Ah, work. Everyone’s favourite topic (not). I personally think we can learn and grow a lot from the jobs we do in our lives. Some teach us a lot about ourselves. Others teach us a lot about what we want to do (or don’t want to do). Some just drive us to our wits end but whatever it is, I think each job and experience is important to us as a human. Some people have a varied job history and some people have been in the same job all their life (like my dad). I think I fall somewhere in my middle, although I am only 25 so I have a lot of time to mix up my job still.ย
1. Pottery class assistant: This was my first “job” and I was so proud of myself for getting this. Basically, in year 11, I took art for GCSE. My teachers were opening an after school art class for year 7’s to practice pottery and wanted some help from older students. They were also going to pay you. Albeit, it was like ยฃ2.50 an hour but at 15 years old and being picked over 60 other students, that was pretty amazing! We had to apply and say why we think we should get it which looking back, was actually quite good because it gave us a tiny small sense of what it might be like in the real world.
2. Retail assistant in Primark: This was my first proper job and my gosh…. what a job! In all honesty, I don’t look back over my time in Primark with regret. I had some great times, made some great friends and certainly made some good memories working there. Like the time there was a fire in store but we were still made to go to work and tidy up among the debris (yes, true story). It was mind-numbingly boring, always too hot and I never got to work on a decent department (I was on shoes… I have literally picked up more shoes in my life than anyone else I know) but it was my first job when I was in sixth form, earning a bit of money to go out clubbing. It wasn’t all bad.
3. Admin assistant: I worked on and off as an admin assistant in a hardware shop where my mum has worked for years. I would sometimes do 1 day a week, get a bit of money for it and it wasn’t difficult. Lots of filing and posting things. I could eat when I wanted, chat to my mum occasionally and sit on my bum all day. So not too shabby!
4. Optical assistant at Vision Express: Leaving this job was one of my biggest regrets (the next pointer will show you why I left). I’ve always loved going to the optician. I’ve always wanted glasses (I have them now, my eyes are so bad!) So being in that environment was amazing. I really took to this job. I picked everything up super quickly, was good with customers and selling them their frames. I think I could have done really well had I stayed there.
5. Teaching assistant: But I left because I wanted to start college and become a teaching assistant and a part of that course was having a placement in a Primary school to practice what we were being taught and getting first hand experience. I thought this was it. This was what I wanted. How wrong I was. I couldn’t hack it. I was frustrated and I already had anxiety at this point and it was just making it worse. I hated the kids (no offence), I hated the staff (some were nice – the teacher who shouted at me for wanting to open a window in his green house of a classroom wasn’t) and sigh. That was a bad time of my life and a huge waste of money.
6. Blogger and online business owner: It’s taken me a long old time to get to where I am now. I’m still grafting, I’m still learning and I’m still growing but I think I’m in a solid place right now where the only way is up. I started my blog purely as a hobby, reviewing books because I had nothing else to do. And here I am, 4ish years later with my own online business, a successful blog and actually earning money from it. And earning more money than some of the jobs I’ve mentioned above. I’m very proud of myself but I still have a long way to go in this whole self-employmet journey!
This was such an interesting post! I enjoyed reading about your working life – good and bad… I can’t believe he yelled at you for wanting to open a window! My first “job” was working for my parents. They had their own business selling handmade jewellery at craft markets and trade shows. I helped out at the shows themselves, made up signs, posters and business cards for them. In Paint Shop Pro! How I wish we’d had Canva back them, lol. I also got to help select new stock and go on supplier visits. It was so much fun. But sadly they both had full time jobs to so they took priority and the business came to an end. ๐ My first proper job was in Stead and Simpsons! So I know all to well about picking up shows. Customer’s make such a mess. My current job is in an office as a sales admin; I do quotes, process orders and work with couriers and customs.
[…] gosh! My dream job has changed so much throughout my life from hairdresser, police officer to fitness instructor. […]
Love the post!! Best job: Managing my husband’s Chiropractic office; I loved the patients that we got to meet. Worst job: Working as a legal assistant in a place where office politics had reached a new level of animosity.
Sounds like a lot of high and lows!
