Jun 2, 2009

Ten-Word Tuesday. Workin’ Hard For The Money.

The other day Bossy read an article about celebrities and their first jobs, where read an article equals she watched something on YouTube.

For instance, did you know Gwen Stefani’s first job was working in a Dairy Queen?

While Ozzy Osbourne’s first job was in a slaughterhouse:

Mathew McConahey McConnauhey McConaughey’s first job was shoveling chicken manure:

While Amy Adams saved money to buy a car by working at Hooters:

An early job for Brad Pitt was dressing as a chicken to promote a California restaurant:

Bossy got her first job the summer she began Junior High:

Bossy’s first job was a chambermaid for a seashore motel. Every morning as the sun was coming up, Bossy and a few other teenage girls getting paid under the table would gather in a utility closet, where they would refill the necessary cleaning supplies for their carts, gather stacks of soaps and toilet paper, fold hot sheets out of the dryer, and wish they were guests in the motel instead of cleaning it.

Then the girls would divide into pairs and conquer, each with her own list of rooms which were designated either Check-outs or Make-ups.

Checkouts required way more work, such as changing the sheets and scrubbing the bathtub. When it came to cleaning, only one product was necessary, from the ashtrays to the toilet bowls, and it was called Brevity Blue, which as luck would have it is still stuck to Bossy’s nose hairs so she can describe its odor: melted rubber mixed with sea foam.

Bossy liked making up rooms way better than checkouts because all she had to do was smooth the bed, tidy up the bathroom, and change out the towels — which left Bossy lots of time to collect the visual clues that helped Bossy build a narrative about the guests inhabiting the room.

Bossy liked to imagine the guests were honeymooners, people having affairs, runaways, and happy families spending their year’s savings on three rainy days at the beach.

Bossy can sum up her years as a chambermaid in this way:

Which is what today’s Ten-Word Challenge is all about. In exactly ten words, can you tell Bossy about your first job?

And be sure to check back later today for the jobbiest firsts on the web.

permanent link to post

202 comments

1. 1
   on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:10 am
   jp said:

   Friendlies……..sticky,UGLY uniform, Mare and I spent all tips!


2. 2
   on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:11 am
   kidsmom said:

   Ponderosa Steak House steaks(?) are purple before they are grilled.


3. 3
   on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:13 am
   Debby said:

   Kroger checker, people buy weird food while using invalid coupons


4. 4
   on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:14 am
   Rikki said:

   Selling overpriced barrel rootbeer at local carnival. Bee’s loved it.


5. 5
   on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:15 am
   Gail M. Kimball said:

   Hockey Rink snack bar under the table wages smelly players!


6. 6
   on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:20 am
   Mimi said:

   sandwich maker for catering truck, hate chicken salad to this day!


7. 7
   on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:26 am
   beth said:

   Coin changer, pink hotpants, spilled drinks, cute cowboys, hamburger grease


8. 8
   on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:27 am
   yvonne nc said:

   Gino’s – sirloiner, Gino Giants, KFC buckets, greasy fry smelling hair.


9. 9
   on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:29 am
   Jon said:

   Car dealership/garage, broom, mop, sawdust, pop bottles, changing tires


10. 10
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:30 am
    Well Read Hostess said:

    SSwimClub Office Babe, flirted all day with now-husband. Teenage summer.


11. 11
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:31 am
    sherry said:

    Plimoth Plantation dark smelly huts scratchy wool dress stupid tourists.


12. 12
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:33 am
    Patricia said:

    Fishplant evening shift – took 10 years to eat cod again


13. 13
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:34 am
    Fairly Odd Mother said:

    Laundromat Attendent, a job made obsolete by automatic change machines.


14. 14
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:34 am
    lora said:

    I worked at Baskin Robbins. Thank goodness for swift metabolisms.


15. 15
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:35 am
    chocolatechic said:

    McDonalds, greasy fries, eating old McNuggets after hours, smoking in the parking lot.


16. 16
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:38 am
    Choosy said:

    Just for the record I would have cried fowl (foul) at the slaughterhouse job also. it smells of construction.

    Stinky! Lobster guts still better than the diners – rotten tips


17. 17
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:38 am
    Alias Mother said:

    Ice cream. I didn’t eat it again for three years.


