My First Job

When I was 10 years old, My Parents and I talked about a business I could start on my own. 


 
 

We talked about all sorts of things,
but in the end,
I decided that
I would start a Service
 of Refuse Collector Work,
where I took our family's trash and the neighbor's trashcans out,
(and then back in)
on Trash Days.

 It was pretty hard work because I had to get up at 6 in the morning to beat the Garbage Truck.  They paid me 25 cents for each can I moved. 

 I was very ready to start this business, because I needed money for stuff, and I wanted to have a chance to show my Mom and Dad that I could do something like this.

I have learned a lot of Lessons doing my job.  Here are a few of them: 


Hard Work
AT first, I was really excited to be working for money, and helping out my neighbors, too.   But, then I started to hate getting up so early, especially in the winter, because it was icy, or snowy.  On those days, it was hard to get out of bed.  I was getting grouchy and having a bad attitude about that for a while. 







My Dad had a talk with me then, and  told me that my job was important, especially for the old people because they might fall on the ice.  I was really helping people, AND earning money to buy what I wanted WITH my own money.  

My Dad told me to focus on the PAYOFF, which was the $$, and also that I was helping others. 

So I began to grumble less, and get up without so much trouble. 

Now I get up pretty good, I guess because I am used to it, plus I DO like having that CASH to spend!
.

Self-CONTROL

my self regulation Submarine Sticker Chart
I made it to help me get ready faster
without arguing

Self Regulation is a word I learned a long time ago, but I didn't like the word, or what it meant.  I remember when I used to put sticker charts on paper to help me get ready for church and school in the morning.  I had a Submarine Sticker Chart.  It was fun, but it did get boring after awhile. 



I like going and buying THINGS
 

With my business, I get to make all the decisions.  I decided to expand to the next block from our house, but if I wanted to, I  could decide to quit it.  My parents say it is up to me. 

 What I like is that I also get to spend the money my own way.  I do give some to Jesus, some to spend, and I save some in my Bank Account.  But I could spend it all if I wanted to.  My parents let me make that decision, because it is my business. 





I like collecting Hex Bugs and
their Habitats

At first, I spent all the money on toys.  That decision was not wise.  Then I did not have money to give to a Missionary who visited our Congregation one Sunday.  I felt really bad about that.  Now I save a little of the money for things that come up, like Missions, or projects , and for Operation Christmas Child. 




Sometimes I buy Pizza for my whole family,
but it wipes out my earnings. 
Ten Dollars for 2 Pizzas is actually 40 trash cans taken out! 

 I am glad that my parents let me make the decisions myself.  They say it will help me in my future, like when I go to college like my cousins did.  It will teach me about spending, saving, and what they call "budgeting."  It already is teaching me that.