GUEST COMMENTARY: My first job was ironing clothes
April 1, 2018 The Northwest Indiana Workforce Board’s first job series is an initiative of its Youth Employment Council. Many variables have made it more difficult than ever for a young person to capture a first job and the NWIWB ...   Read More »
April 1, 2018
The Northwest Indiana Workforce Board’s first job series is an initiative of its Youth Employment Council. Many variables have made it more difficult than ever for a young person to capture a first job and the NWIWB believes employers can have an impact on our future workforce by hiring a young person.
Damian Rico is director of community relations and marketing for Hospice of the Calumet Area. He’s proud to mention that the organization — created in 1979 — was one of the first hospice organizations in the United States.
Q: Do you recall your first job for pay?
A: Yes, I ironed clothes for my neighbor. She was a recently divorced, working mom with three daughters. I was 12 years old. I would watch TV and iron my clothes. One day, my neighbor came over and saw what I was doing and asked if I could do the same for her and her kids.
Q: How much did you earn?
Anywhere from $40 to $50 dollars on each assignment. That bought a lot of baseball cards and other items. I once had my heart set on getting the latest Air Jordan shoes but the price was out of my family’s middle class budget. My mom said if I could pay half the cost of the shoes she would give me the other half. As I had just been paid for ironing, I was able to buy the Jordans.
Q: What other jobs did you perform?
A: Every week, I also cleaned up a small business shop and every summer I worked a tent sale at my uncle’s clothing shop, William Charles, in Munster. I matched shirts and ties with suits. Eventually, I worked the floor and sold clothes. I love clothes. When you look good, you feel good.
Q: You attended Bishop Noll High School. Did you have a career goal following graduation?
A: Yes, I wanted to be an attorney. But after spending one day in a law office, I changed my mind.
Q: Why?
A: My idea of what an attorney does was modeled after Al Pacino in the movie “Justice for All.” I loved his flamboyant courtroom antics. In reality, the attorney I visited spent most of his day writing papers, dictating memos and conducting research. It was boring. It was not glamorous.
Q: So what became your new career focus?
A: A job requiring a psychology degree. I was always fascinated as to how the mind worked. I graduated with a double major in clinical psychology and communications. While in college, I worked briefly as a detention officer; my first position after graduation was communications director at the Foundations of East Chicago.
Q: Did you work while you went to college?
A: Yes, I worked as a laborer for the city of East Chicago’s Water Department. I loved the work and my co-workers. There was one older fellow that everyone called “Butterman.” He could not read or write, but he gave me very sound advice: Get your college degree, believe in God and pay attention to your elders.
Q: What advice do you have for employers that are thinking about hiring a young person or offering them an internship or job shadowing opportunity?
A: I would certainly encourage them to open their doors to young people. Don’t be afraid of engaging in those crucial conversations that too often are avoided. Young people need to understand your expectations of them. It’s the only way they will develop a strong work ethic.
Q: As a young man, you certainly had a wide variety of job experiences. What advice would you have for young people about to enter the job market?
A: Don’t be afraid to accept a job out of your comfort zone. Be prepared to accept constructive criticism. The feedback you hear from your employer is intended to help you grow and mature.
I have a very strong and positive relationship with my children. Even when the topic of the conversation may be uncomfortable, I tell them what is on my mind. The most difficult job in the world is raising kids, but it is also the most fulfilling job.
View article in The Northwest Indiana Times.
© Copyright 2018, The Northwest Indiana Times
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