I have worked many different jobs in pursuit of a career that I was passionate about. My first job was at age 6 where I shined shoes for a day at a shoe store on my street. This was not an official “job” as I was only six, but I was happy to help out the owner for a few hours. I was eventually” fired” when they found out I was still learning how to tie shoes. I remember the excitement of getting paid for a few hours of work. I think I made $4 in quarters for 2 hours. Over time, I had more successful and fun pursuits in the world of work, and I am happy to say that was the only time I was ever fired.
I worked as a waiter for a total of about 8 years in various restaurants and I feel like I learned a great deal about working on a team, providing customer service, as well as creating rapport quickly with various people. All of these skills are integral to my current job as a career counselor.
Additionally, I worked probably another 7-10 years in various retail outlets such as Macy’s and Whole Foods. Again, I was able to take the aspects of the job and apply the skills that I built into my professional career.
Eventually, I honed down my career pursuits to the helping professions. I knew in my heart that I belonged in a field where I was part of a team of professionals that were helping others. I worked as a kindergarten teacher’s assistant, a therapist for children with autism, and eventually I started working at my Career Center as a student assistant, an intern, and finally in my current role as a Career Counselor.
Throughout my career path I gained different skills that I continued to add to my “tool bag” and over time I started to realize which settings or environments worked best for me. I am quite happy and satisfied with the role I have now and I hope to help you find your own satisfaction.
For more information on my career, check out my LinkedIn profile.
