When I look back on my humbling first job, delivering newspapers in Ivanhoe, VIC, it brings back a flood of memories—some funny, some tough, but all of them important. I was 18 years old, with a resume that was practically empty, zero work experience, and barely any confidence. I needed to save up for a car, so I took the first job I could find—delivering papers. The pay wasn’t great—$40 for 400 papers—but the lessons I learned along the way have shaped who I am today and the work I do now at Gippsland Resumes.
The Weight of a 20kg Backpack—and the Lessons it Brought
The job itself wasn’t anything special, but it was hard work. I’d load up a 20kg backpack with 200 newspapers, hop on my bike for a 10-minute ride (walking would’ve added an extra hour to the trip), and then spend hours delivering papers to homes across Ivanhoe. Sometimes it was hot, sometimes it was freezing, and sometimes, it was raining. But no matter the conditions, I had to show up and get the job done.
Looking back now, I see that the work wasn’t just physically challenging—it taught me lessons I carry with me every day. One of those lessons came from a memorable interaction with a customer early on.
A Memorable Moment: The Man Who Called the Paper "Junk"
One morning, I was delivering the paper to a particularly grumpy customer. As I handed him his paper, he scowled and muttered something about how it was "just **** junk." Curious, I asked him what he meant. "It’s full of ads!" he snapped, shaking the paper in front of me. "This is not the kind of paper I want!"
I stood there, slightly stunned, not sure how to respond. I was 18, and handling difficult customers wasn’t exactly a skill I had mastered yet. In the end, all I could do was apologise and assure him that I was just the delivery guy, and I’d make sure the paper reached him. He didn’t seem all that impressed, but I learned a valuable lesson that day: you can't please everyone! And you can’t always control how people react. All you can do is stay professional and keep moving forward.
That interaction stuck with me, though. It was a reminder that, no matter what job you're doing, you're bound to encounter tough situations—and the key is how you handle them. Even today, when dealing with clients or challenges, I remember that moment and the lesson it taught me about patience and professionalism.
What I Learned from My First Job
Persistence Pays Off When you're carrying a 20kg load and biking around the suburbs to deliver hundreds of papers, it’s not easy to stay motivated. But that job taught me the power of persistence. It wasn’t always glamorous, and I certainly didn’t see immediate rewards, but by showing up and doing the work day after day, I built the strength and resilience to keep going. This lesson is at the heart of everything I do now at Gippsland Resumes. Whether you’re job hunting or navigating a career change, persistence is key. Keep going, even when it feels hard, and the results will follow.
Hard Work Builds Resilience Riding my bike with a heavy backpack, dodging dogs, and walking up endless stairwells wasn’t just physically demanding—it made me mentally tougher, too. Each delivery, each early morning, helped me build resilience, which continues to serve me in my career today. In your own career, every challenge you face—whether it’s tackling a tough project or handling a difficult situation—adds to your resilience. The hard work pays off, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time.
Routine and Discipline Matter There was a rhythm to the paper route that helped me develop a sense of discipline. I had to wake up early, bike to the starting point, and make sure every paper was delivered before the deadline . Even though it was hard, that routine helped me develop a strong work ethic. The same goes for your career—having a routine, sticking to deadlines, and staying organised are all essential to long-term success.
How These Lessons Relate to Your Career
At Gippsland Resumes, we believe that every career journey—no matter how unconventional or unglamorous—has value. Just like my paper route, your career is about showing up, staying persistent, and learning from every experience. It might not always be easy, and you’ll face challenges along the way. But with the right mindset, even the toughest moments can become valuable learning experiences.
Whether you’re just starting your career, looking for a new job, or shifting to a different field, know that every step you take builds your story. And we’re here to help you tell that story with a resume that reflects your growth, persistence, and dedication.
So, if you’re ready to take that next step—no matter how small—reach out to us. Together, we’ll make sure your resume captures all the hard work, resilience, and lessons you’ve learned along the way, setting you up for your next big opportunity.
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