Yes, like everyone else. The worst had fourteen women in the office and they chose sides; those working in the civil division were against those working in the criminal division. Another girl and I were in the middle in a private office working on estates and conservatorships. We could practically see the volley of fire as it went back and forth each day!
Wow๐๐๐
Wow, thatโs so inspiring. Iโve had a lot of different jobs, and am now trying to figure out how I can work for myself and make enough to live on. Itโs good to hear about someone whoโs making it work!
Well, I definitely need to be earning more but Iโm getting there.
Wow that’s a lot! Anyways, its also nice to teach online. We used to teach English in foreign countries but now we teach online, make 4X the money, and no lesson planning! Yโall can see our pictures at teacherdevantravels.com
As someone with an extensive and eclectic job history like you, I understand this post completely! I am happily a Toddler Teacher at a fantastic school and I find the support system you surround yourself with makes an extreme impact ๐
Awh glad you found something you love!
Wow youโve had many different types of jobs! Iโm hoping to get a new job this year!
Good luck ๐
Wow! Youโve had a long job history girl lol. Well for me Iโve been a nanny/babysitter, cashier at rite aid pharmacy, uniqlo, and Zara. Iโve also been a student teacher (this wasnโt a job, but it felt like it!) I hope to become a full time elementary teacher by the need of the year๐
Wow thatโs a huge goal, I hope you get there!
Funnily enough, my sister and I were discussing this exact topic last night. I worked with my mum and dad at their business during the summers, but the worst job I ever had was at the local pub, where the owner had such a miserable expression and didn’t care about the customers. I worked 4 hours every Sunday which was rubbish hours and really only did it for the money. I was so glad when I went back to uni!
But I love my PR job I’m doing now and my boss is such an angel, she really cares about me, my welfare and how I’m getting on. For example when I left the Christmas party early, she texted me really worried bless her. Glad you’re enjoying self-employment, and I wish you the best of luck with it!
Amy | hookedonthemusic.com
Sounds like the perfect job with the perfect boss, youโre very lucky! xxx
I love hearing about other people’s job history, I find it so interesting – and yours doesn’t sound too dissimilar to mine! My first job was a counter girl at a Chinese takeaway when I was in sixth form (ยฃ5 an hour and free food – dunno why I left!) I then worked at Carphone Warehouse & Next during my time at uni. My first full time job was in a gym working as a sales consultant and I’m now in sales & marketing for a start-up company! I’ve got some hilarious stories – especially just because in what I do you meet so many people! xo
Sian | http://www.siankathrine.co.uk
I used to want to be a fitness instructor when I was in school so a job at a gym would have been perfect for me! x
I would have loved a job as a pottery assistant! That sounds like such a cool and fun job! Even though I’m an aspiring conservation scientist, I do wish sometimes I went down the creative route.. I haven’t had that many exciting jobs though I did work at a horse sanctuary once and that was fun! xx
http://www.whattabithaloves.co.uk/
Oh my god thatโs amazing! Do you have any blog posts about it or your studies or anything? x
I think that what you are doing is great! Iโd love to get to a point where I can make a living from my writing and speaking. Iโm working on it!
Youโll get there!
Aw and so you should be proud of yourself for going freelance and earning from your blog! It’s no easy feat setting up your own business but you’re doing it! You should be v proud. Claire x x x
Absolutely not! I could say the same to you ๐ x
The pottery class assistant sounds interesting! I don’t have a very good job history but I enjoy what I’m doing at the moment. Love your blog and it’s great that you can do it as part of your job! Xx
chloewritessometimes.wordpress.com
Thank you ๐ xx
This is a lovely blog post …Because I’m very keen to know what other things bloggers used to do apart from blogging …Because even I’m in the same queue quite not sure this will work that way I’m supposing it to ..
So thnk you …
I love to see what other bloggers used to do as well!
That’s great ….A common interest ..Have a nice day ahead
.๐
Jenny this is such a fun post! You’ve had so many interesting jobs – I’d love to be a pottery class assistant, and pretty awesome you beat sixty other students to it, too! Such a shame your TA role didn’t work out for you, I know how it feels to be disappointed by a job ๐ and especially when that job exacerbates your anxiety! That said, its so lovely to see you’re now doing what you love – no wonder you are so successful at it!
