Moving Coordinator
Description:
I and a buddy worked for Wayne Moving, a North American Moving division. We were laborers, lifting everything from refrigerators, to cubicle walls, computers, lab equipment, beds, furniture, personal belongings, and at times a piano. Over the years, we were promoted as supervisors, giving us better pay (which was already great) We worked for a very generous business woman, Margie, and we could choose which days we wanted to work on a week to week basis, for up to 6 days a week). We learned to be polite, and help all sorts of people, and it was a great workout as well as great leadership experience.
How I got the idea / found the employment:
We both came across the job through the older brother of a friend who spent several years working there. I believe he still works there today. Through this connection, 5 friends from high school all ended up working together over several summers. All we had to do was meet Margie at her home and fill out some paperwork including drivers license information. Then it was just a matter of calling Margie each evening to get the directions for the next day's job, and then bring her gas receipts at the end of the day.
Challenges I faced, and how I overcame them:
At first I was not in sufficient physical condition to keep up with the others. I was shorter than most of the other guys, and so large, heavy and awkward to lift objects were especially difficult for me to not just lift, but to carry (especially up and down stairs). It turns out I wasn't the only one who felt that way- several of the other guys my age was also afraid to speak up. I brought it up to them, and we began to lift things in pairs when we couldn't lift it alone. A different challenge I faced was the language, conversation, drug use, and attitudes of other crew members. No one but my bud and I were LDS, and this was a common subject of ridicule (that is, to be Mormon). Eventually, as embarrassing as it was, I requested the guys to lay off us, and expressed my disdain for that language and its use. Some mocked me after that from afar, but the language did subside somewhat. Others admired us in secret, and requested we be on their crews for the next few years.)
What I learned:
I learned that I want a college education, and that moving is not something I want to make a career out of. Some of the guys had no alternatives, and limited options (they couldn't pass a required drug test for other jobs). I did learn to be tolerant of people. I worked with people from all backgrounds, race, and social status. Religious, political and sports views differed. I learned to converse and be outspoken, and have an opinion, as well as the importance of teamwork, and putting differences aside. Although I did not agree with all and their life choices, I learned to admire and respect each of them for some personal quality. I think it's a great job which opens one's eyes to the world, and is great for saving up for college.
Rental Property Manager
Description:
When I was about fourteen I was given the opportunity to be the manager of a lakeside cabin. My responsibilities included taking phone calls, booking reservations for the cabin, checking the web site for information or reservation requests, cleaning the cabin to prepare it for guests, checking guests in and out, and acting as a middle-man between the guests and the owner of the cabin.
How I got the idea / found the employment:
My father actually owned the cabin being rented out, and so I was lucky enough to have that connection. My father asked me if I would be interested in doing the work of the property manager and made it clear that I was still expected to fulfill the job requirements as if I was a professional. He made it clear that I would lose the job if I did not fulfill my responsibilities.
Challenges I faced, and how I overcame them:
While acting as the manager of this rental property, I had to deal with some guests who were rude and impatient. I tried my best to act patiently towards them in a professional way. I also had to work to improve my organizational skills in order to remember to check the emails for the business regularly and to respond to emails and phone calls in a timely manner.
What I learned:
This rental property management job helped me learn that you get more out of a job when you put more into it. When I worked diligently and consistently I was able to help book more rental times every summer and to impress customers who would then return the next summer. This translated into more revenue for me and the business. If I wanted to make more money, I had to help sign up customers to stay in the cabin. Consequently, I also learned a little bit about advertising for a business on the internet as well, though I didn’t actually do the advertising. This job was very enjoyable and rewarding. It helped teach me that you reap the benefits of your ambitious efforts and plans.
Secretary
Description:
I provided secretarial services such as answering the phone, computer input, and file organization. Once I was taught, I was able to estimate the price of jobs (bid jobs). This consisted of figuring out how much material was needed for the job, and then inputting that into the computer for an estimate of price. I was also able to observe business interactions, and speak with the owner about business techniques. Working with a small company, I was able to get a sense of how small businesses work, how successful they can be, and how hard it can be to keep them successful. A smaller company also provides closer relationships with people you work with, and your employees. It requires that you know how to work and communicate well with people- not only those who work with you but also those whom you employ.
