First Taste of Value: Understanding Consumerism and Employment

I remember that Big Mac, the first one that wasn’t for free. I paid for that one and it was the first time I tasted expense, tasted real value. It’s an experience that can’t be taught, or described enough, just perceived in first person. I embrace the life changing step, being the first time I stepped into the world of consumerism by myself. Employment and its reward of income changed my life: allowing me to finally comprehend the work behind a dollar, the importance of saving, and the significance of a job.
I woke up extra early that warm September day. The drastic transition ahead intimidated me; the feeling the anxiety pierced out of my chest. That morning was unique, the first anticipating work. I never before involved myself in extracurricular activities, therefore feeling this amount of purpose at one time was enticing. People now heavily depended on me to perform a task correctly, or an entire business would be affected. The feeling dominated as the largest sense of purpose in my life, and at only fifteen, I became addicted. From that day forward, working has been the backbone of my motivation and self-esteem through purpose.

I can’t recollect something as physically and mentally strenuous as working at the state fair last summer. The money earned, allocated with the hard hours during those two weeks, was highly appraised. I never before had that amount of money at one time, but also never worked so hard for something. It was like a brand new car, with its inevitable use and wear. There is always hesitation of its use anyway, acknowledging that its current value and quality is only temporary. When I looked at the staggering number on my first check, I interpreted it as work, rather than money. This affect lingered through some of my first necessary purchases. I perceived it as paying in hours, not money; the summer job and its pay was temporary, therefore extremely precious. This experience was the most important in my life regarding saving, as I personally discerned the real value and work behind every dollar.
With all that income from a job, the last thing I did with it at that young age was improper management.

It was only fourth grade, when I purchased my first flat screen TV. Impressive, right? Saving money is one of the smartest decisions I established as a kid; now that I have a job, the subsequent rewards are continuously multiplying. At only sixteen with my current hours and no direct bills, the money accumulated. Although, at this age there are many materialistic things I desire. Could you imagine a young teenager with spending power? Proudly, that is not me. From that first TV as a reward for saving, an exponential income did not affect my notion. Just recently I purchased a car all by myself, simply because I avail the power in saving money. This aspect is now part of my personality, and its reward will only progressively

increase.
I chose a different path, compared to the majority of teens. There was one thing I enjoyed more than sports or video games—money. The proper saving and spending simply increases its effectiveness in improving my life. It’s something that will carry success throughout my life, and early exposure has only helped. The value of money and saving was interpreted by me briefly, though the effects will last a lifetime.