learning from past jobs

For me the things I am able to do every day have a lot to do with my past experiences. Especially the jobs I have had. I know that something can always be learned in every circumstance, you just have to look for it. Sometimes you have to look really really hard!

I’ve made a list below of every job I have held in my 29 years and something I learned from them:

They are in order starting at age 14-

1. Local newspaper- Classic, sucked. I learned how to throw really well.

2. Golf Course- Best ever! Free golf and as much food as I wanted every day. I was growing and always starving. I learned how to golf really really well.

3. Pizza maker- Walked out on a busy Friday night. I learned that being abused by the boss is not ok.

4. Walmart- I learned how to organize a lot of shelves.

5. Veterinarian assistant- I learned how to stitch up animals after a spayed, neutering or ear cropping. Also learned how to put dead animals in the freezer
properly.

6. Sawmill- Lasted 3 days. I learned I don’t like the smell of exhaust from forklifts. I also learned how to pick sawdust out of my ears, nose and other areas at the end of the day.

7. Pharmaceutical wherehouse- learned how to work by myself without going crazy.

8. Computer assembly- Quit when they told us we couldn’t have music playing anymore. I learned how to speak some Spanish.

9. Carpet cleaner- Started a small carpet cleaning company. I learned how to surprise people by giving awesome customer service.

10. Pizza delivery- I learned how to find crazy addresses in the dark.

11. Alta ski area- Now we’re talking. Free skiing all winter. I learned how to carve some crazy lines in fresh deep powder.

12. Banker- I learned how to count a whole lot of money.

13. Operator for an insurance company- I learned how old people were getting screwed over by insurance salesmen.

14. Landscaper-  I learned that digging 200 holes for fence posts in a single day is a whole lot of work.

15. Waiter at a BBQ place- I learned how to work fast under pressure.

16. Substitute teacher- Taught 1st-12 grades.  I learned that teachers are way under appreciated.

17. Waiter at the Olive Garden- Again fast and under pressure. Also learned how to work it for phone numbers and tips.

18. Waiter at Macaroni Grill- I learned what not to do as a boss.

19. Waiter at Carrabas. I learned I really hated Italian by then.

20. Shoe salesman- I learned that some people really don’t take care of their feet.

21. Waited tables in Alaska- I learned that tourists are really annoying. Especially just off a cruise ship.

22. Assistant marketer in a university athletic department- I learned how to offer help and value before asking for anything in return.

23. Back to Alaska waiting tables at Sullivan’s Steakhouse. I learned all about wine and how to sell it (We had over 1200 different bottles).

24. Assistant cross country and track coach- I learned how to take orders from a head coach who had never ran a day in his life. It was really difficult.

25. Professional photographer- Quite a jump there. I’ve learned that nothing is more important than pursuing your passion in life. Whatever that may be.

That is a lot of jobs.

So tell me this:
What have you learned from all of the jobs that you have ever had?