My first job (aside from the daily chores around the house) was that of a newspaper writer, editor, publisher, and delivery boy. I grew up in a small town of about 250 people in Harrison County, West Virginia. In October of 1969 (at the age of 9 and 12 respectively) my brother and I decided to make some money for Christmas. Since I had some creative talents and a desire to write, we began a family-run Newspaper business.

Using a collection of information from the local paper, Reader's Digest, the Bible, and a few other publications, we wrote our weekly subscription for almost two years. Mom and I would type it on a Royal typewriter, which could crank out about three or four copies when we used carbon paper. Yes, carbon paper. For those too young to remember, just follow the link; you'll be amazed. After school, we'd gather up the newsprint from the previous day's production and head out for a little door to door sales. (Too funny, huh?) The papers were sold for a whooping 5 cents each, although sometimes we'd score big and get a quarter.

That early entrepreneurial spirit is now reflected in five work-related tips that have served the hallway well over the years.

1. Work at going to school. This is not me telling you to get a job working at the school. I mean treat going to school as a job. If you do that job well, then your education will be your weekly pay check. It is a proven fact that folks with an education may earn upwards of 3 to 4 times that of someone who either performed poorly, or did not finish school.
2. Work for yourself. Start a small business and work it in the evenings or during the time off from a job that pays the bills. I think you know what I mean here without a lot of explanation. If not, then comment below and I'll fill you in.
3. Work as an unpaid intern. There are many companies who partner with local schools and colleges to offer course credit for intern work. Currently, the credit union offers several unpaid intern positions. It is a win-win-win all around. The student receives real life experiences beyond the classroom, and has another entry for a resume. The credit union is contributing to the educational system and its community, plus has the added benefit of potentially training a new hire for future employment.
4. Work any job within your field. Sometimes it means that you accept an entry level position paying less than what you had expected while you gain valuable experience. This is a very good idea for young folks living with mom and dad. Case in point: my daughter wanted to work in criminal justice, so she accepted a job working security in the shoe department of a major retail store, which paid less than the job at the cosmetic counter. During the  interview and selection process she was told that her degree and security experience had landed her a job as a Police Officer.
5. Work your contacts. Yes, good ol' fashioned networking pays big dividends. Don't be afraid to ask your contacts for help. For example: your pastor is someone in your contact list, probably a Facebook friend, a person who tweets, or an avid blogger, too. He may not know of a job for you, but he will surely know someone who does. Therefore keep this in mind... it's not just who you know that counts; it's who you know that they know.

So, now you've heard it straight from Troy talking tough in the hallway. "What works for you?" This blog may not be as tough as other posts, but it is Thursday and nonetheless your chance to talk with Troy.

BTW... a special shout out to my new friends at WAY FM 100.9 that I met on Saturday, January 23rd who said they'd like to talk tough with Troy on Thursdays (grin).