Kate x
http://www.findingkate.co
It was such a shame cos I had such high hopes for that one! Ah well xxx
I’m super happy to hear that you are happy being a blogger babe. Great blog post sharing your past jobs! ๐ธโจ
With love, Alisha Valerie x | http://www.alishavalerie.com
Thank you ๐ I love it, I just need to keep working to get where I need to be though x
My first job was in Argos! It was the worrrrst. Seriously, the way that shop works is wild. There was a lot of heavy lifting and there was no interaction with actual humans.
Imogenโs Typewriter. <3
Oh no really?! Iโve always loved Argos haha xxx
Great post, my first job was working at a wacky warehouse x
Whatโs a wacky warehouse?!
You’ve worked everywhere babes! I’ve only ever worked in Hospitality you make me look so boring haha xxx Much love for you babes
Awh not at all! I think hospitality would be a good sector for me to work in too!
It’s always interesting reading about other people’s working life. Call it the nosy parker in me ๐ I think work really does help you grow as a person. It makes you stronger and also teaches you a lot! I can understand about the teaching assistant part. I’m a primary school teacher, and on my placements, some teachers were just not nice. I started my working life at a local supermarket, moved to a cafe, moved back to a supermarket and then started teaching. I always found working retail was interesting and I met one of my best friends in my first supermarket job. We sometimes pop into that shop and are amazed that our old buds are still there. I really enjoyed reading this post ๐ It brought back a lot of memories for me! I can’t believe you had to go to work after there was a fire!
Awh thank you for the lovely comment. I admire you for being a primary teacher! That was the plan for me actually but when I couldnโt hack being just an assistant I would never have been able to handle an actual teacher.
Love reading posts like this! It’s great that your now in a job you’re loving! x
Carrie // http://www.carried—away.com
I am loving it but got a long way to go yet! Thank you x
This was so interesting to read (probably because I’m so nosey lol!) It’s funny how we often wind up somewhere completely different to where we thought we would, and how, what we thought we wanted, often turns out to not be what we thought it would be. I’m so glad you’re now in a career you’re happy in – and a major round of applause – it’s not easy to ‘make it’ in the blogging world!
http://www.whatevawears.co.uk
Absolutely agree. We have our sights set on something so often and it turns out to be completely NOT for us. But I suppose you have to try donโt you?
Great post! I loved reading it! ๐
Thanks x
This is a really interesting post to read Jenny! You’ve had a lovely selection of jobs here! I think I may do something like this on my own blog x
Go for it! Iโd love to read it ๐
We’ve got quite a big range of experiences there. I feel like all my experiences where in the same industry. But variety really helps me you realize what you like. My best work experience is happening right now and my worst one was my previous job!
I think if youโre good at one thing then itโs a positive to stay in that sector too ๐
Great post, what an interesting read! I haven’t had much job experience myself unfortunately but I really would love a job, especially for the Summer months and even at weekends during college. Do you have any tips for getting jobs?
Ummm make sure your CV is up to scratch! You can find some good templates online ๐ just apply, apply, apply and donโt be disheartened by rejections ๐
I absolutely loved herring about you job experiences, I wish I had some to share but here I am just been running my blog and YouTube channel lol
Is that your full time job? ๐
I love that already youโve had such a diverse career. I was a teaching assistant/special needs aid for almost three years and it was one of the reasons my blog began. Itโs an amazing job but so very hard too!
Wow thatโs cool that an old job led to your blog!
Oooh you’ve had some jobs! Primark sounds fun but hellish at the same time haha.
I think my worst job was working via an agency in a call centre for a telematics company. I was so good at my job and doubled my wage with my bonus, but they treated me like crap and it was horrendous for my mental health. I was like a different person when I left!
Cora | http://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk/
Oh goodness me, your mental health always comes first!
