KEY POINTS:
What was your first job?
Working behind the counter in a lighting retail shop. I replied to a newspaper advertisement, went to two interviews and was offered the role. It was 1986, and I have no idea how much I got paid, but it felt like a small fortune after university. I left after a year to travel overseas.
Did you enjoy it?
It was a family-owned business, and I enjoyed working alongside the owners and the challenge of getting a sale. At that time there weren't computer-managed inventory and purchasing systems. Paperwork is not my forte, and I remember handwriting invoices in triplicate using carbon paper, lots of filing and multi-paged inventory lists. Most purchases were by cash or cheque, and it was my job to do the banking with the cash bag hidden under my jacket each day.
What did you learn?
Complicated environments and difficult tasks at work keep me interested. When the work becomes run-of-the-mill, my enthusiasm wanes.
What were your bosses like?
My two bosses owned the company. They had confidence in my abilities. They left on a buying trip a short time after I started and left me in charge of the stores and warehouse. Their focus on running the business the best way they could was seductive, and I enjoyed being part of a team all striving for the same thing.
Any advice for someone starting out?
Opportunity sometimes comes disguised as hard work.
Is it harder for people entering the job market now?
The focus has changed from technical skills and experience, to being able to show you can work alongside others and develop relationships with customers, colleagues and supervisors. This makes it easier for newcomers for you can show these skills outside of the workforce.
