Dropping In: The Gift of Crummy First Jobs — Learning What You Don’t Want to Do

Published 12:30 pm Wednesday, May 28, 2025

As the stars align, my three daughters are set to graduate from college, each with a degree in the humanities. One from the University of Oregon and two from Portland State University, they embody a trend that diverges from the STEM-focused narratives often touted in today’s educational landscape. With no immediate plans for graduate school, they are poised to enter the workforce, likely starting with jobs rather than careers.

The Reality of First Jobs

While they already hold part-time positions, the transition to full-time work looms ahead. One daughter recently expressed her frustration with her current job, feeling trapped by her lack of experience. This sentiment resonates with many young adults today, who often grapple with the pressure of aligning their first jobs with their long-term aspirations.

To my daughters and others in similar situations, I offer this advice: don’t stress too much about your first job. While some individuals have a clear vision of their career path, many of us find that our early jobs serve as stepping stones, guiding us toward what we truly want—or don’t want—to do.

Lessons from the Past

Reflecting on my own journey, I recall my first job at Herrington’s Home Services, a maid service run by a mother-daughter duo. At ages 19 to 21, while attending community college, I learned the ins and outs of cleaning homes. One client even remarked, “You’re going to make a great husband someday.” While that prediction may not have panned out, I did acquire valuable life skills, such as how to make a bed and operate a vacuum cleaner.

Back then, I struggled with feelings of inadequacy, especially when I confided in my girlfriend about my discomfort with cleaning toilets. Her response was simple yet profound: “It’s a job. You are not your job.” This lesson would echo throughout my career.

Unexpected Connections

Another cleaning job led me to a pivotal moment in my life: meeting my future wife, Catherine, while working as seasonal room attendants at a hotel near Denali National Park in Alaska. Despite the lowly nature of our work, it was a transformative experience that changed the trajectory of my life.

By age 26, I began to apply my psychology degree in various roles, including as a residential case aide at a group home in Illinois. This job was both challenging and enlightening, offering me a glimpse into the complexities of mental health care. However, my aspirations to write were always simmering beneath the surface.

The Turning Point

My journey took a significant turn when I accepted a position as a counselor at a teen detox facility in Tampa. This role was fraught with challenges, including a memorable incident where a teenager managed to kick open a supposedly secure door. In the chaos that ensued, I realized I was not cut out for counseling. The day I decided to quit—March 19, 1995—was etched in my memory, coinciding with Michael Jordan’s return to the NBA. It felt like a moment of clarity for both of us.

Finding My Path

After leaving the detox facility, I secured a proofreading job at Totaltape Publishing, despite having no understanding of terms like “amortization.” This position opened the door to the publishing world, leading to an internship at The Weekly Planet, Tampa Bay’s alternative weekly newspaper. The newsroom, with its cluttered desks and vibrant atmosphere, ignited my passion for journalism.

Through hard work and determination, I transitioned from an unpaid intern to a full-time staff writer by the time I turned 28. This journey taught me that persistence pays off, and that the jobs we take early in our careers, no matter how seemingly insignificant, can lead us to our true calling.

Conclusion: Embracing the Journey

As my daughters prepare to embark on their own professional journeys, I encourage them to embrace the uncertainty of their first jobs. Each experience, whether good or bad, contributes to their growth and understanding of what they truly want in life. The crummy jobs may not define them, but they will undoubtedly shape their futures.

In the end, it’s not just about finding the right job; it’s about learning what you don’t want to do, paving the way for a fulfilling career ahead. So, to all the young adults out there: take that first step, and remember, every job is a lesson in disguise.