How I got the idea / found the employment:
The company I worked for is a family business- my dad owns the company. Working with a close relative has its pros and cons. When you work with someone you know the conversations are more open. From these conversations, as well as observations, I was able to learn a lot about running a small business. The Cons from working with someone so close is sometimes you get lazy. It is easy to show up to work late, or to slack off in your responsibilities. Just remember when you are working for someone you know, you don’t let yourself get lazy- always put forth your best effort.
Challenges I faced, and how I overcame them:
Since I was working for my dad, it was sometimes hard to give him respect as an employer (as my boss), and not as my dad and friend. Occasionally, my father would get onto me about slacking off, but for the most part it required me to develop self discipline. The difficulties in keeping a small business successful can be very stressful at times. Keeping a relaxed attitude in situations like that can be hard at times. There were times when I had to remind my self that it was just business- nothing personal.
What I learned:
I think the number one thing I learned in working with this company is how to work hard. I also learned how beneficial and prosperous a small company can be. It is hard to keep such a small company running, but if you work hard and are creative you will benefit from it in the long run. I also learned to always be aware of current events, how the stock market is doing, and things of that sort. These events will heavily affect your business, no matter what you may be selling. One thing that I learned that I think is so vital to a good business, is how you treat your customers, your employees, and those who you work with. Always treat everyone around you with respect, and be honest with them. Even if your company does not have the cheapest product, people may choose to work with you because of your good work and good customer service- give them a reason to trust you. You aren’t trying to swindle them out of their money, but trying to help them and make a profit while doing it. : )
Warehouse Manager
Warehouse Manager
Description:
I was basically in charge of all of the storage, shipping and receiving for a small company that sold christmas lights and set up for trade shows across the western states. The company was very small with only 4 employees, yet it serviced many other companies and was a multimillion dollar enterprise. Some (luckily very little) secretarial work was necessary for taking orders for lights and filing, and I was allowed a lot of freedom in establishing my own methods and finding the best ways to do things with the company. I also often times was able to work with several other companies and work on inter-company relations.
Another very fun aspect of the job was traveling around the western U.S. setting up for the various companies that hired us to assemble and dissemble trade shows and conventions. We had all of the equipment to set up booths, stations, and exhibits, which we transported to the venue and set up. I was in charge of, as warehouse manager, all of the inventory and equipment that we needed for these trade shows. I had to come up with an efficient way to organize all of the equipment and be able to move massive amounts around the warehouse easily and quickly to be successful. Creative thinking was a skill that came in handy in the workplace, and was more fun than other desk jobs that I had experienced.
How I got the idea / found the employment:
My father always said that the best way to find a good job was by networking with people that you already know. I asked around, talking with friends and neighbors about possible employment opportunities, and I heard of this great job from a family friend who knew the owner of the small business. After a check of my resumé and a interview, he offered me the job and I accepted.
Challenges I faced, and how I overcame them:
The best and worst part of the job was the freedom that I had in establishing my own methods. There were almost zero guidelines or rules for doing my job when I was hired. I basically was hired to learn how to do something new and establish efficient practices while keeping up with work and the demand of our customers. At first I felt like I had no help, with no example to look to or rules to rely on, but with some critical thinking and analyzation I was able to slowly but surely see what was effective and what wasn't in managing.
It was also difficult to be out of town 5 out of every 10 days setting up for the conventions. This pulled me away from my responsibilities in shipping and receiving and made it hard for me to account for new inventory that piled up in the warehouse while I was gone. I learned to multitask, keeping track of inventory coming into the warehouse through online receipts and tracking systems, while maintaining order by organizing the warehouse and locating products where I could easily find what I needed and move it throughout the warehouse with ease.
All of these problems had solutions, but it took time for me to see the big picture and adapt. Through time, I established a set of helpful rules and organized my workplace, increasing my efficiency dramatically.
What I learned:
I learned the value and excitement of governing one's self in the workplace through this employment. I felt a satisfaction that hadn't been present in past jobs that I had worked, and I knew that when I worked hard, the job became easier, and that I was working more effectively. The freedoms that I experienced helped me have an open mind in solving the every-day problems that I faced. I also loved working an a small company where I felt like I was a valued member and not some low-level drone. Knowing my boss personally and talking with him face-to-face daily, as well as updating him as to my progress and findings was fun and made the experience more personable. It allowed me to offer even my boss advice on how I thought things should have been done. Although I was rarely right in offering this advice, he valued the fact that I was only trying to help him. I would highly recommend getting involved in a small company and working toward a common goal with your fellow employees who then become your friends.