My First Jobs: From Cutting Branches to Coding

My first job was not what one would consider a traditional career start. I was 14 years old, during the summer holidays of 1971, when my father volunteered me to assist the Indian Army in cutting branches and clearing bushes to help build their defense officers' colony in Nandambakkam, Chennai. This experience was a formative one, working for nearly 40 days under the supervision of Amrish Gurung, a gentleman from the army, and other army kids. We shared meager meals: rice, dal, onions, chapati, and pickles for lunch, accompanied by watery tea with rusks in the evenings. While I was taken under the wing of the military, I received a fifty-rupee note as an unexpected bonus and even got a chance to hold a gun (after the ammo was removed).

My summers were often spent volunteering to help out in the canteen, kitchen, or garage. These jobs, mundane as they were, taught me the value of hard work and helped me learn valuable skills, including my very first driving lesson. Year after year, I babysat, an activity I enjoyed due to my good rapport with kids. I continued with more summer jobs, each providing different experiences.

My First Real Job: Pool Attendant and Beyond

At the age of 16, I landed my first "real" job, albeit one that did not pay much. I worked at a pool in the changing area during the summer, handing out locker keys and towels. It was a tedious task, but I was grateful for the experience. In the following summer, I refused to work at the pool again and took a job at JC Penneys as a salesperson in the toy department. I loved this job, helping shoppers find the perfect gifts for their children. This job laid the foundation for my career, which ultimately led me to become a mental health counselor.

Early Stage Startup Experience: A Learning Curve

A turning point in my career came when I was 18, and my home financial situation was dire. To cover my expenses, I joined a small startup in Gurgaon, where I worked for Rs. 8000 per month. My role was to do anything that needed to be done. As a space engineer, I designed scripts for their educational course, managed the video production, and even packed and shipped educational kits for their school clients. My responsibilities included marketing through social media and running their CNC laser cutter, a privilege I took seriously.

The startup environment was demanding, with no clear work timings and often requiring me to stay late or work through the night. Despite the challenges, I found immense satisfaction in my work. Today, at the age of 26, I work at Deloitte as a coder, earning almost 13-14 times more but with less enjoyment. My responsibilities have grown, as is often the case with increasing age and salary.

I hope sharing my journey inspires others to embrace the diverse opportunities available in the early stages of their careers. If you enjoyed this story, please upvote and join the interview and career discussion for more content like this. Thank you for reading!