard work and yes maybe pain…
Because of those experience, I somehow became a risk taker.
3. I dream big
I am mostly assigned to high end resorts, I saw many successful people, women wearing fabulous clothes, families enjoying their vacations… and starting that day, I told myself “Someday! I will be a guest in this resort!” And because of my experiences it became an inspiration for me to strive hard and achieve more in life.
4. I have a great respect for all kinds of employees
I’ve experienced even for a few weeks to give fliers, offer freebies, smile and greet all people that passes by. And right now, we are teaching our son to be kind to everyone no matter what their professions are ,because we are all equal, maybe not in terms of our status in life but in the eyes of God.
5. Grateful
Grateful because we’ve witnessed how God brought me this far.. from trials and past issues.. Grateful for whatever we have right now, it may be small things for other people but they are big for us.
God’s Plan & Promises
As I look back, I’ve realized that it is true that God’s plan for us is to give us a great future.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
“And the LORD will make you the head and not the tail, and you shall only go up and not down, if you obey the commandments of the LORD your God, which I command you today, being careful to do them” Deuteronomy 28:13
Our part
God should always be the top motivator why we want to be successful, to give Him all the glory and fame.
Our career and work shouldn’t define us. Our identity should always be in Christ.
“But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.” Luke 12:31
So with that experience, will i allow my son or my future children to work at an early age?
Definitely Yes, if he wants to, or He can start his own business while he is young.
We can give the best for our kids but we can also help and train them to be independent, world changers and champions in their generation (To glorify God in their lives)
Our experiences, our failures, our successes, our victorious our obstacles didn’t happen for nothing..
God wants to use those scenes to prove that He is God. That with our own strength, we can’t but having Him in our lives. Yes, we can!
So what about you? What was your first job? Did it help you grow as an adult too?
I’ll be happy to hear from you!
Same here sis, I had to start working at a very young age to support my studies. I am glad I have been to those tough times because I have learned a lot. Thanks for sharing your story, I am thinking to share my own story din soon 🙂
I also believe in allowing our child to experience pain instead of shielding them from it. This makes them tough and wise.
Working at a young age will give you discipline and courage. Though you’ll miss out on alot of things it’s still worth it.
Thanks for sharing this. I started working early, too. Well, aside from offering writing services during high school, I worked odd jobs as a 16 year-old. I super appreciate the experience to this day. My first job was as an assistant programmer just helping my uncle do his 4th Dimension presentations to corporations and schools. And to this day, it has helped me in so many ways.
You started young. I got my first real work right after graduating from college so that makes me a late-starter by your standards (LOL) but I can attest to the fact that every work we do helps us build a solid career.
You got me reminiscing about me working at a young age. I worked for Dunkin’ Donuts when I was 17 but I had a working experience, though most wouldn’t consider it real job, when I was a lot younger, about 10 years old, haha, I sold ice candy while attending school and random crops and kakanin on weekends during the time when we’re living with our grandma in the province. It was a really fun and great experience, I enjoyed earning money. Oh, I love my childhood.
It’s inspiring to know that you worked at an early age and knew the value of hard-earned money since then. I had my first official and full-time job when I was 21 but, before that I used to do part-time job in my auntie’s newspaper company.
I also started working at a young age. I wanted to instill the value of hard work and hard earned money to my daughter.
Xoxo
MrsMartinez
I started working when I was in college and indeed, it has taught me a lot of values!
You were earning PHP 350-500/day for 3 days a week? That’s not bad! Not to mention you were only 14 years old at the time! I admire your hardwork and determination. I also learned what responsibility feels like at an early age . . . when I got pregnant at 15 years old with my eldest child. I didn’t work right away, in fact I went 2 years in college first then started working at the age of 17 as a Project Architect Staff.
Just like you, I learned my entrepreneurial skills through my work experience. So Kudos to you mommy! And I wish you success! =)
You are such an inspiration sis 🙂 same here as an early age I helped my parents in our family business . When I graduated I never asked for a single money with them for me kasi they have done na their responsibility as parents
You are such an inspiration sis 🙂 same here as an early age I helped my parents in our family business. When I graduated I never asked for single money with them for me kasi they have done na their responsibility as parents