17 answers
Angel
Student
San Luis, Arizona
1
Question
Asked
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When is a good time to start working. Like having an official career.
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17 answers
Alex Ilin
Data Scientist at Facebook
8
Answers
Mountain View, California
Updated
Alex’s Answer
It's not always easy to say when someone's 'official' career starts :) But the earlier you start trying out things, the more you'll learn about yourself and the world. You don't have to fully commit right away, but if you have ideas on what might work for you as a career, try them out!
Melanie Tone
Manager of Vendor Services Delivery
11
Answers
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Updated
Melanie’s Answer
Hi Angel.
As someone who began "working" at the age of 9, I believe everything we do in life contributes to the type of employee we want to be. At the age of 9, I first "babysat" for someone who was 5. This taught me skills such as caring for someone's needs other than my own. Then at 11, I had a paper route. Well, I was "contracted out" by a very young and wise entrepreneur. I delivered the papers and he collected the tips for the great service I delivered. My first official job was at 16 with working papers prepping salad bar for a restaurant. I quickly learned I didn't want to do that long term and then got a higher paying job as a sales clerk at a local retail shop. So on and so forth. The learning of these examples is that it's important to take pride in each and every job that you perform regardless of the level or the pay. Your experiences are worth their weight in gold. Typically when you are working, you have an opportunity to collaborate with others. Pay close attention to those you work with and you will begin to recognize the traits from those whom you admire and begin to incorporate their attributes into your performance and style, and you will learn "what not to do" from those who you don't necessarily admire, etc.
As someone who began "working" at the age of 9, I believe everything we do in life contributes to the type of employee we want to be. At the age of 9, I first "babysat" for someone who was 5. This taught me skills such as caring for someone's needs other than my own. Then at 11, I had a paper route. Well, I was "contracted out" by a very young and wise entrepreneur. I delivered the papers and he collected the tips for the great service I delivered. My first official job was at 16 with working papers prepping salad bar for a restaurant. I quickly learned I didn't want to do that long term and then got a higher paying job as a sales clerk at a local retail shop. So on and so forth. The learning of these examples is that it's important to take pride in each and every job that you perform regardless of the level or the pay. Your experiences are worth their weight in gold. Typically when you are working, you have an opportunity to collaborate with others. Pay close attention to those you work with and you will begin to recognize the traits from those whom you admire and begin to incorporate their attributes into your performance and style, and you will learn "what not to do" from those who you don't necessarily admire, etc.
david kirk
Retired Computing Manager
480
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
david’s Answer
Hi, Angel,
I think the time to start is when you are at an age where you need to appear in charge of your life. There is a pass on that when you're fully enrolled in school, but disappears soon after. All the best in your pursuits.
I think the time to start is when you are at an age where you need to appear in charge of your life. There is a pass on that when you're fully enrolled in school, but disappears soon after. All the best in your pursuits.
David Hunter
1
Answer
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
David’s Answer
A good time to start working is today. No job is menial, no job is without benefit. I suggest focusing on finding what you like to do, not career. Career will find you.
Career has changed a lot over the years. When I entered the workforce, I anticipated working for a single company until retirement. This level of stability is no longer applicable in reality. I have had three distinct long lasting job rolls, each of which shared fringe elements, but never would have been tied together on anyone's carrier path.
Career has changed a lot over the years. When I entered the workforce, I anticipated working for a single company until retirement. This level of stability is no longer applicable in reality. I have had three distinct long lasting job rolls, each of which shared fringe elements, but never would have been tied together on anyone's carrier path.
Katie Van
UX Digital Adoption Specialist
5
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Katie’s Answer
You can start your career today, no matter what you're doing, as long as you build experience and learn from your duties and responsibilities.
I'm 36 years old, and just hit the 5 year anniversary of building the career I'm currently in. That means that I was doing lots of other things before this career, and all of those had a part in building and creating my current career - it just didn't feel that way because I wasn't doing the exact thing I'm doing now.
Technology changes, companies and industries change, and the world changes, which means you'll change too. My grandpa worked for the same company for 37 years, and even in that consistency his roles changed several times throughout his tenure.
What you do today will likely influence your future career, so I recommend focusing on your core values and soft skills within each job as those will always be important in building a fruitful career.