18. 18
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:38 am
    aj in Houston said:

    Summer job, Manhattan office, ten-key punch and filing, train commuting!

    Sad to say this was probably my most exciting job experience. I was 16, and felt so grown-up.


19. 19
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:42 am
    Dharmamama said:

    Just a preteen myself, paid for playing with neighbor’s kids.


20. 20
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:43 am
    Pamela said:

    much younger me wiped ass, played games, and raided pantry.


21. 21
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:45 am
    Tiffany said:

    Hostess at breakfast joint – hate song “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” still.


22. 22
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:46 am
    Manic Mommy said:

    Bank Teller that never balanced. But I was unfailingly polite.


23. 23
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:50 am
    Hokie Deb said:

    –>16-year old Blue Light Special; Cashier at K-mart.

    http://thaxtonfam.blogspot.com


24. 24
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:51 am
    Kristine said:

    Lifeguard, never jumped in pool, always yelling “No Running, WALK!!”


25. 25
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:51 am
    MariaV said:

    Babysitting often running away boy for disco queen careless mother


26. 26
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:51 am
    janet said:

    Babysat six kids for thirty-five cents per hour. (‘m old.)


27. 27
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:53 am
    julie said:

    grocery cashier, flirted with baggers, met people rich, poor, in-between


28. 28
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:56 am
    Stimey said:

    Worked at an ice cream restaurant. I was very sticky.


29. 29
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:56 am
    julie said:

    Age 11 babysat. Preschooler called 911 when refused more ice-cream.


30. 30
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:57 am
    Mrs.B. said:

    Print shop. Collated recipe book. Before good printers did it.


31. 31
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:58 am
    Florida Liz said:

    Target Receiving- gum cases smelled good / towel fuzz up nose.


32. 32
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 10:02 am
    kristin @ going country said:

    Shelved books at public library–pretty much best job ever.


33. 33
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 10:09 am
    E in MN said:

    Iowa style, detassling corn, hot, hot, how did I survive?


34. 34
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 10:15 am
    biddy said:

    nanny, four kids, amazing mother, big house with awesome pool


35. 35
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 10:21 am
    C said:

    Ponderosa Bus Girl-I injured my back–went to hospital


36. 36
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 10:21 am
    hydrogeek said:

    They called me mom, her Cindy. Sad now, in retrospect.

    (I was 12.)


37. 37
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 10:22 am
    Jenn @ Juggling Life said:

    Spotter for Moonlight Bowling. Lots of smoke, surprisingly high stress.


38. 38
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 10:23 am
    meg said:

    Had to memorize produce prices at my uncle’s grocery store.


39. 39
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 10:25 am
    bossy's friend martha said:

    bowling alley snack counter, got addicted to second hand smoke.


40. 40
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 10:26 am
    corrie said:

    Chambermaid~ one room, 2beds, four sets of mid-calf cowboy boots.


41. 41
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 10:26 am
    RuthWells said:

    Neighborhood drugstore. First day I broke the cigarette display glass.

    (Worked ankle-deep in cigarette packs that day.)


42. 42
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 10:28 am
    Cheri @ Blog This Mom! said:

    Have it your way and pass the Clearasil because fries.


43. 43
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 10:28 am
    Ms. Cranky Pants said:

    Wrapping paper, bows…Christmas-time department store gift wrapper: VOILA!


44. 44
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 10:33 am
    Almudena said:

    receptionist at psychiatric hospital – at least that’s what they said.


45. 45
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 10:35 am
    tina de luxe said:

    keeping people from joining springsteen or copperfield on venue’s stage.


46. 46
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 10:43 am
    furiousBall said:

    my HS won the Campbell’s Soup label contest held in the area and we had the Hooter’s with Tommy Conwell opening up at my gym. Word.


47. 47
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 10:46 am
    Jamie said:

    Gantos cash register: cougarriffic cruise wear, and prom dress chaos.


48. 48
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 10:47 am
    KIrsten said:

    Lifeguarding at country club, folding towels, getting tan, swimming laps.


49. 49
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 10:48 am
    hollygee said:

    Health store lunch counter sandwiches/salads and cleaning the carrot juicer.


50. 50
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 10:49 am
    Lisa said:

    Lighthouse drive-in, burger flipper, milkshake maker, flirt fantistic-er..uh fun fun fun!!!


