Starting your first job during high school can feel exciting while also being a little intimidating at the same time. Between balancing schoolwork, new responsibilities, and learning to work with others, it’s a challenge that pushes you to grow in ways the classroom can’t. For me, getting my first job at the end of Year 9 was one of the most valuable experiences of my teenage years. Its taught me real-world skills, confidence, and independence that will last a lifetime.

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When I first started high school, the idea of having a job felt like something far in the future, something for older students or adults. But at the end of Year 9, I decided to apply for a few Christmas casual positions during the holidays. I didn’t really know what to expect. I just wanted to earn some money, gain experience, and challenge myself to step outside my comfort zone.

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What started as a short-term job soon became a significant step in one of the most meaningful and valuable experiences of my teenage years. Two years later, I’m still working in the same retail store, and I’ve learned so much, not just about work, but about people, balance, confidence, and responsibility.

Working during high school has shaped me in ways I never imagined, and I’ve realised just how many lessons come from taking that first step into the real world.

 

The start:

In the lead-up to Christmas at the end of Year 9, I was nervous but excited when I started applying for retail positions. I remember writing my very first résumé, walking into stores to hand it out, and hoping someone would give me a chance.

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Eventually, I was offered a Christmas casual job at a retail store. I was over the moon. It felt like my first real taste of independence. But at the same time, I was stepping into an environment full of new challenges. I had to learn quickly — how to greet customers, fold clothes neatly, use the register, and handle busy rushes with confidence and a smile. 

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That first Christmas period flew by in a blur of customers, gift wrapping, and late-night trade shifts. I learned to adapt fast, take feedback, and push myself to do better each day. At the end of the season, I was offered the opportunity to stay on as a casual employee, and I happily accepted. I didn’t realise it then, but this would become a long-term part of my life and growth throughout high school.

 

Transition 

Moving from a Christmas casual to a regular casual employee was a big step. It meant I wasn’t just a temporary worker anymore — I was part of the team. Over time, I gained more trust from my managers and began taking on extra responsibilities.

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I learned how to open and close the store, assist with stock deliveries, and help train new team members. Every new task pushed me to grow more confident and independent. I also began to understand the importance of professionalism — showing up on time, being reliable, and taking pride in my work.

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Retail work taught me how to stay calm under pressure, especially during busy weekends or sales. It also helped me develop problem-solving skills, whether that meant finding solutions for customer issues or adapting when plans changed. These experiences helped me realise that growth doesn’t come from staying comfortable — it comes from showing up, learning, and improving every day.

 

Meeting Different People and Building People Skills

One of the most rewarding parts of my job has been the people I’ve met along the way. Retail brings you into contact with a huge variety of people, customers of all ages, coworkers from different backgrounds, and managers with different leadership styles.

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Interacting with so many people has helped me develop strong communication and interpersonal skills. I’ve learned how to adjust my tone and approach based on who I’m talking to, whether it’s helping a parent find a gift, chatting with a child, or assisting an older customer. These interactions have taught me patience, empathy, and the importance of listening.

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Working in a team has also shown me how valuable positive relationships are in the workplace. Having supportive coworkers makes a huge difference, especially on busy days. I’ve learned how to collaborate, divide tasks, and help others when they’re struggling. Over time, I’ve become more confident speaking up, offering ideas, and taking initiative. These experiences have not only built my people skills, but also taught me how to create a positive work environment wherever I go.

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I’ve also formed amazing friendships with both co-workers and the managers who help me to grow and support me.

 

Balancing School and Work

Balancing a part-time job with schoolwork was one of the biggest challenges I faced — but also one of the most important lessons. At first, it was difficult to manage my shifts, homework, and study time. I quickly learned that time management is key.

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I started planning my weeks ahead, setting aside time for assignments and making sure I didn’t overcommit myself. Sometimes that meant saying no to extra shifts or waking up early to finish schoolwork before heading to work. It wasn’t always easy, but learning to balance both responsibilities helped me become more disciplined and organised.

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This balance has actually made me a better student. Having structure in my week has taught me how to prioritise tasks and make the most of my time. I’ve also learned that working can be motivating — it gives you something to look forward to, a sense of independence, and a break from the classroom routine.

Balancing both has shown me that hard work and planning pay off — and that it’s possible to succeed in both school and work if you stay organised and committed.

 

Financial Independence and Responsibility

One of the best parts about working through high school has been gaining financial independence. There’s something incredibly rewarding about earning your own money. The first time I got paid, I remember feeling proud — it was proof that I could support myself, even in small ways.

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Having an income taught me the value of money in a way that nothing else could. I started learning how to budget, save for things I wanted, and plan for future goals. Whether it was buying something for myself or saving for a trip to Japan, it felt good knowing that my effort directly contributed to those experiences.

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This independence has also taught me responsibility — making smart financial choices, being aware of spending habits, and understanding the effort it takes to earn each dollar. It’s a lesson I’ll carry with me well beyond high school.

 

Developing Real-World Skills

The skills I’ve developed through my job go far beyond retail. I’ve learned communication, leadership, time management, and teamwork — all skills that apply to every aspect of life.

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Retail, in particular, teaches you how to stay calm and professional in any situation. Whether it’s helping a frustrated customer, handling multiple tasks at once, or supporting your team during a busy sale, you learn to think quickly and handle pressure with a positive attitude.

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I’ve also learned presentation and professionalism — how to greet customers, speak clearly, and represent the business well. These might sound simple, but they’re essential skills that make a lasting impression in any career.

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Every shift has been an opportunity to learn something new — about people, responsibility, and myself. The lessons I’ve learned on the job have shaped my confidence, independence, and work ethic in ways I never expected.

 

Learning Through Experience

Perhaps the most valuable thing about working during high school is the experience itself. There’s only so much you can learn from a classroom — but in a real workplace, you face real challenges.

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You make mistakes, learn from them, and improve. You deal with pressure, develop resilience, and gain a sense of pride in doing your job well. You begin to understand how much effort goes into running a business, and how every role — big or small — contributes to something greater.

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These experiences have prepared me for the future. Whether it’s managing deadlines, communicating with others, or staying confident in unfamiliar situations, the lessons I’ve learned from work have built a strong foundation for life after school.

 

Looking Back: What Work Has Taught Me

Two years ago, I was a nervous Year 9 student starting my first job as a Christmas casual. Now, after years of working, I see how much that decision changed me.

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Working during high school has taught me far more than I expected — not just practical skills, but values like resilience, patience, and self-discipline. It’s shown me the importance of balance, hard work, and continuous growth.

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Through work, I’ve built confidence, gained independence, and developed skills that will stay with me for life. Most importantly, I’ve learned that even small opportunities can lead to big growth — all it takes is a willingness to start.

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