Photo by Hillary Ehlen
Your first job. For some, it may have been fun and carefree. For others, it may simply have been a way to get some cash in your pocket. Whether you enjoyed your first job or not, it was likely the cornerstone of your career. This is where we got our first glimpse of the real world, learned how to manage money and maybe even decided what we wanted to do when we grew up and got “real jobs.”
In the following sections, join us and we hear from local business owners and leaders who share the lessons they learned at their first jobs. These fun and insightful reflections inspired us to delve deeper into the recruitment process.
Sandra Vigen
First Job: Sweeper and restroom attendant at Valley Fair
Current Job: Owner, CEO, President of Mama Ducks Cleaning Service
10 Lessons Sandra Vigen Learned:
1. I learned the value of $4.25. Work hard and suck it up.
2. Life isn’t easy but very rewarding and built character.
3. Work hard, play hard.
4. Go above and beyond what’s required to go far.
5. Fashion isn’t always pretty. (We wore these yellow short jumpers with long plaid – my oldest brother probably has a picture to blackmail me someday with.)
6. Someone has to do every job – humbling.
7. Never be ashamed of your job – never judge a book by its cover.
8. Men don’t know how to aim.
9. ALWAYS, ALWAYS wear gloves.
10. Take ownership. Go above and beyond and SMILE!!