Here are some of my core values as an example:
- Curiosity - I always ask questions to make sure I understand what's being asked of me and why. This helps me make sure I tackle the problem with the end in mind.
- Diligence and follow-through - I try my hardest to overcome all obstacles within each task assigned to me.
- Empathy - I design and create with the end user in mind. This can be applied to any job. If you're a janitor, you're creating a clean environment for those using the space you're cleaning. If you're a librarian, you're creating a quiet and organized space for those who'd like to learn.
Good luck building your career - I'll be rooting for you!
Read "The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People" by Stephen Covey
I'm 36 years old, and just hit the 5 year anniversary of building the career I'm currently in. That means that I was doing lots of other things before this career, and all of those had a part in building and creating my current career - it just didn't feel that way because I wasn't doing the exact thing I'm doing now.
Technology changes, companies and industries change, and the world changes, which means you'll change too. My grandpa worked for the same company for 37 years, and even in that consistency his roles changed several times throughout his tenure.
What you do today will likely influence your future career, so I recommend focusing on your core values and soft skills within each job as those will always be important in building a fruitful career.
Here are some of my core values as an example:
- Curiosity - I always ask questions to make sure I understand what's being asked of me and why. This helps me make sure I tackle the problem with the end in mind.
- Diligence and follow-through - I try my hardest to overcome all obstacles within each task assigned to me.
- Empathy - I design and create with the end user in mind. This can be applied to any job. If you're a janitor, you're creating a clean environment for those using the space you're cleaning. If you're a librarian, you're creating a quiet and organized space for those who'd like to learn.
Good luck building your career - I'll be rooting for you!
Katie recommends the following next steps:
Michael Haar
Senior Training Consultant
21
Answers
Spring Lake, Michigan
Updated
Michael’s Answer
Hi Angel
Staring your professional career can come at many different dates in your life. In order to make a living we have to find work that supports our spending habbits. If you are able to stay with family or dont have any financial responsibility working wont typically be a priority. For me I chose to move out and start my professional journey at 17. For others, it might be mid to late 20s. There is do definitive age where starting or having a career should happen. Consider that your financial goals are, create a game plan, and be intentional about the steps you are taking to get there.
Staring your professional career can come at many different dates in your life. In order to make a living we have to find work that supports our spending habbits. If you are able to stay with family or dont have any financial responsibility working wont typically be a priority. For me I chose to move out and start my professional journey at 17. For others, it might be mid to late 20s. There is do definitive age where starting or having a career should happen. Consider that your financial goals are, create a game plan, and be intentional about the steps you are taking to get there.
Nina Hajdinjak
Marketing
1
Answer
Graz, Styria, Austria
Updated
Nina’s Answer
Hi Angel,
Let's start this with a question.
When do we start developing our career? Is it already the 1st summer job or side job during high school? Is it even doing chores as a kid? Or do we rather start the career path when we start working the first full-time job?
For the first full-time job I would say it starts with the wish to become financially independent. To be able to start living your own life and fulfilling your dreams. In my opinion, there is no timeline for that. For me it started as soon as I was about to finish my university degree. I felt the urge and need to get a job and start building my own life. For you it might be sooner than that or also later. I am sure you will know when this time will come.
Nevertheless, I would definitely recommend taking every chance of a job that life throws at you. This way, you will get to know your own preferences and dislikes. It will be easier for you to figure out what job to apply for if you will have some experience beforehand. Just remember: Always make sure you choose what feels good to you. Learn from your mistakes and experience. You are the one that will write this career story of your life, so make the most of it!
Good luck :)
Let's start this with a question.
When do we start developing our career? Is it already the 1st summer job or side job during high school? Is it even doing chores as a kid? Or do we rather start the career path when we start working the first full-time job?
For the first full-time job I would say it starts with the wish to become financially independent. To be able to start living your own life and fulfilling your dreams. In my opinion, there is no timeline for that. For me it started as soon as I was about to finish my university degree. I felt the urge and need to get a job and start building my own life. For you it might be sooner than that or also later. I am sure you will know when this time will come.
Nevertheless, I would definitely recommend taking every chance of a job that life throws at you. This way, you will get to know your own preferences and dislikes. It will be easier for you to figure out what job to apply for if you will have some experience beforehand. Just remember: Always make sure you choose what feels good to you. Learn from your mistakes and experience. You are the one that will write this career story of your life, so make the most of it!