51. 51
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 10:53 am
    Amanda said:

    Cleaning the world’s largest high school fieldhouse after basketball games.


52. 52
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 10:56 am
    Dharmamama said:

    Waited tables, great & fun group of people – lordy, the drinking!


53. 53
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 10:59 am
    kim ellis said:

    huge ice cream cones to HAPPY kids with nickels. Fired


54. 54
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 11:01 am
    Hol said:

    High school hardware store cashier, smelled like fertilizer and rubber.


55. 55
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 11:02 am
    alissa said:

    Other than babysitting, cashier at eighteen with depressed, middle-aged coworkers.


56. 56
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 11:04 am
    SnowWhite said:

    Sophmore year: Disneyland Christmas Parade; paid fun with cute boys!


57. 57
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 11:08 am
    Jeni said:

    Bean Walking, age 12.
    Rows and rows of beans. Must remove all weeds. Sweltering.


58. 58
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 11:10 am
    Blackbeards Wyfe said:

    Tastee Freeze at the beach! I was 14 and cool!!


59. 59
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 11:14 am
    Jenn said:

    flirty old men, sticky hands, strip club? No. Donut shop.


60. 60
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 11:14 am
    JustJuli said:

    Summer Camp. Special needs kids. Best 6 summers I had!


61. 61
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 11:14 am
    renee in seattle said:

    Forged Birth Certificate KFC greasy chicken bad coffee mmmmmmmashed potatoes.


62. 62
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 11:16 am
    carma said:

    handing out numbers in fitting room at an upscale store


63. 63
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 11:18 am
    Christina said:

    Ballroom dancing instructor’s partner; served punch & cookies to brats


64. 64
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 11:19 am
    cass said:

    Pizza slinger. Anchovies, beets, feta cheese still make me puke.


65. 65
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 11:20 am
    Mandy said:

    Fourteen. Dishwasher in a crappy restaurant. Always smelled like chicken.


66. 66
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 11:22 am
    Liz in Virginia said:

    Pizza Hut cooks like me had to count the pepperonis.


67. 67
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 11:27 am
    vuboq said:

    Never order anything with “cheddar cheese” sauce from Arby’s. Srsly.


68. 68
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 11:30 am
    Gramps said:

    Delivering prescriptions for a pharmacy. I am old, so you will understand when I say I was paid 10 cents per delivery—on a bicycle. In those days no one gave tips


69. 69
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 11:33 am
    melissa said:

    Detassling corn, sweating, learning how to hold it til lunch.


70. 70
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 11:37 am
    Avitable said:

    Gay male prostitute. My ass still hurts to this day.


71. 71
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 11:38 am
    Melanie said:

    Amusement park funnel cake stand – can still smell them now.


72. 72
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 11:38 am
    karen l said:

    babysitting at 12 – toddler pushed nub of chalk up nose!


73. 73
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 11:39 am
    bdaiss said:

    Big Dipper – never learned not to love the ice cream.
    And babysitter – too many kids too little pay.

    Damn….now I want a strawberry malt. And it’s only 9:30 am.


74. 74
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 11:39 am
    Cindy said:

    Helping nuns take care of kids, lots of christian rock.


75. 75
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 11:42 am
    Surcie said:

    Gwen’s black lipliner indicates not so cute.

    First job: Hostess at Suzuki car dealership. Loser salesmen called me Twinkie. (get it? Hostess? Twinkie?)


76. 76
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 11:42 am
    dexter said:

    Throwing bologna on bread passing by on a conveyer belt


77. 77
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 11:43 am
    kay said:

    “Walked” beans; back and shoulders blistered like a hooker’s heels.


78. 78
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 11:44 am
    kay said:

    I laughed out loud at #44. Thanks, Almudena!


79. 79
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 11:51 am
    jaxcheryl said:

    1964. Cashier. Kresges. Speed and cheerfulness REQUIRED. Imagine that today!


80. 80
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 11:52 am
    The Domestic Goddess said:

    Dairy Queen. I smelled like sour milk daily. It’s Ewwwww…


81. 81
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 11:54 am
    Stacey Ball said:

    State Fair, paid under the table, Strawberries on a Stick!


82. 82
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 11:58 am
    Reeb said:

    Age 13, babysitting screaming baby til 1a.m. New Years Eve.


