The First Job: Lessons Beyond the Paycheck
During playoff season, my son’s football team enjoyed a pregame meal at LongHorn Steakhouse. Just hearing the name brought back a flood of memories. LongHorn was where I had my very first job. I was 15 years old, determined, a little naïve, and I wouldn’t take no for an answer.
Growing up in a small town, there was excitement when news spread that LongHorn Steakhouse was coming. I was the first in line to apply for a job, riding my bike straight to their doors with an application in hand. They were hesitant to hire me because of my age, but I was persistent and eventually I had my first job. During orientation, George McKerrow, the founder of LongHorn Steaks, pointed me out as the youngest employee they had ever hired. That moment made me realize I had a lot to prove. I took that job seriously.
Working as a hostess taught me lessons I did not know I needed to learn. I discovered the value of hard work—bussing tables, running food, and helping wherever I could. Waitresses noticed. At the end of busy shifts, they’d share their tips with me. Maybe my work ethic came from my Eastern European roots, but the restaurant industry refined it. Hustle, teamwork, and helping others—those lessons have stayed with me for life.
I waited tables throughout high school and college. I always had a shoebox under my bed with a couple thousand dollars in cash, all earned from tips. That box was not just about the money; it was the manifestation of discipline, hard work, and the satisfaction of earning it myself.
Years later, my daughter had her first job at 13, working at a tennis center. They could not pay her wages, so they offered free tennis lessons and use of their facilities instead. When I asked her what she learned, I expected her to talk about improving her game. Instead, she said, “When you speak to a group, you have to talk loudly.” It made me smile. Leading summer camps, she learned confidence, communication, and leadership—skills that will serve her well for years to come.
First jobs teach us more than we realize at the time—responsibility, the value of money, and how to work with people. They show us what we are capable of and plant seeds of resilience and grit.
One of my favorite parts of being an investment advisor is hearing clients’ stories—how they started, what they have built, and the challenging paths they have taken. It is amazing how often first jobs come up in those conversations as the basis for shaping a personal approach to work and life.
As we close out the year, I’m reminded of how grateful I am for those early lessons, and for the opportunities to keep learning and growing. Wishing you and your loved ones a Happy New Year filled with health, happiness, and success. Here’s to a wonderful 2025!
Caroline McInerney