Today’s BEDM prompt is about first jobs. None of the pictures above represent my first job as such. I started working in my local Co-Op at the age of 16 and stayed there for 2 and a half years before finally packing it in and getting more shifts at the local. At first, I loved it there and I did make some fab friends, most have moved away now, but it is nice to pop in every now and again and be greeted by a friendly face. Unfortunately, my working experience was marred somewhat by some horrible rumours and as soon as my bosses at the pub offered me more hours, I had to jump ship.
From the ages of 16 to 18, working there was fab. I had money in my pocket to do with as I pleased and still had some free time whilst studying for my A Levels. After I turned 18, I did as most 18 years old did and went out drinking most Friday nights. This never affected my working life until one night when I am pretty sure I had my drink spiked (although nothing was ever proven), I had to call in sick as I’d been up all night obviously but they made me go into work – in a food shop when I’d been throwing up!! – only to send me home again. This wasn’t the be all and end all though. No, apparently because I worked in a pub at night and during the weekends and liked to go out a couple of nights a week – that made me an alcoholic. At the age of 18, I was mortified that my co workers would be saying such things about me. However, it was my manager and as soon as I found this out, I knew I had to leave. The lack of support I found was absolutely appalling and I actually hate referring to that as my first job. I was so glad to leave there. I did however meet a girl whilst working there, who popped in every Sunday. We’d been chatting on good old Myspace for ages as she was a friend of a friend – and she actually worked at the pub on Sundays. We actually became firm friends prior to me getting the job at the pub and subsequently leaving the shop 9 months later but working with her definitely made my working life so much better.
I would love to be able to refer to my time working at the pub as my first job. I worked with the majority of the people in the pictures above – and for the minority I didn’t, I met them through the pub. I made so many friends working there and still see the majority of them to this day. Of course, having Jack hasn’t made it easy to maintain these friendships but I’ve asked my parents to babysit at some point in the near future so I can finally go out on a night out with them all and catch up properly!
I wasn’t sure how to interpret the prompt first job and to be honest, my first job was actually pretty piss poor. Subsequent jobs have been so much better – I have a great group of girls at my current one but for me, bar work will always hold a special place in my heart. After all, I got to meet two of my very best friends through it – can I count it as my first job after all?
Without my previous jobs, I would never have met this girl. Words cannot express how proud I am of her. I have watched her grow up before my eyes to become a fully qualified nurse and she is truly like my little sister.
What was your first job?
