I remember the day vividly – the day I turned 16 and my mum decided it was time I got a job. No ifs, no buts. Off I went to work at the local chip shop, and let me tell you, I hated it! But there I was, frying chips and wrapping orders for a whopping £5 an hour. At the time, I felt like I’d hit the jackpot, that was big money to a teenager. I used to get paid cash at the end of each shift, and I’d walk out there with a goodie bag for me and my family. For those that know me – I love a chippy tea. Now £5 wouldn’t even buy me a kebab!
That first job taught me some valuable lessons like turning up on time, working hard even when you didn’t want to, and the art of surviving the Friday and Saturday night rush. But once I’d had my fill of vinegar, and handing out mini plastic forks. I moved on to help my mom at her business, getting stuck into admin, payroll, and a bit of everything in between. It was my first taste of the business world and gave me insight into how things tick behind the scenes.
Then came the “big girl” job – Tesco. A full-time role with real responsibility. I became a shift leader, managing teams and juggling the madness of retail. But the early starts at 4am and late-night finishes weren’t exactly ideal. After three years, I’d basically become a hermit…my social life non-existent and energy levels at zero. Still, I have no regrets.
Retail Taught Me A Lot
- How to deal with all kinds of people
- The importance of customer service
- The ability to keep calm under pressure.
But something was missing.
I didn’t feel challenged.
I wanted more.
I wanted to do something that mattered, something where I could grow, achieve, and make a difference.
That’s when I joined Oliver Rae. Fast forward to today, and I’m coming up to four years with the team. It’s true what they say – time flies when you’re having fun! Every day is different, and that’s what I love most. Whether it’s helping someone find their next opportunity or supporting a client who’s struggled to get the right staff, knowing I’ve made even a small difference is what makes this job so rewarding.
The clients we work with and the fantastic candidates we support are what makes it all worthwhile. Yes, there are tough days – but there are also moments where you know you’ve changed someone’s life for the better. And when that happens, when you love your job, it doesn’t feel like work at all.