Good luck :)
Balvinder Mal
Project Manager
5
Answers
Livermore, California
Updated
Balvinder’s Answer
If you have the luxury to chose when to start your career, that's great for you. I think, as soon as one is done with full time education that would be a good time to start their career. In the mean time during the weekends and evening I would recommend getting a P/T job learning about what you enjoy doing in the work place. For example, with a part-time job you will have opportunities to figure out what you actually enjoy doing versus what you may have thought you like doing. The part time jobs can shape your career path in regards to which direction you want to focus your career in. I thought I was going to have a career in Travel & Touorism, I had no idea my career was going to be in Wireless Telecommunications. I learned from my P/T jobs that I did not enjoy them and I wanted to work for large organizations where my contribution mattered & I was directly involved in decision making . I realized improving other peoples lives better as a result of my companies hard work is a rewarding career to be in.
Chirayu Rupani
Data Analyst
295
Answers
Frisco, Texas
Updated
Chirayu’s Answer
The answer to this question depends on your individual circumstances and goals. Many careers require a certain level of education or training. If you're interested in pursuing a career that requires a college degree, for example, you'll likely need to start working towards that degree as soon as possible. Some careers require work experience in order to be considered for entry-level positions. If you're interested in pursuing a career that requires work experience, you may want to start working in a related field as soon as possible. If you need to start earning money to support yourself or your family, you may want to start working as soon as possible. Your personal goals and aspirations may also play a role in determining when to start working. For example, if you're interested in traveling or pursuing a creative endeavor, you may want to take some time to explore those interests before starting a career.
Phillip French
VP Network
4
Answers
Coppell, Texas
Updated
Phillip’s Answer
I would say your Career starts the first day you start working, in my case it was delivering news paper, I learned early the skills: being organized, being on time, planning, dealing with obstacles, customer service, and collecting money so I could get paid. all these skills I still use today 35 years later. After getting out of the military, I had not idea 28 years later I would be a VP at Verizon. Each job in life is a building clock in your career and you will learn that many of the skills you build are transferable to each new job. the one lesson I share today when giving advice is make sure you find a career that you love doing, make the day go by faster and when happy it is much easier to deal with the days when not everything is going your way. Good luck and do not stop dreaming.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Angel,
Strategizing Your Career Launch and Development
Embarking on a professional journey typically commences after concluding your educational or vocational training in your selected area. It's wise to start exploring job prospects when you feel sufficiently ready, armed with the necessary skills and credentials. However, certain periods of the year are often deemed more advantageous for job hunters due to heightened recruitment activities by firms.
Strategic Timing for Career Kick-off
The most opportune times to launch your career include:
January and February: These months are typically bustling with recruitment activities as companies start the new year with new budgets and staffing requirements. With hiring managers returning from holiday breaks, it's an excellent time to submit job applications.
Spring Season (March, April, May): During these months, there may be a push to onboard new employees before the onset of the summer holiday season. This window can present promising opportunities for job seekers.
Post-Summer (September/October): Following the summer recess, certain sectors see a surge in activities and recruitment as businesses prepare for the year's final quarter.
Determinants of Career Start Timing
Several elements can impact the timing of your career start:
Personal Preparedness: Make sure you've finished your education or training and feel equipped to join the workforce.
Industry Patterns: Certain industries have specific peak recruitment periods influenced by their operational cycles.
Economic Climate: The broader economic conditions can affect job availability and recruitment trends.
Networking Opportunities: Participating in job fairs or networking events can yield valuable contacts that could lead to job propositions.
In summary, while there's no universal answer to the best time to start working and build a career, being ready, staying updated on industry patterns, and maximizing networking opportunities can boost your chances of securing fitting employment at the right times.
Top 3 Credible Sources Utilized in Answering this Query:
Medium - The Year of the Looking Glass: This source offered valuable insights into career growth strategies, including advice on effectively navigating one's career trajectory.
AI Search Inc. Internal Knowledge Base: This internal resource, powered by AI, provided current information on the best times for job hunting and career commencement based on industry patterns and economic conditions.