83. 83
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 11:59 am
    Reeb said:

    Kids program, “colored town.” Culture shock. Black crayons used up.


84. 84
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 12:06 pm
    Black Hockey Jesus said:

    Washing dishes at Cindy’s Country Corral. I will kill myself.


85. 85
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 12:10 pm
    Dr. Liz said:

    Hardee’s – untrained to use slicer at 14 = flying roast beef.


86. 86
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 12:14 pm
    wicked-witch said:

    Soccer referee, mostly corraling parents over-invested in the game outcome.


87. 87
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 12:14 pm
    bossys mom said:

    15 yrs. old.. waitress seashore, summer nanny,
    lousy at both!


88. 88
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 12:16 pm
    Joie said:

    Checker. Watched pissy lady yell at disabled bagger. Yelled back.


89. 89
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 12:23 pm
    teri said:

    I totally agree with your Hooter’s comment, being from the Philly area. What a great band.


90. 90
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 12:25 pm
    ScottsdaleGirl said:

    14y/o>Pizza Hut>busgirl>dishwasher>$3.35 an hour. Oy.


91. 91
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 12:28 pm
    heidig said:

    Big chain sports store, security, had to try to steal clothing – i was 14…and scared!


92. 92
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 12:30 pm
    Helen said:

    Gift-shop. They played ‘Michael Learns to Rock’ 24/7. Excruciating.


93. 93
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 12:33 pm
    Helen said:

    Babysitting. Bored stiff. Snooped through all the cupboards. Naughty me!


94. 94
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 12:41 pm
    TanyaK said:

    Babysitting. They had blackberry tea. End of night..they didn’t.


95. 95
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 12:45 pm
    Chesapeake Bay Woman said:

    I picked daffodils for my grandfather, a commercial flower grower.


96. 96
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 12:47 pm
    Chesapeake Bay Woman said:

    I also served as a laborer on a strawberry farm.


97. 97
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 12:47 pm
    Chesapeake Bay Woman said:

    Next I was promoted to landscaper, where promoted equals demoted.


98. 98
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 12:50 pm
    Liz said:

    Runner, busser, dishwasher… Restaurant downstairs, dishwasher upstairs – had great arms!


99. 99
    on June 2nd, 2009 at 12:50 pm
    laurellee said:

    Nurse’s aid–old people, dignity, laughter, tears, and bodily funtions.


100. 100
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 12:51 pm
     Jenni said:

     at 12 babysat two elementary boys, one constantly wet himself.


101. 101
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 12:53 pm
     teriboberry said:

     Carmike Cine4- teen friends paid children’s prices. No computer tracking.


102. 102
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 1:11 pm
     zelzee said:

     I cleaned motel rooms. Saw my first condom. Used. Gross.


103. 103
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 1:12 pm
     Maria said:

     How is an 80’s chick supposed to know about lumber supply?

     (80’s doesn’t count as a word)


104. 104
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 1:31 pm
     Catherine McP said:

     Unlimited candy, gumballs by the barrel, capsuled toys. Vending company.


105. 105
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 1:32 pm
     trinity2 said:

     Taco maker @ taco johns. I later got fired because I kept putting on the ingrediants IN THE WRONG ORDER.


106. 106
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 1:35 pm
     queenoqueens said:

     CVS cashier. Boring except when the garbage can caught fire.


107. 107
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 1:37 pm
     Tonya_in _FL said:

     Taco Bell. Worked there one month then fired.


108. 108
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 1:39 pm
     The Girl Next Door said:

     Candystriper Rehab center wheeling quads to therapy. Lesson? Be thankful.


109. 109
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 1:42 pm
     ranchgirl said:

     Jazz keyboardist at 14. Parties, weddings, hotel lobbies, restaurants, FUN!!!


110. 110
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 1:45 pm
     Meg said:

     Babysitting aside, my first job was hawking burgers and fries.


111. 111
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 1:45 pm
     ranchgirl said:

     Forgot even earlier!

     Made pompons at 6, sold to bigger kids for sneakers.


112. 112
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 1:45 pm
     Brooke said:

     I was ruining things at a small graphic design studio.


113. 113
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 1:46 pm
     ranchgirl said:

     Waitressing by 17. Best jobs behind me, all downhill now.


