Patch Asks: Your First Summer Job?

Whether you have to think back decades or just a couple years, many of us began our work lives with a summer job.

I'll never forget my first summer job. I was 12 (what can I say, I was saving for a horse). I baby-sat for a family who is still very special to me. The two girls and I went to the same elementary school, so there were no diapers to change or babies to burp–which was probably a blessing for me at that age.

Each weekday morning my mom woke me at 6 a.m., taking me away from my precious summer vacation sleep. I rode my bike across town to their house and watched TV until the girls woke up. I spent two summers at their home, and thankfully never burned it down or any other such trouble. The girls and I got along well, and we spent our days playing outside and making crafts out of my Baby-Sitter Club-inspired art kit.

I highly recommend baby-sitting for a summer job, especially for the right family. And while I can't remember exactly what I was paid, I'm pretty sure I was the high-roller out of the sixth graders in my neighborhood.

While I had a wonderful experience, perhaps yours was not quite so great. How many days did you last? How much were you paid?

Join me in sharing your first job experiences below in the comments area. Maybe we can help some first timers decide what kind of work would be the best fit for them.