Thursday, January 1, 2015

My First Real Job in Seventh Grade

originally posted 06 NOV 2014

I remember being called out of class early on in seventh grade. I thought I was in trouble because I had to go to the Principal's office. The only other time I had been called in there (that I remember) was when they called me in to ask if I was abused. I wrote about that in my "I'm a Christian Who Doesn't Believe in Spanking Kids" post.

I attended a Catholic school. We were a semi-catholic family. My mother attended the Catholic church once a month so we could get a deduction on tuition and the rest of the time, we were at one of those prosperity churches that was more about church growth than Christianity.

So, I remember being called in and they asked if I wanted a job. I was skeptical but said I'd give it a try. They needed a receptionist in the rectory where the priests live on weekends. Looking back, I suspect they gave me the job because they knew something was amiss in my life and, looking back, I think they were right.

I remember applying for my social security card and that was exciting. I really enjoyed the job too. I worked four-hour shifts and it was quiet. The phone didn't ring often. I got my homework done and spent the rest of the time with my nose in a book. I loved (and still love) to read.

The best part was that I was making $3.75 an hour when minimum wage was about a dollar less! I worked there until I was sixteen years old. I'm no longer Catholic but I am very thankful for the opportunity I was given.

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