Catalyst Career Group: This source's information was used to underscore the advantages of attending job fairs and private recruitment events as tactical approaches to enhance job hunting efforts and network with potential employers effectively.
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
Strategizing Your Career Launch and Development
Embarking on a professional journey typically commences after concluding your educational or vocational training in your selected area. It's wise to start exploring job prospects when you feel sufficiently ready, armed with the necessary skills and credentials. However, certain periods of the year are often deemed more advantageous for job hunters due to heightened recruitment activities by firms.
Strategic Timing for Career Kick-off
The most opportune times to launch your career include:
January and February: These months are typically bustling with recruitment activities as companies start the new year with new budgets and staffing requirements. With hiring managers returning from holiday breaks, it's an excellent time to submit job applications.
Spring Season (March, April, May): During these months, there may be a push to onboard new employees before the onset of the summer holiday season. This window can present promising opportunities for job seekers.
Post-Summer (September/October): Following the summer recess, certain sectors see a surge in activities and recruitment as businesses prepare for the year's final quarter.
Determinants of Career Start Timing
Several elements can impact the timing of your career start:
Personal Preparedness: Make sure you've finished your education or training and feel equipped to join the workforce.
Industry Patterns: Certain industries have specific peak recruitment periods influenced by their operational cycles.
Economic Climate: The broader economic conditions can affect job availability and recruitment trends.
Networking Opportunities: Participating in job fairs or networking events can yield valuable contacts that could lead to job propositions.
In summary, while there's no universal answer to the best time to start working and build a career, being ready, staying updated on industry patterns, and maximizing networking opportunities can boost your chances of securing fitting employment at the right times.
Top 3 Credible Sources Utilized in Answering this Query:
Medium - The Year of the Looking Glass: This source offered valuable insights into career growth strategies, including advice on effectively navigating one's career trajectory.
AI Search Inc. Internal Knowledge Base: This internal resource, powered by AI, provided current information on the best times for job hunting and career commencement based on industry patterns and economic conditions.
Catalyst Career Group: This source's information was used to underscore the advantages of attending job fairs and private recruitment events as tactical approaches to enhance job hunting efforts and network with potential employers effectively.
May God bless you!
James Constantine Frangos.
Azilee Billy
Disasters
14
Answers
Sumter, South Carolina
Updated
Azilee’s Answer
it’s never too early. Opportunities are gifts. Medical and engineering can take you in many places. Seek jobs that coincide with the things you enjoy doing. When you come to terms that you enjoy the job. Master it, study how to advance in the field, take the necessary courses to have a fulfilling and successful career.
Lil momma
Lil momma
Sallie Young
payroll specialist
28
Answers
Canton, Georgia
Updated
Sallie’s Answer
Working vs having a career are different things and you often dont get a career without first doing some kind of work. My advice to you is this, If you are of legal working age, get a job. Any job. I started in food service, moved into professional nannying, then private contracting, admin work, etc. All of those "jobs" helped me to gain experience that I was then able to take and apply to what I do now. Im 28 and ive been in my career for 4 years. I got this position due to my vast experience. Start working now, build up for your career
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hey Angel!
ME:
Starting work early in life can be beneficial. Just like a farmer who gets up at 2am to milk the cows, the early bird often gets the worm in the business world too! Some lucky individuals manage to retire early. Take Nicholas Darvas for example, he made a whopping $2 million profit on Wall Street in the 1950's and even wrote a book about it. However, many people of my age struggle to figure out when to stop working. With the rising cost of living and financial pressures in many countries, we see people over 65 returning to work. I thought about investing in stocks and shares for a few years, but I'm skeptical about these so-called instant profit advisors we see in YouTube ads. It seems like they make more profits from their investor clients than from their investments.
AI:
When should you kick off your professional journey?
The right time to start your career can vary greatly depending on your personal goals, education, skills, and circumstances. There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some factors to consider:
Education: Finishing your education, whether it's high school, vocational training, or university, is often the first step. It equips you with the knowledge and skills needed for your career.
Skills and Experience: Building relevant skills and experience through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering can boost your employability and prepare you for a full-time career.
Career Goals: Knowing your career goals can help you decide when to start working. Some people jump into work right after their education, while others may continue studying or exploring different fields.
Financial Stability: Your financial situation is also important. Assess whether you can support yourself financially or if you need to start working to make ends meet.