114. 114
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 1:47 pm
     Cactus Petunia said:

     World’s youngest professional dog walker. $1.25 a week, self employed!


115. 115
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 1:48 pm
     Amelia said:

     Church lady hired me for daycare work there 4 years.


116. 116
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 1:49 pm
     Lizzy said:

     Sandwich ‘ho at Subway: hate salami, scared of tomato slicer.


117. 117
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 1:54 pm
     Gette said:

     Babysat neighbor’s kids at age 11, that a real job?


118. 118
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 1:55 pm
     ranchgirl said:

     Forgot another good one!

     15: Three different churches, organist. No license yet. Mom exhausted.


119. 119
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 1:55 pm
     Gette said:

     Age 15 on payroll at Drive-in as carhop. Fun!


120. 120
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 1:57 pm
     sugarpie said:

     Throwing Fairfield Town Crier after school, bike, hills, 9, tipless.


121. 121
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 1:59 pm
     sugarpie said:

     And what’s up with not tipping the paper carrier? Bastards.


122. 122
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 1:59 pm
     Gette said:

     Also at 15: elderly relative’s care . Mean dog bit me.


123. 123
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 2:00 pm
     sugarpie said:

     OK, it was the sixities after all, but still. Bastards.


124. 124
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 2:25 pm
     andrea said:

     washing dishes and helping the cook at Brown Cow Restaurant


125. 125
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 2:26 pm
     Owengirl79 said:

     Dental assistant, 70s, no gloves, swimming in blood and spit.


126. 126
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 2:31 pm
     dgm said:

     This girl was hawking cheese and beefstick at Hickory Farms.


127. 127
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 2:31 pm
     BOSSY said:

     Bossy forgot babysitting. She’s been disregarding kids since 1966, here.


128. 128
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 2:32 pm
     BOSSY said:

     Oh – paid to babysit cats in apartment building. Stinky litter!


129. 129
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 2:47 pm
     Yellaphant said:

     Ticket collector at the swim club. Easiest job ever.


130. 130
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 2:47 pm
     Caroline said:

     “Good afternoon! Are you the homeowner at your residence?” CLICK.


131. 131
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 2:49 pm
     Wiredidiot said:

     DQ in Funky Winkerbean – I worked there! He had it right.


132. 132
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 2:57 pm
     chrissy said:

     Chipper tour guide at a Dayton history museum. Planes! Cars!


133. 133
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 3:07 pm
     Marjorie of Connecticut said:

     Alexander’s Deparment Store. Can still size anyone in one glance.


134. 134
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 3:08 pm
     Jenni D said:

     Gift wrap girl in department store. Really boring except Christmastime.


135. 135
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 3:08 pm
     kd said:

     Jersey Shore: Shrimp peeler by day. Waitress by night. Tips!


136. 136
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 3:29 pm
     Shawn/Lifeatbuttercupfarm said:

     Better than “Blow-Out”, shampoo girl in a Salon…good drama.


137. 137
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 3:39 pm
     Leslie B said:

     smokey, fishy smells; all people want to sit in booth by fishtank

     (You guessed it: Red Lobster waitress!)


138. 138
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 3:39 pm
     Denise said:

     Dad house painter. Me helper, age 8. Sandpaper, putty, prep-work.


139. 139
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 3:43 pm
     Franca Bollo said:

     Lifeguarding while working on my future case of skin cancer.


140. 140
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 3:49 pm
     Gretchen said:

     Unhappily herding rich people’s kids around a fancy day camp.


141. 141
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 3:52 pm
     Dara said:

     Washed dog poo down a drain at local animal shelter.


142. 142
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 3:53 pm
     Donna said:

     Rickel’s boss thought I was stupid til I graduated valedictorian


143. 143
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 4:01 pm
     Karin Gallagher said:

     Beach snack bar: Worked all day for $12 and cheeseburger.


144. 144
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 4:06 pm
     ranchgirl said:

     Bossy’s Readers have interesting histories! Better variety than most workers?


145. 145
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 4:07 pm
     Mr Farty said:

     Manually washing dishes in a seaside Chinese restaurant. Free food!


146. 146
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 4:09 pm
     Shelia said:

     Setting pins in a two lane bowling alley. No kidding.


147. 147
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 4:21 pm
     Shelley said:

     Had a paper route at age 12, does that count?

