What 'Entry Level' Taught Me

This blog has been in draft mode for the past week. Here's my final:

Yesterday was my last day at my first job. This was my first 'real job' out of college, and I was able to put the skills I learned in class to use. It was great. Now, in the next two weeks, I will move away from my family and begin a new job. But everything I was taught is not lost on me, and I'd like to share with you all some things I learned at my Entry Level job.

1) Money isn't everything. It sure can help, though. If the opportunity is right, find ways to cut costs and save. This won't be your salary forever.

2) Show others respect. You'll get it back, I promise. It may take a while. It may take until the very last day you are at your job, but you'll get it back.

3) Volunteer for extra projects. You'll learn a load from the different people you meet. You may be busy, but you'll quickly get a knack for what you like most about your job... and also what you like least.

4) Your first boss will either be awesome or awful. Either way, they're still your boss. And, more often than not, they're your boss for a reason. I was fortunate enough to have a boss and team of coworkers that not only mentored me but were also exceptional at their job. Try to learn from them.

5) Make friends with your coworkers. I wouldn't have survived without the friends I made. Sometimes your job sucks. Sometimes you just want to leave. And having someone there to vent to can make all the difference. On the flip side, having someone there to jump up and down with when you do something great is a warm and tingly feeling.

6) Don't gossip. And don't allow others to gossip to you. I almost put this at Number One. I fell in and out of the gossip chains. I tried my best to refrain from gossip, but I love juicy stuff far too much to stop someone from sharing. Remember, though, if they share the juicy, they'll also share everything else. And some stuff you just don't want to know about. So be careful which doors you decide to open because they sometimes can't be closed. 

7) Take your lunch break. You won't get paid extra if you stay through lunch. Whether it's a 15 minute walk around your building, a 45 minute drive to Target or a one hour breather with your work BFF, it'll keep you sane.

8) Don't stay late everyday. But don't leave when the whistle blows either. This is your first job. You haven't mastered it yet so take the time you need- at home and at work.

9) Be truthful to your boss. If you're not receiving the training, development or mentorship you need then how will things get better if you stay quiet? This rule goes hand in hand with the saying "Stand up for yourself because if you don't, who will?"

10) Make the decision that is best for you. One day it will be time for you to leave. You may be overjoyed and you may be sad, but either way, most Entry Level jobs are just that: entry level. You enter your career there and aren't supposed to stay forever. Keep good contacts though, so if you ever try and return the interview process will be shorter.