Happy birthday to meeeee! 

Today I turn 48 (and mark 18 years as an independent consultant in communication dynamics – Wahoo!). Feeling nostalgic about my life, my mind has wandered to my early jobs, and how they shaped my work today. I figured you might get a laugh out of these early jobs so I’m sharing some here. (I guarantee you’ll be surprised by some!) 

Age 14 – Milk Bar Shop Assistant 

Lesson: Black Cat lollies turn your tongue black. Eat too many and denial is impossible!  

Reflection: Self-control is key. Everything in moderation. 

Age 17 – Cape Schanck Lighthouse Tour Guide 

Lesson: Sound confident, and people will follow—even if you look 14.  

Reflection: Authority comes from how you communicate. A script can work wonders. 

Age 18 – Weekend Receptionist at a Real Estate Agency 

Lesson: Left alone, I organise everything.  

Reflection: Structure brings sanity. Embrace it, especially during quiet times. 

Age 19 – Weekend Shop Assistant at Arthurs Seat Lookout 

Lesson: Winter gear is non-negotiable. Cold can kill you—or at least make you wish it would.  

Reflection: Preparation is survival. Be ready for anything. 

Age 19 ½ – Floor Supervisor at Portsea Hotel 

Lesson: Work hard, play hard, avoid the pool room! (Second-hand smoke is deadly.)  

Reflection: Balance is vital. Know your limits and set boundaries. 

Age 21 – Admin at Eden Brown Recruitment (UK) 

Lesson: Colleagues can’t read your mind. Hold boundaries with words, not tears.  

Reflection: Saying no is powerful. Protect your time and energy. 

Age 24 – Branch Manager at ANZ Bank, Melbourne CBD Branch 

Lesson: Being ‘in charge’ doesn’t mean customers think you’re ‘in charge’.  

Reflection: Perception trumps position. Make sure they match. 

Age 30 – Business Owner 

Lesson: No-one buys you, until you buy you.  

Reflection: Self-confidence is your first sale. Own it. 

Conclusion 

Each job, from shop assistant to business owner, has made me who I am. Here's to 48 years of life, 18 years of consulting, and the exciting lessons still to come. May you all be part of that journey. 

And what about you? 

What early work experiences have you had that shaped how you work today?

Anything surprising???