ALT-1 How to Succeed in your first Job
Your first job is something that you will look back fondly on as the years pass by. Chances are good that this will be some sort of retail or farm job that you will do for minimum wage, or slightly higher. Maybe this first job turns into a career, but it will probably be a time when you are nervous about keeping that job. How do you succeed in your first job?
The best way to succeed in your first job is to be humble and learn as much as you can. Nothing much is really expected from you when you first step in other than to simply learn and improve. If you are willing to show respect to those who supervise you, as well as to customers, you will score some major points.
Be willing to be flexible and communicate well. This is something that takes getting used to when you first start working because you probably aren't used to having so much on the line each shift. Missing a day of school might seem important, but missing a day of work can cost a lot of people money, or time. Flimsy excuses for missing shifts, or not doing your work, will not fly.
A willingness to sacrifice your social time will go a long way toward doing well. Not coming into work because it was a Saturday, or coming in late because your friends had some good stories for you is not going to make you look good. Your employer expects you to come in whenever you are scheduled regardless of your life outside of work. Concentrating on your job and showing focus at work will go a long way toward success.
Don't whine and complain. This is a good thing to keep in mind no matter where you are in your career, but it is even more important at that first job. You might not realize it, but everyone is in the same boat, so complaining about your job will make you seem self-important. This is not how you want to be seen in your first job.
Success at your first job is simply about keeping your head down and your mouth shut. Earn the respect of others and then you will see that opportunities will open up. Once you have proven yourself a little bit, then you can maybe get out of that and start talking a little bit more. However, success at your first job comes from being humble and doing what is asked of you.
