I started my first job when I was 17 years old. I was naive and didn’t know how the workplace politics worked.

My first experience wasn’t as good as I had expected it to be. However, it taught me several things that molded me into the person I am right now. Here’s why you should work at least once in your life.

Confidence:

High school doesn’t teach you how to deal with cruel personalities, no one teaches you that. You learn that from experience. When I started working, I felt so out of place and never said a word, even when I was taken for granted. Eventually, I learned to stand up for myself and it gave me confidence that I cherish.

Cash flow management:

Trust me, it helps you a lot with money management. At first you don’t know what to do with that money. It’s fine. I blew mine on bags and shoes. But eventually I started saving that money. I don’t have millions right now, but if I had the opportunity to invest it, I would have. And who knows, I might have been a millionaire by now. Invest it or save it!

Time Management:

If you’re in college, I suggest you find an internship and start working. It puts a lot on your plate and you learn to manage your time wisely. You set your priorities, make time for what’s important and what’s well, not that important. It’s better to get a hold of time management skills while still in college rather than trying to figure it out while you start your first job, post college.

Puts you ahead of competition:

A work experience on your resume set you apart from the crowd. Employers are looking for people who know their way around an office. If you’ve got some work experience, you are already ahead of those 30 other people who don’t, but have applied for the same job as you did. Even when I started university, my professors and the university board appreciated that I had prior work experience in a variety of fields.