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Tuesday, September 22, 2015

Everyday I'm Hustlin'

Today I'm partnering with TheLadders to give you a glimpse into my first jobs and what I've learned from these experiences--which ultimately led me to where I am today!

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My first jobs were anything but glamorous. The very first "job" I remember doing was basically hustlin' my dad for extra allowance. I was around eight years old at the time and wanted to save up for some super cool 90s toy (you can fill in the blank--although in all honesty it was probably a WonderBall. Does anyone else miss those chocolatey, candy filled miracles?).

So, I volunteered to help with yard work, for a price. I would pick up "gum balls" that fell from the sweet gum tree, pinecones, and scoop dog poop.

My dad made a special arrangement that I'd get paid by the pound of whatever I picked up. It was probably somewhere around $0.25 per pound of pinecones and $0.10 per pound of poop.

Told y'all. NOT GLAMOROUS!

I distinctly remember scooping extra mud and dirt with every scoop of poop so it would weigh more and I'd get more money. See? Hustlin'. I also, to this day, have an IOU that I've saved detailing how much my dad owed me for all of the poop I scooped--I even had a line item for interest! I've been a hustler before I even knew what that meant. In a good way, of course.

I also babysat here and there and worked summer camp a few summers. It was while working these jobs that I learned that children are not for me. I wasn't ready for kids then and at twenty-four, I'm still not ready. Maybe one day. 

Throughout these various random jobs, my dad instilled two truths in me that I still reference to this day. (Hey dad! Youdabest!)




ONE. Work hard and Hustle. No one is going to just hand it to you. You have to work for it and you have to earn it. It won't be easy, but it'll be worth it.


TWO. Be able to support yourself. It's important to do something you love, but it's also important to be able to pay the bills and support yourself. I have a boyfriend of almost seven years that I'm going to marry one of these days, but he would always say (God forbid) if something were to happen, you don't want to be left broken hearted and flat out broke!

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Fast forward a few years and I've kept these truths with me. It was hard finding my first job. It sucked getting rejected or ignored a thousand times. But, ultimately, after lots of hard work I found a job (and started this blog in the process) and have not only gotten to connect to an industry that's basically the coolest, but learn a lot along the way!


24 comments:

  1. My first job was babysitting. For my mums friends and for my sister (which paid less haha) Then I was a Saturday girl n a hairdresser, before minimum wage, and it was HARD I was treated like dirt! So glad I got out of that!

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  2. I remember doing chores to earn money when I was younger. This ranged from doing laundry, dishes and everything in between. My parents always told me that if I wanted something I had to earn it. At the time I may have hated that but it has helped me become a hard worker now.

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  3. The amount of retail jobs I worked starting out.. it's so true! Work hard and hustle (enter salsa dancing emoji here)
    www.kayleighskloset.com

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  4. The struggle is so real at first - the payoff is worth it. Success is earned, not given!

    Alessandra | blog.pumpup.com

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  5. I've always been a firm believer that as women we need to get our education and be able to support ourselves, because our education and career can never wake up one more and leave, telling us they don't love us anymore. I loved this post!

    xoxo, SS

    The Southern Stylista

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  6. Mad respect for your former 8-year-old hustler! I was the same way for when I went to work with my mom and helped her organize or file. I absolutely agree with #2. Above all, be able to stand on your own two feet. Thanks for this post, Allison!

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  7. My first job was babysitting/nannying and while I do love kids, it was pretty tough.
    I love your take aways -- I definitely want to be able to fend for myself and not rely on anyone else to support me.

    xoxo, Jenny || Breakfast at Lillys

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  8. Aww wonderballs lol I remember! My first job was at a local themepark (I felt cool)

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  9. Girl, you have some serious drive! I admire your hustle!! Also, love the title of this post

    -Morgan
    How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com

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  10. My first jobs were never glamourous either! I love that you mentioned it isn't just important to love what you do but it's also important to pay the bills. Ideally we can pay the bills doing what we love but realistically we will all have to do a bit of work we don't love along the way (:

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  11. I hear you on this ... the hustle is real but paying the bills at the end of the day counts!

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  12. These two truths are exactly that... TRUE! I love it. Love what you do and pay the bills would be a perfect combo.. haha!

    Lauren
    The Fashionista's Diary

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  13. Those are some great tips! I think we all hustled our parents a little as a child. I used to get paid to give my dad back massages!

    xx. Brittany | Southern Soul

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  14. My parents have taught me similar truths! My first job was working for my dad at the shop he owned. It was one of the best jobs I ever had because I got to spend so much quality time with my dad!

    Kayla | kaylablogs.com

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  15. I;m such a firm believer that you have to work hard and hustle to get where you want!

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  16. Im all about the hustle! My first job was at Subway! lol. Hey, I got free food AND they paid me. What else could a girl ask for?

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  17. Both are so true! Hustling is the most important, because you really have to work hard in everything you do

    Nicole // Chronicling Home

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  18. These are SO true! I've been praised for my ability to figure it out on my own! You have to try it yourself, it's perfect. You have to treat every task as really important!

    xoxo

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  19. So so true! Working on my hustle, I'll get there!

    Courtney//As We Stumble Along

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  20. Hustle mama!! And be a go getter that's another thing I've learned about the work world.

    liz jo @ sundays with sophie

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  21. The story of you scooping extra mud and dirt with the poop made me laugh out loud!! Love that you were hustling at such a young age! These are great life tips!

    xo Ashley

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  22. Great tips!! #hustle

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  23. My mom owned a preschool for 15 years, and I know that growing up and watching her do her thing was what has inspired me to be so independent and hardworking. I was also raised to be able to support myself, because you never know what the future holds!

    XX, SS || A Little Seersucker Sass

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  24. Totally agree with the whole working hard bit. Even if you're entry level, there's not that much room for error!

    xo, Alicia | Alicia Tenise

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