How Old Were You When . . . . .
You started to work or create a business?
I was 10 years old when I started my working career. Well, that's not really true. At 10 though, I did get a paper route. It wasn't very big, but then we lived in a small rural farming community. If memory serves, I think I made about 5 dollars a month, a goodly sum in those days. I felt rich when collection day rolled around, that is before Dad took half my income and laid aside for savings. Good lesson in finances, but I didn't really understand it at the time. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, I would get the ocassional tip here or there.
Remember tipping the service guys? Back in those days, it was allowed. I remember my father would give the trash collector, newspaper boy, milk man, mail man and a few others, a Christmas card and in each he would leave a gift (tip). Dad said these guys deserved a small gift in appreciation for their service through the year.
I didn't have my route very long, it was more of a summer job, school was more important. I did learn that it was good to earn. Dad placing half of my income into a jar for savings was something I forgot about, at the time.
Soon after my 12th birthday, I asked my Dad if I could have a motorcycle. He responded by saying yes, which shocked me, and he continued by saying that I had to work to earn the money to pay for it, which depressed me a little.
It took me a while, but when I turned 13 I took my first real job. I was a dish washer in a small restaurant. Weekends only. In those days a young guy could do that with written permission from his parents. I worked hard, actually had fun, and unbeknownst to me, I started honing a work ethic at the same time.
When I had saved about 150 dollars, I started looking at ads for my motorcycle and found my dream. It was an old Kawasaki 90 which had been converted as a dirt bike. I had to have it. I told dad about it, we went to look at it and told the guy we would let him know. I was short by a few bucks, but guess what? Dad brought out my saving from the paper route and kicked in the rest. I had my bike!
That was how I learned hard work and financial management could lead to realizing dreams. I had various jobs after my military service, and ended my working days with a career in the medical field. Through all of this, I always had some kind of side hustle or other. I came to realize that multiple income streams was a good thing. I was that guy, you know, the one who could usually get you something when you needed it, and a good price. Nothing illegal or nefarious mind you.
And now, after retirement, I find myself comfortably ensconced here at WA, once again building and creating income streams. I came to supplement my retirement income for certain goals Wifey and I have in mind.
I never had thought to direct sales, but rather affiliate marketing was the direction I initially I went with. Chance and circumstance (opportunity) have come my way and I am now writing a book, two actually, creating and promoting my brand, and getting ready to start an online shop, or something along those lines.
Wealthy Affiliate has proven to be a vehicle I never thought possible until I became a premium member and started my journey. The doors of opportunity are before you my friends, don't be afraid to open them and look inside.
Greg
Recent Comments
29
That's a great story. Friends of mine had motorcycles and when I was fourteen, I was always on them. I learned how to drive a Honda 150 at that age.
My first job was babysitting. I was eleven and I guess responsible for my age. I was the eldest of 6, so I babysat for other big families in my neighborhood, and this gave me pocket money. Then, I wrote songs for people who couldn't speak English. Popular songs. They would give me pennies for them.
Then, I started baking at 15 and my sister opened a little table for us on the side of the road, and people stopped by to buy muffins, and banana breads, and apple pies. It was rare I had pies since they were popular at home also. Like you, it seems, I always had something going.
Good for you Joss, a few small side hustles can lead to a generous amount if parleyed properly. Thanks for dropping in, I appreciate it.
Greg
Good post, brings back some fond memories of being outside all day unlike kids these days. I was around 13 or so, mowing lawns, which was great driving around a mower at that age!
Be well,
Brad
Thank you Brad, it seems as if we were all more industrial in our younger days. Thanks for dropping in, I appreciate it.
Greg
I started work at about 10 delivering leaflets for a local supermarket and weighing spuds and putting in bags for selling in the shop. Before long I was working in the shop after school and at weekends. I did that until I got my full time job. So I could retire anytime!!
Very nice Geoffrey, you got off to an early start also. Good job! Thanks for dropping in, I appreciate it.
Greg
Greg,
I was 7 when I assisted my friend and his family with several large newspaper motor routes. I followed my friend and his older brother on my bike carrying extras newspapers. I also came early and helped with the folding and bagging. When I was 11, I got my first job at the private school I attended as a custodian. I worked there until I was 14, then off to Braums to work in their kitchen and doing anything else that they required. A small stint in construction and 6 months at a bank before I joined and did 6 years in the Army. After that, I started my own business and have been doing that (along with side hustles) ever since!
Great post!
Jeff
Thanks Jeff. You've been a busy bee from an early age and the work ethic learned has taken you to some good times. Those side hustles kept me afloat many a time, I doubt I will ever stop.
Greg
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Such an enjoyable post Greg, thank you. Maybe it's generational but the 'work ethic' seems to be harder to find these days, maybe because 'credit' is so easy to come by.
Having multiple income streams is definitely a road down which I am travelling.
As for WA, well for me it is the central hub from which everything else stems. It is very hard to imagine a life without it.
Have a stuning day.
Ah, the dreaded work ethic. You're right my friend, it does appear to be missing. I am so thankful for all of the life lessons I've learned from my collective family. I tried my best to pass it along. Must have done a fair job at it as my kids are doing well in their lives.
Greg
I would say that you have done an excellent job then Greg. All we can do is try to pass on the good stuff and hope that they use it.