Love this post. It’s so funny how you see all the links from one thing to another in hindsight but at the time you feel so lost and confused and question everything you are and aren’t doing. My job history ranges from waitress, art seller, recruitment consultant, account manager in a design agency, interspersed with bouts at uni studying photography and curating. For the last couple of years I’ve been looking after my kids and supporting my husband in building where we are now. I’ve always been drawn to writing and blogging is something I’ve always enjoyed on and off and now that’s what I’m doing as a hobby and as a springboard for business ideas in the future. Trying to balance everything in life is one of the hardest things to learn and achieve I think! Xx
Oh totally! It was interesting looking back and seeing the connections! Youโve had quite a varied history too!
But still in the variety I see how one thing was linked and opened up the next. In the same vein as ‘everything happens for a reason’ every experience affects what comes next, the hard thing is having faith in yourself and the future!
Good for you to make your blog your full time business. I also aim to accomplish the same goal. The more I run into blogs and bloggers that have done it, the more I see how truly obtainable such a goal really is.
Jess || https://www.learningfromstrangers.com
Good for you that you’ve made your blog into your business and full time gig. That is a tremendous goal to accomplish and one I have for myself, as well. Also, for anyone who works retail, you are the real MVP because sometimes working for and with the public in the content of a retail job can be very grueling. You’ve come a far way. Great work!
Jess || https://www.learningfromstrangers.com
It certainly can be gruelling! I admire anyone who works or has worked in retail!
Congrats for your journey! I would love to be in the same position, I’m working hard for this ๐ Thank you for sharing!
xx Dasynka
http://dasynka.com
Same here – good luck!
I love finding out more about peopleโs pasts. Do you get much discount in primark if you work there? X
I got no discount!
What a great idea for a post. Like you I have a varied history of jobs, some I liked others not so much, but havenโt really had a career as such because of the gaps in my employment when I had the kids.
Iโm so glad that you have found your place blogging and running your business Iโm sure your experience in you other jobs especially the admin on have helped you with what you do now!
Melanie | http://www.frasersfunhouse.com
Oh definitely! I think that must have helped me with my organisational skills xxx
This was so interesting to read! Love the fact that you are in a place where blogging is a job for you! No better feeling that doing something you love! Great post! xx
Thanks! Itโs not as much as Iโd like it to be but Iโm working hard!
Interesting read! I like your attitude and how you seem to get something good out of each situation, even if it’s just knowing you never want to do that again. It can be difficult to get to that mindset, but finding the diamond in the rough is the best way to get through bad days.
Oh absolutely I agree! xxx
My nightmare job was most certainly my first job, I worked in a semi-fast-food restaurant and my gosh it was the worst! Standing all day, working with people that don’t like you (and you don’t like either because of that), being shouted at by your boss etc.. But then I found other jobs I loooove and some I regret ๐ now I’m free-lance and love it!
Perrine
Ugh that sounds dreadful! xxx
Such an interesting read and fantastic that you’re successful with your own online business now. I haven’t actually had many jobs and I’m 27! I had a few little part time jobs when I was younger and then I decided to go into freelance writing when I finished uni. I’m now trying to juggle being a stay-at-home mum and blogging / writing whenever I can, which isn’t always easy but I wouldn’t change a thing! Megan x
A stay at home Mum is a job in itself! xxx
Oh wow, what a history (not meant in a bad way ๐ ). I love how you described everything from when and how and why etc. Really interesting read. And so cool you found a passion you love doing now. Lea, xx
Thank you ๐ xxx
Wow what a journey! Congrats and you should feel so good at your achievements ๐
Holly x
http://www.ldnmuse.com
I do ๐ I have to remind myself that sometimes though! xxx
Being a pottery class assistant must have been really fun! And making it as a blogger is really inspiring!
It was fun for the age I was! xxx
CONGRATS on coming so far to the fabulous Blogger and online business owner title! Such goals! Pottery class assistant is such an awesome first job ๐ ๐
Thank you ๐ still a long way to go! xxx
You’ve had some incredible jobs, I always hear you talk about how much you loved your optical assistant job!
Love, Amie โค
The Curvaceous Vegan
I did indeed! xxx
Wow this was fun to read! You should talk more about your experience as a teaching assistant I would love to learn about it!!
