Chapter 1: Introduction to My Mini-Jobs

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Abstract:

Throughout my school years and early studies, I took on several mini-jobs. My goal was to earn some extra money while gaining experience in fields that intrigued me. In this narrative, I will share my experiences and reflections on these positions from ages 8 to 25, including roles such as a buyer-seller, newspaper carrier, supervisor at an IMAX museum, pizza delivery person, and photographer/graphic designer. Keep in mind that experiences can vary significantly based on factors like age, location, and the specific company.

Chapter 2: The Early Days of Entrepreneurship

My journey began in my childhood during the 1990s, right after the Perestroika period in the USSR. I was born in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, located in Central Asia.

The Buy-Sell Principle:

My friends and I were always on the lookout for ways to make some money. Most of our endeavors revolved around the buy-sell principle, which was prevalent everywhere. The concept was straightforward but making substantial profits was challenging.

Essentially, you would purchase items at a lower price and sell them for a profit, dedicating time and effort to find the optimal selling spots in the city. The key challenge was persuading sellers to part with their goods for less and convincing buyers to pay more. The higher the item's value, the greater the profit margin, but with increased investment came heightened risks. Everyone explored different niches, with varying degrees of success. Many ventured to China to import goods, where the profit margins were more attractive. Those were exciting times!

The next phase of our entrepreneurial journey involved selling precious metals.

We scoured garages, approached neighbors, searched abandoned factories, and explored cellars beneath high-rise buildings for materials like:

• Aluminum
• Brass
• Copper

In our search, we learned that copper yielded twice the profit compared to aluminum. Initially, finding these materials was easy, but over time, resources dwindled as they were shipped off to China, which became the primary buyer.

As children, the thrill of the hunt was exhilarating, yet we had very little money to spend. Most of our earnings went towards:

• Chewing gum
• Video games
• Leisure activities

Disadvantages:

• Increasing difficulty in sourcing materials
• Various risks and dangers involved

Chapter 3: The Newspaper Carrier Experience

My next venture followed a similar buy-sell approach. We rode our bicycles to areas where newspapers could be purchased in bulk at a reduced rate. Early mornings were essential to secure a good spot in line.

In a group of four, one member would arrive early to buy newspapers for the entire team, which we would then distribute based on who had the best strategy for selling them on our route to the city center.

This was in the year 2000, after which I moved to Germany.

Chapter 4: Supervising at the IMAX Museum

My role as a supervisor at the IMAX Museum in Speyer, Rhineland-Palatinate, was a highlight of my early career. The museum was filled with attractions and exhibits that drew in tourists year-round. I highly recommend visiting!

IMAX is significantly larger and more engaging than many other museums. You could spend an entire day exploring without exhausting all the exhibits.

Advantages:

• Competitive salary: Above-average pay
• Benefits: Enjoyment from exploring attractions and films as an employee
• Socializing: Interacting with visitors and answering their questions

Disadvantages:

• After a few months, the excitement can start to wane, transforming into routine work. However, the initial months are filled with incredible experiences!

Chapter 5: The Life of a Pizza Delivery Person

In Stuttgart, Germany, I worked as a pizza delivery person.

Advantages:

• Exploration: The initial weeks were thrilling as I navigated the city on my scooter.
• Additional income: Tips provided a nice bonus on top of my salary.
• Perks: Discounts or free pizza during work hours.
• Socialization: Engaging in brief conversations with customers.

Disadvantages:

• Monotony: The job became tedious after a few weeks, as the routine was easy to master.
• Stress: Handling order mix-ups, incorrect addresses, or lack of change added pressure.

I wouldn’t recommend this job for an extended period if you're young and have greater potential; it tends to be too dull.

Chapter 6: Photography and Graphic Design

My final mini-job focused on photography and graphic design, which I enjoyed about 15 years ago. This role allowed me to combine my love for creativity with my skills in UI design.

Advantages:

• Business interactions: Direct communication with clients.
• Salary: Reasonable compensation if experienced.
• Networking: Opportunities to meet various people.

Disadvantages:

• Unpredictable contracts: Work can be irregular.
• Solo management: Handling everything alone can be overwhelming at times.
• Stress: The pressure to be creative on demand can be disheartening.

The disparity between creating for oneself versus for others was one reason I decided to leave this field.

Chapter 7: Looking Ahead

Ultimately, I transitioned into IT. I found the complexity appealing, and it offered the potential for growth. I have always wanted to pursue management and leadership roles, which are excellent paths for personal development.

Conclusion:

In summary, I highly encourage you to explore jobs that pique your interest. They can serve as motivation, satisfy curiosity, and provide income—all while being enjoyable, at least initially. When boredom strikes, contemplate your next move: a higher position, a different company, or perhaps a new direction entirely.

Your experiences are invaluable! They equip you with insights that will aid you in future endeavors.

P.S.

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Further Links:

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