Homeostasis, the perfect equilibrium in the environment around us, but what does this have to do with my first job experience. Well, I was in a journey of my own to find homeostasis in my life financial life, I was 16 and still heavily depended on my parents for anything financial. I, as anyone who grows older, realized I had my own needs and desires, things that could not always be fulfilled by my overworked parents, who have done a tremendous amount for me already. I didn't know this at the time, but I was on my path to financial freedom from my parents and I would also learn an important lesson along the way.
Obviously when I say financial freedom I don't mean a multi-million dollar job that would give me enough to never have to worry again. I just needed enough to buy things I needed when I needed them...or wanted. But first, I had to find a place to work and apply there. Luckily, I had just the place in mind. Starbucks, I had heard a lot of good things about working here and a plus was the possibility to fund my future education. I would eventually get the job and it was a very easy, simple, and quick process.
Even though the objective was to get paid, I learned a very good lesson as a consequence of getting paid. The lesson that everyone eventually learns, but my never really apply to their life. The ability to save money and accrue wealth overtime, in this case I was making maybe $200 every two weeks because I only worked two days. But, I quickly learned that I could not just spend the money as I got it because, firstly, I learned the hard work and time it takes to make the money and secondly, I didn't have that much I really needed or wanted anymore that wasn't completely useless or valueless. So, if I did spend money on food or other items, I would make sure to limit my spending to about 20% to 30% of the money I was paid a week. Eventually, I realized some weeks I would spend nothing and have that cushion just incase there was a harder week on the way. Throughout my two years at Starbucks I was able to earn enough money to invest 50% in stocks and still have enough to get through my nutrimental needs in college if I was to eat out everyday at least once.
I cannot be any happier of the situation that the job left me in and I am appreciative of the lesson it taught me. I don't think I would be the same person financially as I am today with the work experience and mentorship I had during that period.
