She Strengthens

My Unconventional Journey: 20 Jobs That Shaped My Career

As I reflect on my past, I’m reminded of the unconventional path I’ve taken to get where I am today. From babysitting to working as a Secret Service Agent (almost!), my career has been a wild ride. In this article, I’ll share the 20 jobs I’ve had before and during college, highlighting the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

Before College: The Early Years

1. Babysitter: My first job, which I started at 13, taught me responsibility and patience.
2. Lawn Cutter: Who wouldn’t want to earn $5-$20 per lawn?
3. Pet Watcher/Walker: Feeding, walking, and cleaning up after pets was a breeze – until it rained or snowed!
4. Camp Counselor: My first “real” job, where I played games and went on adventures with kids all day.
5. Commissary Vendor Stocker: A late-night stocking gig with my best friend in a military grocery store overseas.
6. Day Care Associate: I ruled the daycare for six weeks until my age caught up with me.
7. Bagel Maker: A short-lived stint in a bagel shop where I learned to make dough – literally.
8. Bowling Alley Attendant: Cosmic Bowling nights were the highlight of my week!
9. Prep Cook: Helping an Italian restaurant prepare for dinner rush was a culinary adventure.

College Years: Exploring Opportunities

10. Book Store Associate: My first college job, where I networked and met new people – including girls!
11. Gadzooks Worker: A quirky store for ravers, goths, and punks, where I was hired on the spot.
12. Sandwich Maker at 7-Eleven: A month-long stint in a big freezer making breakfast and lunch sandwiches.
13. Construction Site Trash Hauler: Easy money during college breaks, but not the most glamorous job.
14. Timeshare Sales Rep: Giving tours and selling timeshares – a unique experience.
15. Stamp Factory Drone: Temp work on an assembly line making stamps, with strict rules and long hours.
16. Photographer: Snapping pics for the college paper, which led to more opportunities.
17. Kid Shelter Volunteer: Playing with kids and being a kid again – pure joy!
18. Assistant Photo Editor: A promotion that came with more responsibilities and a better résumé.
19. Photo Editor: Meeting celebrities and musicians while taking their pictures – a thrill!
20. Assistant Photo Editor Intern: A summer internship in NYC, where I learned the fast-paced world of magazine publishing.

Lessons Learned

Through these 20 jobs, I’ve learned three valuable lessons:

1. No job is permanent: Stay adaptable and keep your skills sharp.
2. Follow your happiness: Move up in the happiness area, and you’ll be on the right track.
3. Conscious career moves matter: Focus on your end goals and make deliberate decisions to get there.

My unconventional journey may not be the norm, but it’s taught me valuable lessons that I hope will inspire you to explore different opportunities and find your own path to success.