Unforgettable Lessons From My First-Ever Job: My Journey As A First-Time Teacher

Our first jobs are like stepping stones. Just like a larva metamorphoses into a butterfly, our first job is like a stepping stone that catapults us to adulthood and independence. Not only do first jobs kickstart us into adulthood, but they also help improve our strengths and work on our weaknesses. They also help teach valuable life lessons. Whether your first job was selling pepper at the market, working as a chauffeur for a rich person, or even working as an attendant in a restaurant, the experiences of our first jobs will always be a part of us.

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Do you remember your first job? How was it for you? I know for sure that many of us were scared and nervous the first time we started working. We had a mix of emotions. We were confused and hoped the day would run ten times faster. We entered an unfamiliar territory where we met unfamiliar faces. Some of us were on the verge of giving up and saying “Not today! I'm not ready for my first job.” Somehow, we stayed back and allowed life to do whatever it pleases. Somehow, we mixed with our coworkers and they became a part of our lives. Some of them became friends while others became a part of our family.

Do you remember the smell of your first paycheck? How many times did you count the money to make sure it was complete? How many times did you recount it to make sure you were not dreaming? Do you remember the things you used the money to do? Did you spend it lavishly or you used it for something important?

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For many of us, our first jobs were awesome. We had beautiful and amazing experiences, while others had ugly experiences. They wished that hadn't written that application letter. They wished they had not gone for the job interview. Unfortunately, I'm one of the people that regret their first job experiences. I'll always remember my first job experience not only because it was ugly, but also because it taught me a lot of lessons.

WHAT WAS THE VERY FIRST JOB I EVER DID?

Shortly after I graduated from high school, I applied for a teaching job in a primary school/elementary school. I got the job immediately because I met the requirements, plus they needed teachers urgently. I was young and had no experience in teaching. Actually, I had no experience in any other job. I am a smart person, so I was able to handle things well. After I graduated from high school, I didn’t want to stay at home and do nothing, so I decided to take on a job and learn new things. I was so happy when I got the job. I told my parents and siblings about it and they were also very happy to hear the good news. I didn’t have any corporate wear at home, so I rushed off to the market and got a few corporate clothes. I was hyped. I brought out my black shoe and polished it neatly. I got the job on a Friday, I resumed work the next Monday.

I remember my first day at work like it was yesterday. I was so nervous that my hands began to shake. The school principal who was also the owner of the school, showed me around and told me all that I needed to know about the school. She told me that I’d be teaching the students Civic education. “Pffffff! Easy peasy!” I thought to myself. Civic education has been one of my favorite subjects since primary school. I was so certain I wouldn’t have a problem teaching the subject. My heart skipped a beat when I walked into the class. The faces of the students scared me to the extent that I was numb for a few seconds. But as soon as I taught them and left the class, my worries faded away.

HOW DID IT GO FOR ME AND WHY DID I LEAVE IT?

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My first job started well until a few hours later when my boss switched things up. After teaching the students, I headed back to the staff’s room to rest. I got to the staff’s room and placed my head on the desk. Almost immediately, the principal came in and knocked on the desk. She begged me to teach a class CRS (Christian Religious Studies) because the teacher was not around. CRS was also one of my favorites, so I had no problem with it. Before I knew it I’d started teaching 3 subjects. I couldn’t say anything about it because the principal was strict and mean.

At the end of the month when the time came for me to get paid, the principal pleaded with me and told me stories. She said a lot of students are yet to pay up their school fees and that she’d pay me before the middle of the next month. It went on like this for 3 months. Yes! I taught the students in that school for 3 months without getting paid a single penny. To worsen the case, the school principal was so arrogant and disrespectful. Just because you’re in a position of authority does not mean you should use your power to oppress others. She treated her workers with disrespect. I wasn’t the only one that left after the third month, about three other teachers also left.

WHAT LESSONS DID I GET FROM IT?

Although my first job was not as great as I imagined it to be, I learned a lot of things. That job brought out a lot of skills in him. It deepened my courage. Not so many people can teach publicly, but that job taught me how to do that. My first job also taught me the importance of planning. Planning lesson notes was not an easy task for me. Somehow, I learnt it and got used to it.

The relationship I built with my students was amazing. We became very close in no time. I brought myself down to their level so they’d understand my explanations. Guiding and teaching them was truly fulfilling.

WOULD I GO BACK THERE IF I HAD THE CHANCE?

Definitely not! Once bitten, twice shy!

Thanks for reading.