1. Business & Finance

My First Job Working at a Movie Theater

Reader Stories: Your First Job

From nodebtplan

Your Name and Website (optional) 

Kevin

No Debt Plan

What was your first job? 

Working at the local movie theater

How old were you? 

16

How much did you earn? 

$5.25/hour

How did you get your first job? 

There was an ad in the newspaper. I applied, interviewed, and was told I would probably be hired. Then the theater started expansion construction that delayed me starting by at least six months.

What did you love (or hate) about your first job? 

I loved earning money and not having to rely on my parents as much. I hated the long hours and losing my weekends. I eventually got to work in the projection booth. Working the booth was a "promotion" and definitely interesting, but it also meant I had to stay until the last movie ended before I could go home. I got a lot of homework and reading done in between 11pm and 2-3am.

Advice 

  • Try something outside of your comfort zone
  • Don't take a mindless job -- do something that engages and stretches your abilities

Madison DuPaix, Kids & Money Guide, says:

Kevin makes a great point about tradeoffs. He was able to earn money, but had to trade a lot of his time on the weekends. When you are looking for your first job, think about which tradeoffs you want to make.

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