Humble Beginnings
November 16, 2010 at 7:36 am | Posted in Career Moves | 5 CommentsTags: career, Dunkin Donuts, job, working, workplace, writing
I ran into a former boss of mine the other day on the train. I know what you are thinking — this can’t be good, but it was. We had left off on good terms, though the company was really saddened to see me go. Anyways, I had been meaning to catch up with her, but alas life always seems to get away from us. We caught up on our way to our respective destinations and she gave me great compliments and told me how much I was missed at my old company. Sometimes, you have to move on from a place to see how much you were appreciated. Sometimes, you work so hard and feel like you are spinning your wheels, then something or someone reminds you of how far you’ve come.
I had my first job at age 16, working at Dunkin Donuts with several other kids my age. For 4 months, I served up donuts and coffee and dealt with disgruntled people looking for their caffeine fix, before returning to school for the fall of my junior year. Working with peers was certainly a blast, but after that experience, I never wanted to work in food service again. It is really tough work but I had at least grown a healthy respect for those who keep with it.
The rest of my high school employment consisted of childcare gigs, tutoring, and a real short stint in retail. In college, I continued with childcare work, as well as working at a local gym and a tanning salon on summer breaks. I also took on two unpaid internships for “real world” preparation.
When I think back on my resume, I do see serious growth. It’s strange for me to look back at my humble beginnings as I’ve always been so focused on preparing to get ahead for tomorrow. Sometimes, I beat myself up about not moving faster, but the truth is, I am doing pretty damn good for a 27 year old, working through a recession with a damn good job at an appropriate level for my age and experience. Just ten years ago, I was bagging donuts, now I’m writing, talking to reporters, bumping elbows with CEOs, and making change in kids’ lives and public perspective. I’m going to continue to work hard to reach my goals but will always remember those who gave me a chance and taught me how to be good at what I do.
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Pushing Thirtyy 
My 1st job was at a dunkin donuts too, (the one in eastchester) simpler days. Nice article, it good to look back and see how much we’ve grown…I’m in Arizona working for a credit union in the credit management..maybe I should go back to selling donuts!! Good to hear things are going well 🙂
Comment by susan— November 16, 2010 #
you too! I’m actually working on placing a story for the Credit Union Times now. I’ll send you the link when it runs. 🙂
Comment by danablair— November 16, 2010 #
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Pingback by Tweets that mention Humble Beginnings « Pushing Thirtyy -- Topsy.com— November 16, 2010 #
Awesome, it’s always good to build a healthy dose of perspective in life, oh, and gratitude! Looks like you are on the right track with that. Oh, and I’m 25, does that mean I’m pushing 30 too? LOL. On a more serious note, that donut looks delicious. 😉
Comment by Ollin— November 16, 2010 #
haha, it does look delicious. Reminds me of The Simpsons. I think you start pushing thirty at age 26, though I’m sure it could be adjusted depending on the circumstance. 🙂
Comment by danablair— November 16, 2010 #