I could certainly do a post about it although it wasnโt a particularly positive time haha! xxx
I’m sorry the teaching assistant thing didn’t work out, but thats awesome that you are loving what you are doing now!! I am 26 and have only ever 1 job. As a teenager I was too busy with sports and school and didn’t have any spare time. In college I got an internship at a software company and 7 years later I am still working there! (I’m not an intern anymore) But I have help 5 different positions in my job and had 12 different bosses so there has been a lot of change haha
Wow I think thatโs really cool that youโve been with the same company and worked in different parts of that company for so long xxx
Great post Jenny, youโve got so much experience in loads of different areas! Iโm sorry the teaching job stressed you out so much but you must be so happy being a blogger and business owner!!!
Great post! R x
Ugh it was awful which was a shame because I was so optimistic about that one xxx
Thank you for sharing your story! We are in the same position and are hoping to strike success soon.
I’m old enough to be your mum, so my history is a lot longer! I’ll hit a couple of highlights. My first job was working as a field hand, picking fruit. You will never see me disrespect those who do it; it’s backbreaking. Since then, I’ve been a short-order cook, a newspaper editor and, with many stops in between, am now an educational grant administrator for my day job.
Wow thatโs quite a variety! I donโt think Iโd ever disrespect anyone for doing any job xxx
Optical assistant has always sounded interesting. I am glad you found something that you enjoy!
I really liked being an Optical Assistant. Would love to get another job like it xxx
I worked in Primark and was an optical assistant too!
Steph x
http://www.wanderlustpulse.com
Oh wow! We have similar histories Xxx
That’s very diverse. I’ve only have 2 jobs in my name, both as secretary.. and my current one I’ve had for 16 years already so yeah, always keeping it safe ;-). If I’d known though, I would have studied for a job in publishing, or working in a library seems pretty cool too, even though you’ll have to do evening and weekend work and get paid less.. The books though and the peace and quite and no stress do have its perks too!
Working in a library is literally my perfect job. Iโll get there one day. Although not always necessarily paid less, you can always work up in those type of jobs too ๐ xxx
This is such a fun ideas for a post! It’s fun to get to know you a little better. Sadly mine would be so boring as i’ve only had 2 types of jobs! Cashier at Ladbrokes then Games Tester (for multiple companies). That’s it!
Tarnya xx
http://www.sweetallure.co.uk
I think youโll know that Iโll disagree with you there, being a Games Tester is REALLY cool! xxx
To be honest the only jobs I’ve had are freelance writing and blogging x
http://www.ofbeautyandnothingness.co.uk
I wasnโt aware you were a full time blogger xxx
You have had some really cool jobs but what stood out to me was Primark always been too hot. OMG yes!
Haha it was absolutely AWFUL, Joy. Honestly the worst xxx
This was so interesting to read! As for myself, I would have to say my most interesting job I’ve had was working at the airport as a hula dancer. It was fun dancing for people as they made their way to their gates (& sometimes making up choreography for a song I didn’t know on the spot!). Definitely an interesting experience, but I really learned a lot from it!
Goodness me really! Thatโs an amazing job! I certainly couldnโt do that. I bet you made a lot of people smile xx
This was so interesting, something a little bit different, great idea! Pottery class assistant? Thatโs so cool. Youโve got a variety of experience under your belt! I loved this post, Jenny ๐
Charlene McElhinney
http://www.charlenemcelhinney.co.uk
Thank you! Yeah, it was my first teeny weeny little job and it felt SO good. I felt so grown up ๐คฃ xxx
This is really interesting Jenny! Iโm always pretty curious about what bloggers do for a living. Iโm the same, Iโve had a lot of different jobs from receptionist, admin, lab assistant to retail. Iโve never really settled in one place so decided to continue with studying instead. Itโs so cool you have your own online business now, it sounds like you work extremely hard, you deserve all the success! ๐๐ xx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
I was never good at settling either, clearly! A lab assistant?! That sounds cool! What are you planning to do after youโve finished studying? xxx
After my degree I worked in an NHS lab but found it sooo stressful ๐คฏ. Iโm thinking about maybe getting into research next (but still have no idea what I wanna do tbh) ๐ xxx
Wow thatโs really cool! And definitely not something you hear too often. I can imagine a lab being quite stressful, hopefully research is a bit calmer and you have more control xxx