10 Jobs I Never Listed in My Resumes – by Arnie Wohlgemut
I recently read a book by Julio Melara called “It Only Takes Everything You’ve Got!” In it he includes a chapter – The Value of Failing.
In this chapter he lists jobs he had and never spoke about. The lessons he learned through those experiences, have lasted a lifetime.
What an interesting idea — after all, reflection turns experience into insight.
“Experience is something you don’t get until just after you need it.”
Steven Wright
So here goes, a little insight into my journey from searching for a possible career, to the time where I needed a little extra cash, and the lessons that have lasted a lifetime:
1. Construction Labourer: my first summer job. I was 14 years old and my role as a helping hand was digging trenches.
Lesson learned: Education was in my future. I do not want to do this again, ever!
2. Electrician’s helper (age 15).
Lesson learned: Working with someone who is willing to teach you is priceless.
3. Stock boy for an electrical contractor.
Lesson learned: Supporting roles are important too! If the job’s going to get done, all the parts need to be in stock.
4. Grocery bag packer at the supermarket.
Lesson learned: Know what matters to the customer! Not squishing their bread earns you a tip.
“It seems the light at the end of the tunnel may be you.”
Steven Tyler
5. Waste management crew at the supermarket (Yes, this was a promotion).
Lesson learned: Taking out the garbage and recycling without making a mess is an essential life-skill!
6. Overnight shift electrician in an auto parts factory.
Lesson learned: Life is too short to spend it in a job you hate.
7. Electrical maintenance on a farm.
Lesson learned: Someone must do the job no one else wants to do.
8. Electrical maintenance crew in a textile mill.
Lesson learned: Removing obstacles that cause friction allows others to focus on their tasks. It is important to have well-oiled machines, friction starts fires.
“Some things in life start as a duty and then become a blessing.”
Steven Furtick
9. Trainee in a car detailing shop.
Lesson learned: The little details sometimes feel like they will not matter but those details are valuable to someone.
10. Part-time bartender.
Lesson learned: Even casual connections can be put a smile on a customer’s face. People love it when you remember their name (and their drink of choice).
So, there you have it, a short walk in my shoes – so to speak. What are your lessons learned?
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