This week the credit union kicks off the search for our new 2010 Young & Free South Carolina Spokesperson. It got me thinking and reflecting back to some of the early jobs I had, lessons learned, and a solid understanding that a little hard work never hurt anyone.

Growing up in Vienna, Virginia, a small town in the suburbs of Washington, D.C., I began working in my early teens. My brother and I developed what turned out to be a thriving neighborhood lawn mowing business. About that time I learned ventriloquism and started entertaining at neighborhood birthday parties. My parents were supportive, but ensured school work was always the top priority.

While in high school I worked evenings cleaning offices at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). A gun-toting CIA security guy walked behind me as I vacuumed offices and emptied full ashtrays. Looking back, it seemed like everyone in those offices must have chain-smoked all day long! My other high school job was working at a lumber store, primarily to make $$$, but also to meet girls. The store owners hired the best looking high school girls as cashiers.

Fast forward to college. While at Virginia Tech I worked part-time during school in the cafeteria and then summers as a construction laborer. In fact, after a summer of backbreaking construction work, any thoughts about not going back to college in the fall were out the window. That hard work sure helped me crystallize my priorities!

What has all this taught me? First, a little hard work never hurt anyone. In fact, it helped me set definitive goals and become more financially independent. Second, it taught me how to be a more responsible individual. Third, all these jobs eventually helped me understand the importance of post-high school education.  Finally, having parents who instilled a strong work-ethic was a blessing.

That’s my perspective on work. Care to share yours?