For some reason, I have been in a hurry my whole life. I remember having an argument with my parents when I was very young. I wanted to buy some candy, and they wouldn't give me the money. In fact, they never gave me any money.
The definition of "allowance" was unknown to my parents. This had never been a part of their culture. Why should they give their children money? If we needed something, we asked. If it were school supplies or clothes, my parents would buy it. But money for doing chores? Not likely. If we didn't do our chores, we got sore butts.
In any case, from a very young age, I developed a very independent streak. I wanted the freedom to buy what I wanted when I wanted, and the freedom to...well...just plain do what I wanted without being told.
In the midst our argument, my father told me that when I found a job and made my own money, I could then buy whatever I liked. It was my money, I had earned it and I could spend it on anything.
OK, deal!
Did I mention this argument took place when I was 9 years old? I clearly remember getting the newspaper, opening up the classifieds section and making some phone calls. (Sometimes I miss my naive, courageous 9-year old self).
My first call was to a hair salon. They were looking to hire a shampoo girl. This, I could do at the age of 9. When I called, I asked to speak with the owner. I mentioned that I was looking to be their shampoo girl. She asked if I had any experience, and unfortunately, I did not. When she asked my age, that didn't go over so well either and she hung up the phone. I did not have much better luck with anything else I saw in the newspaper.
The next day at school, a priest came into our classroom (I went to Catholic School.) He wanted to know if any of the students were interested in working in the Church Rectory after school. I raised my hand so fast, the poor priest had no idea what to think- but there it was. I did it. I had a job!
I met with the Rectory Manager the next day after school and she explained all the job duties. We would have to stuff the Church bulletins with the inserts for that week. Also, a cook would come in every evening to prepare dinner for the priests and any guests they were hosting. We would have to serve them dinner, then clean up the table and load the dishwasher. We also had to answer the Rectory's phone and take messages.
Every Wednesday was a half day at our school. On this day, instead of working at the Rectory, we worked with the nuns in the Religion School. Here, we helped them file paperwork and make copies. Also, the teachers who taught CCD would bring in their children while they taught class and we would play games with them.
Once a week we were paid in small orange envelopes. It was the best day of the week! I started off making $3.00 per week and eventually got a raise to $3.50. I was so happy!
My parents were very supportive. They felt I was getting a great learning experience and maturing. Looking back, I definitely agree and have no regrets. I had the freedom to run down the block with my friend to the local candy store and buy whatever I wanted- and I didn't have to ask anyone for the money!
While many people might think its wrong to start working so early, I appreciated it. But I was always in such a hurry to finish things quickly. I graduated from High School at the age of 16 because I started school early. I graduated college in 3 years because I was in such a hurry to get my degree. Now, I look back and wonder why I was in such a hurry? I realize that I never really experienced many things because I was too busy thinking of ways to take shortcuts or bypass something so that I could get to the end of it.
That's the way life is today for many people too. Few people stop to smell the roses. Few people slow down to appreciate the experience and the ride, and instead focus on the finish line and the end game.
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