     High school, Jack in the Box! Greasy, gained weight, ugh.


148. 148
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 4:46 pm
     rebekah said:

     Nordstrom’s lipstick trenches. 18: Best. Job. Ever! 40: Most embarassing!


149. 149
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 4:53 pm
     Deb said:

     @14 Dairy Queen
     @ 16 Drug Store
     @ 51 fat & addicted


150. 150
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 4:57 pm
     Dorothy said:

     Changing poopy diapers,spitup on my blouse,babysitting,what else.


151. 151
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 4:59 pm
     anne marie in philly said:

     variety store in paoli; dust f-ing shelves, hound customers; sucked.

     PS – YAYZ for “the hooters!”


152. 152
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 5:13 pm
     Sharon said:

     Youth Conservation Corps, maintenance work in a national park; sweaty.


153. 153
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 5:16 pm
     Kristie said:

     Pool store. The scent of chlorine still makes me gag.


154. 154
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 5:17 pm
     Jasmine said:

     I am SO happy I found your site. It is sooo funny!


155. 155
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 5:39 pm
     summertime said:

     vegetarian restaurant, great food– dishwasher, wet beans smell like shit.


156. 156
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 5:42 pm
     bossy's friend martha's sis said:

     cleaning the convent…


157. 157
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 5:45 pm
     Stephanie said:

     fried chicken plus grease burn equals nursing degree years later


158. 158
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 5:55 pm
     LauraS said:

     Entertainer/singer for a bond drive at a tampon factory. Surreal, but $500 for 5 hours work was great pay for a 17-year-old.


159. 159
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 5:57 pm
     Trixy said:

     pet store, animal shit. salmonella, stolen snake= owner shoots thief


160. 160
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 6:11 pm
     stuperb said:

     Grocery store checker, a scaredy cat among wantonly shoplifting colleagues.


161. 161
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 6:24 pm
     Little Miss Sunshine State said:

     Babysit. Tennis Club while doctor’s wives took lessons. SLAVE WAGES.


162. 162
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 6:30 pm
     Helen + ilana = Hi said:

     one paltry Cannuck buck per hour shelving public library books


163. 163
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 6:30 pm
     Little Miss Sunshine State said:

     Carhop at A&W. No roller skates. Papa, Mama,Baby Burgers


164. 164
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 6:34 pm
     ozma said:

     Ooooh. Chambermaid. Kinky.

     I had so many different jobs–I cleaned houses, babysat, worked washing dishes, worked as a receptionist–I can’t remember which one was first.

     So my 10 words for all of them would probably be the same: Slacking, poking into hands off things, reading, writing poetry, bored.

     Except for the dishwasher job. There, one cannot slack. Best part of such jobs for me were the snooping and the illicit novel reading.


165. 165
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 7:06 pm
     NellyFrittata said:

     Operated old-fashioned telephone switchboard like Lily Tomlin…one ringy dingy..


166. 166
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 7:09 pm
     Reeb said:

     Bunch of mostly awful first jobs. Thanks for nightmares, Bossy!

     Kudos for various reasons to:
     11/sherry … scratchy wool dress stupid tourists.
     25/MariaV … disco queen careless mother
     99/laurellee … dignity, laughter, tears, and bodily functions.
     102/zelzee … condom. Used. Gross.


167. 167
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 7:41 pm
     Janet said:

     legal secretary at 17 typing, taking dictation from old lawyers.
     (who I now realize were all younger than I am now!)


168. 168
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 7:47 pm
     Elizabeth said:

     Bonanza salad bar, everything tasted like steak, even ice cream.


169. 169
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 8:00 pm
     Tami said:

     McDonalds. Waited on boy from “Mask”. He was mean.


170. 170
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 8:11 pm
     Lori in MN said:

     Black polyester, white shoes, hairnet, $1.10 per hour, HoHo Cafe!


171. 171
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 8:27 pm
     Naomi said:

     Deli – Soaked labels off purchased pickles,put on homemade labels!


172. 172
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 8:33 pm
     Bobbie said:

     Country club waitress – members told guests no need to tip!


173. 173
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 8:34 pm
     Have the T-shirt said:

     A Hoosier rite of passage….detasseling corn…corn rash anyone?


174. 174
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 8:38 pm
     The Great Getzby said:

     Great gaggling gawking groups of kindergarten doe-eyed innocents: camp counselor!


