What was...

Last week during an interview for a job I really really want, I was asked the question:
"What was your first paying job?"

This is my answer: I worked at the US Embassy in Tokyo, Japan when I was 16 years old. With my dad being in the Air Force and working at the Embassy, I was able to work there during the summer as a summer hire. I had to file out a form to get an FBI background and fingerprint check on me.
For the first summer I worked at the Embassy (I worked a total of 3 summers), I worked in the Community Liaison Office (CLO). This office welcomed all the new diplomats and their family to the Embassy. We were the go to resource center to help these families learn more about Japan, how to get around on public transportation, etc. 

The other two summers I worked at the Embassy I was the administrative assistant to the Human Resources Officer. I remember these summers was being enjoyable, happy, I met a lot of great other summer hires (Lacey) and working at the Embassy really cemented my love for history, politics and government. Freddie Prinze Jr. even came to the Embassy once when I was working there because he lost his passport so he had to come get a new one. Unfortunately, I didn't work in the office that produced passports. :-(

What is your answer to what was your first paying job? Did it further your interest in that field or take you in a different direction?

41 comments:

Unknown said...

that is so cool! beyond babysitting, my first paying job was working for the gap... not nearly as glamorous as you! thank goodness it didn't forge a life path for me... no thank you retail. the only thing i miss is the employee discount!

<3becky
www.loosefromthezoo.com

KatiePerk said...

My first paying job was a waitress at a lunch cafe. Not exciting.

Sarah said...

besides babysitting my first paying job was working at Subway, not nearly as exciting as yours! So cool that you worked at the Embassy. Good luck with the job, I hope you get it!

Amy Breckenridge said...

my first paying job was working at foot locker in my town's mall! not exactly my favorite gig, but i did learn some skills from working in retail.
xoamy
www.cupcakesncouture.com

meme-and-he said...

wow! That sure beats my first job at a shoe store down the road. ha!

Unknown said...

Your first job sounds so very official! I worked the box office at a comedy club & I definitely didn't become a comedian :-)

always, koru kate

Adriana from Glitter & Sarcasm said...

What a cool first job! Mine was a camp counselor- very typical!

Life With Lauren said...

That is amazing! My Daddy used to be a tobacco farmer so that is what my sisters and I did during the summer.

Carol {Everyday Delights} said...

I did a lot of babysitting, but after that my first "real" job was working at Nordstrom! Your first job is soooo cool!! Keeping my fingers crossed about the job!

Discovery Street said...

wow! thats quite the first job! I worked at Luby's cafeteria...they day I turned 16 I applied for jobs...I couldn't wait to start working!

Jessica said...

My first job was a waitress. No joke, still have waitress nightmares!

Rachael said...

My first paying job was nowhere near as impressive as yours - Dairy Queen!! Haha. :)

Amy G said...

My first paying job besides babysitting was as a cheerleading coach when I was 16! It was the perfect job for me since I was cheering, I had so much that I could give back to the younger girls to help them grow!

The Olive Tree Blog said...

hmmm does babysitting count .lol. it prepared me for parenting and how NOT to raise your children. lol just kidding. sort of : )

Christelle said...

That's an awesome first job!! So cool to work for the US Embassy and live in Tokyo!

awhite said...

Your first paying job is wayyyy more impressive than mine- I was a camp counselor at a summer day camp! Ha! :)

-Ashley
http://lestylorouge.com

McKenna Lou said...

What an awesome first job!! So wonderful. I worked at an Airplane chartering company. It was mostly just office work. xx. McKenna Lou
www.lynnandlou.com

Lala said...

my first job was on sale and yeah i always wanted to be back in sales
Delightful Ideas

Allison said...

This is awesome - I didn't know this about you and your upbringing, so it's very cool to get insight into where you came from :)
I starting babysitting when I was 12 (!!!). I don't even remember what I was paid, but I just loved every second of it - now I cannot even imagine someone hiring a 12 year old though.

Sarah @ The Not Quite Military Wife said...

Seriously what a cool job! Since my husband is in the Air Force, I hope my daughter gets amazing experiences like you did!

Clair said...

Wow! This is so so cool! And lots of luck with the job interview. =)

My first paying job was babysitting, I guess...and then I worked for an elderly woman doing chores and helping on her farm. She has become like a grandmother to me since then!

Krista said...

Wow! My first job was making sandwiches at a deli, a far cry from working at the embassy! ;)

whit | Black Little Button blog said...

Awe that's awesome. I was a dishwasher at a local mom & pap resteraunt, that is soon to be sold now :(
-wHiT

Mo (New on U) said...

Now THAT is an impressive answer. Much better than my "I worked in a bagel shop" one.

Vale ♥ said...

Awesome ! My first paid job was in an accountants office...not as charming and interesting as yours, for sure ! Now following you on Bloglovin, glad to get to know you more ! Greetings from Italy

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Justin and Marcie said...

What an interesting job!! I wonder how the interviewer responded when you said that. Not the average "waitress at a restaurant" or "cashier at JC Penney" that you normally hear about as a first job! Shame you didn't see Freddie Prinze :(

Amy said...

My first paying job was at a childcare center at my gym! I loooved it. Started in December of 2005 and was able to come back during summer and winter break through out college. It was so wonderful getting to be a part of these kids' lives. I look at pictures now at some children where I've known the family since before they were born, CRAZY! Thanks for the walk down memory lane :)

Melissa Jo said...

That sounds like such an amazing opportunity!!! My first job was a counselor at a summer daycare/kids camp at my church.. and THAT was fun!

Stephanie @ Blonde Highlights said...

THAT IS AMAZING!!!! I wish that my first job was that cool... unfortunately I was just a relief receptionist at a country club :/ But I got free cookies! :) I'll take Freddie Prinze Jr. any day! :) What a great background - that is just too cool! XOXO

Anonymous said...

What a fantastic job! My grandmother was a translator in Japan with the Navy for awhile.

My first paying job was probably nannying, I did lots of volunteer jobs before that though. Loved it so much!

Anonymous said...

My first paying job was at a local amusement park. Not quite as exciting as the Embassy.

The Lady Okie said...

What an awesome job! I don't have that awesome of an answer. I probably would have just said babysitting. ha.

Faith said...

Wow that's an awesome first job!

My first job was a camp counselor at 16. Such a fun job! It probably wouldn't have been that exciting to answer at an interview though.

Becky @ Olives n Wine said...

My first paying job was at a small grocery store in my town. I guess it did stick because I am still in the retail industry but at a slightly larger store... Target ;)

Darby Hawley said...

What a great first job! My first job was selling appliances in Virginia for a small family-owned business.

Marli said...

wow! what an amazing "first job."

thanks for stopping by. :) you totally need to go zip-lining....

xo
purposelyathome.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

My first job was working for my father's company doing admin work. He owns a restoration construction company. I am in marketing now :)

Sarah Alway said...

Wow what a cool first job! My first paying job was as a receptionist in a dental office when I was a junior in high school. Since then I've gotten a journalism degree and a paralegal certification, yet my administrative skills led me to my current job as an executive assistant, so it looks like that first job did end up paying off!

Janna Renee said...

Wow that sounds a LOT more exciting than my first job as a check out clerk at the local grocery ;)

Kristin said...

You had a cool first job! Mine was baskin robbins :)

Kasey Lynne said...

Dang...your first job was pretty kick ass. I love it!

My first job was the secretary at the same place I'm working at now. I've worked here so much...I just can't stay away I guess ;D