Market Demand: Research your chosen field to understand the demand for professionals with your skills and qualifications. This can influence your decision on when to start your career.
Personal Readiness: Evaluate your readiness for the responsibilities and challenges of a full-time job. Your maturity, emotional readiness, and work ethic are all important factors.
Networking: Building professional connections can open up job opportunities and help you advance in your career. Networking can also provide guidance on when to start your professional journey.
In conclusion, the best time to start working depends on a variety of factors, including your education, skills, goals, financial situation, market demand, personal readiness, and networking opportunities.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review: A trusted source for insights on business management, leadership strategies, and career development.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Provides valuable data on employment trends, occupational outlooks, wages, and educational requirements in the US.
Forbes: Known for its coverage of business news, entrepreneurship trends, job market analyses, and expert advice on career planning and advancement.
These sources were used to gather reliable information on career development strategies and factors influencing the decision to start working.
Stay Blessed,
JC.
ME:
Starting work early in life can be beneficial. Just like a farmer who gets up at 2am to milk the cows, the early bird often gets the worm in the business world too! Some lucky individuals manage to retire early. Take Nicholas Darvas for example, he made a whopping $2 million profit on Wall Street in the 1950's and even wrote a book about it. However, many people of my age struggle to figure out when to stop working. With the rising cost of living and financial pressures in many countries, we see people over 65 returning to work. I thought about investing in stocks and shares for a few years, but I'm skeptical about these so-called instant profit advisors we see in YouTube ads. It seems like they make more profits from their investor clients than from their investments.
AI:
When should you kick off your professional journey?
The right time to start your career can vary greatly depending on your personal goals, education, skills, and circumstances. There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some factors to consider:
Education: Finishing your education, whether it's high school, vocational training, or university, is often the first step. It equips you with the knowledge and skills needed for your career.
Skills and Experience: Building relevant skills and experience through internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering can boost your employability and prepare you for a full-time career.
Career Goals: Knowing your career goals can help you decide when to start working. Some people jump into work right after their education, while others may continue studying or exploring different fields.
Financial Stability: Your financial situation is also important. Assess whether you can support yourself financially or if you need to start working to make ends meet.
Market Demand: Research your chosen field to understand the demand for professionals with your skills and qualifications. This can influence your decision on when to start your career.
Personal Readiness: Evaluate your readiness for the responsibilities and challenges of a full-time job. Your maturity, emotional readiness, and work ethic are all important factors.
Networking: Building professional connections can open up job opportunities and help you advance in your career. Networking can also provide guidance on when to start your professional journey.
In conclusion, the best time to start working depends on a variety of factors, including your education, skills, goals, financial situation, market demand, personal readiness, and networking opportunities.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
Harvard Business Review: A trusted source for insights on business management, leadership strategies, and career development.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): Provides valuable data on employment trends, occupational outlooks, wages, and educational requirements in the US.
Forbes: Known for its coverage of business news, entrepreneurship trends, job market analyses, and expert advice on career planning and advancement.
These sources were used to gather reliable information on career development strategies and factors influencing the decision to start working.
Stay Blessed,
JC.
Erick Garcia
Engineer
9
Answers
Fresno, California
Updated
Erick’s Answer
As early as you are ready mentally and physically for the job.
Alex Belot
Project Manager
26
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Alex’s Answer
Hi Angel,
As long as you are of age you can start working. However, from a career perspective once you obtain your degree in the career of your choice you can start working. Likewise, you can seek paid internship as well while you are still in school. Internships can be paid or unpaid.
If you choose the internship route, it's always a good idea to choose one that is related to your career path. This will give you the needed experience required before going in to the workforce.
As long as you are of age you can start working. However, from a career perspective once you obtain your degree in the career of your choice you can start working. Likewise, you can seek paid internship as well while you are still in school. Internships can be paid or unpaid.
If you choose the internship route, it's always a good idea to choose one that is related to your career path. This will give you the needed experience required before going in to the workforce.
Poonam Singh
Engineer
13
Answers
Ohio City, Ohio
Updated
Poonam’s Answer
Sure! My experience, I started working after earning a Bachelor's in Engineering, while some friends pursued higher education. The choice depends on your readiness and preference.