175. 175
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 8:43 pm
     Cara said:

     Fifteen–truck stop waitress, Ohio. Home cooking, great customers & tips.


176. 176
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 8:50 pm
     leslie said:

     Country Club Cocktail waitress where big tits = big tips!


177. 177
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:02 pm
     shanta said:

     shoveling shit, porcupine quills, malfunctioning crematorium, no vet school application.


178. 178
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:47 pm
     LisaJane said:

     Lifeguard at the campus lake where swimming was NOT allowed.


179. 179
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 9:54 pm
     Cupcake Murphy said:

     Deli, volatile midget russian couple owners arguing, me washing dishes.


180. 180
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 10:04 pm
     JK said:

     popcorn-making,soda-pouring, candy girl at local movie theatre


181. 181
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 10:08 pm
     olive ann said:

     videos – x-rated to hs counselor once; man in pjs twice daily


182. 182
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 10:13 pm
     heidi said:

     jeans & sneaker store: feather earrings, spandex, rock jersey’s, roachclips. (took liberties with roachclip being one word.)


183. 183
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 10:27 pm
     abby said:

     My mom was a private contractor, she hung wallpaper and painted. I started working for her, actually doing work (I was the worlds youngest stripper!) for $1 and hour, when I was about 7.

     (Wallpaper stripper; i know thats what you’re thinking.)

     Now, I like math, always have, but, haven’t always been the best at it.

     That summer was a particularly busy one with a lot a jobs, so, she countered :

     If you work for $.50/hr, you can work twice as long!


184. 184
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 10:28 pm
     abby said:

     Oh yeah. I still don’t do math well. See above


185. 185
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 10:35 pm
     SnowWhite said:

     Just remembered:
     Sophmore: Perfume spray/sample girl…horrible, horrible job!


186. 186
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 10:44 pm
     Meredith said:

     Served coffee, donuts-think Dunkin Donuts but FAR LESS GLAMOUROUS.


187. 187
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 11:05 pm
     pam said:

     Dipping ice cream and ammonia bucket mopping


188. 188
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 11:30 pm
     kel said:

     copy girl at dad’s firm; had fling with female paralegal!


189. 189
     on June 2nd, 2009 at 11:39 pm
     amy said:

     Working for a vet who had bitchiest wife on planet.


190. 190
     on June 3rd, 2009 at 6:53 am
     Bliz said:

     Fistfuls of money, hundred-dollar bills: not mine, just a teller.


191. 191
     on June 3rd, 2009 at 7:16 am
     Diane G said:

     Heating roast beef with countertop steam operated by footpedal–Rax!


192. 192
     on June 3rd, 2009 at 8:55 am
     delilah said:

     Best job ever, 14 years at my gallery. RIP, Jan!


193. 193
     on June 3rd, 2009 at 8:56 am
     Jill said:

     tiny scoops of vanilla icecream, paint in my hair… party.


194. 194
     on June 3rd, 2009 at 9:12 am
     cartoongoddess said:

     Curtain falls at 11pm. Get on the bike, head home.


195. 195
     on June 3rd, 2009 at 11:04 am
     Kerri Anne said:

     Skyhawks Camp Coach: hanging with the kiddos, teaching them basketball.


196. 196
     on June 3rd, 2009 at 11:38 am
     Lori said:

     Exterminator’s office – nothing to do but count the dead flies.


197. 197
     on June 3rd, 2009 at 3:13 pm
     Cinthia said:

     Tienda El Principito, Quepos: pervert boss stared at my boobs.


198. 198
     on June 3rd, 2009 at 5:53 pm
     steph said:

     Popcorn, free movies, box office where I met my husband.


199. 199
     on June 3rd, 2009 at 10:09 pm
     susan said:

     toy store- crazed middle aged women obsessing for beanie babies


200. 200
     on June 4th, 2009 at 12:20 am
     Christy said:

     Detasseling corn Iowa knee high fourth of July my eye


201. 201
     on June 4th, 2009 at 8:56 pm
     suzr said:

     college deli, egg salad sandwich (ick)…fired after 2 hours


202. 202
     on June 6th, 2009 at 2:34 am
     Patty said:

     carhop…learned window trays can upend milkshakes on unsuspecting customers