With 2023 ending and 2024 being the year that I will re-enter the workforce full-time, I wanted to take a moment to share a part of my professional journey with you.
My tale begins at the age of 10 with my first job delivering the Toronto Star in Squires Beach, a small rural community just outside of Pickering. Picture this: a young me, navigating the many miles of my paper route, armed with newspapers that started out wrapped in wire. The catch? I kept misplacing the pliers used to cut the wire, much to my father’s dismay. Little did I know, those rural walks were the first steps in a journey of resilience and entrepreneurship.
At the age of 12, my family ventured into the world of antiques with our very own antique store. I vividly remember accompanying my father on buying trips at auctions, soaking in lessons about business and life.
At 13, we took on the exciting challenge of running a gas station. Our gas station wasn’t just a fuel stop; it housed a refreshment stand where we dished out hot dogs and cigarettes. A hidden gem in our offerings was a homemade rhubarb relish that accompanied our hotdogs. People traveled miles just to savour the unique flavour.
When I entered high school, I took on my first official paying job as a stock clerk at Shoppers Drug Mart. During my final year of high school, I took on the role of tour guide at Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. There, I had the fascinating opportunity to engage with tourists, sharing insights about Candu reactors and the intricate processes involving heavy water production at the nearby plant across the lagoon.
During my university years, I focused on my studies, but not enough to finish my degree. When I left, I dove into the workforce once again, taking on roles that further shaped my skills and perspective.
One of my significant milestones was stepping into a supervisory role at the Home Care Program of Metropolitan Toronto. Here, I led a small team responsible for tracking and documenting visits made by home care providers. It was my first foray into leadership, and the experience provided invaluable lessons in team collaboration, organizational efficiency, and effective supervision. Although I loved this job, it didn’t pay enough for me to support myself, so I decided to go back to university as a mature student. I completed my Bachelor of Business Administration.
The experiences of my youth fueled my work ethic and instilled in me a passion for business. Now, as I reflect on these early chapters, I’m excited to bring this rich tapestry of experiences to new professional horizons.
I’m curious to hear about your journey. What were your first work experiences, and how did they shape your approach to your career? Let’s share stories in the comments below!
