My Early Part-Time Jobs Journey

Before I delve more into my entrepreneur ventures, I'd like to touch on my experiences with part-time jobs. After all, these are jobs that not only funded my passions but also shaped who I am as a person.

My first taste of money was during secondary school, where my friend asked me to help out in assisting a tuition center to distribute flyers door-to-door to promote their service. While it didn't offer substantial pay (just $50 split between both of us), it provided an eye-opening experience. My first taste of paycheck.

Afterwards, I explored part-time work on websites such as GumTree and JobStreets and landed jobs doing banquet at hotels. The pay was decent at that time, and I earn an average of $400 a month during school days, and more during holidays. However, I dislike banquet jobs due to the need of carrying heavy oval tray and having to deal with bad hotel management. or sometimes getting send back earlier than expected due to them being overstaff. The frequency of jobs was also unreliable as we have to fight for the jobs with many others.

In upper secondary school, I was introduced to a F&B establishment selling beers, earning $10 an hour. The best thing is that payout is in CASH, this means there's no CPF, and at that point of time when you're young, you wouldn't want anything to do with CPF either.

When the designated bartender had to leave, I stepped in to fill the role, gaining hands-on experience behind the bar. This job was undeniably a pivotal moment and a highlight in my part-time career. It provided me with invaluable opportunities to develop bartendering and management skills. Additionally, I took charge of organizing and overseeing events held at the restaurant's second level, including a significant wedding with 300 guests. My manager entrusted me with the responsibility of coordinating the part-time staff, ensuring everyone fulfilled their assigned roles efficiently.

I also had the opportunity to teach one of the upcoming managers what we do and how we do things.

One of the most gratifying moments came when I overheard a floor manager express a preference for having me on staff over others due to my exceptional performance and dedication to my duties.

I eventually left this place as there was a period back in Poly where i was having my exams, and the whole management change with new ways of running things and no effort to connect with the part timer staffs.

However, changes in management and academic commitments during polytechnic led me to leave the job. Nevertheless, my strong work ethic opened doors to various opportunities, with former managers reaching out whenever something interesting arose.

These experiences have not only provided financial support but have also instilled valuable skills and memories that continue to shape my journey.