My journey in the workforce began at the young age of 13. While many girls my age were babysitting, I found myself in an office job after school. It all started when my high school friend Vicky introduced me to Miss Drum at a small office near Columbus Circle. Looking back, I realized that I owe Miss Drum an apology. I could handle the phone calls well, but when it came to typing out order forms for Marcal Paper products, I singlehandedly kept the White Out company in business.
Mistakes and Lessons Learned
Miss Drum, with her fiery red hair and cat-eye glasses, must have spent countless hours fixing my botched forms. Yet, she remained kind and patient. Despite my mishaps, she would calmly hand me another form, encouraging me to take my time. I often wondered if she stayed late into the night, effortlessly retyping my errors, before heading home for a well-deserved martini.
She taught me the importance of doing things right the first time, a lesson that has stayed with me throughout my 55 years of work in various jobs. While I may not have been Miss Drum’s apprentice, she played a significant role in shaping my work ethic and approach to tasks on a typewriter.
Share Your Story
Reflecting on my first job experience, I’m curious to hear about yours. What was your initial job like, and what valuable lessons did it impart? Feel free to share your story in the comments!
Virge Randall is Senior Planet’s Managing Editor. Alongside her work at Senior Planet, she explores hidden treasures and unsung gems in culture for Straus Newspapers. Her blog, “Don’t Get Me Started,” offers a unique perspective on New York City. For suggestions on Open Threads, reach out to her at editor@seniorplanet.org.
