I still remember the mixed reactions I got when I told my friends and family about my first job out of college. It was with a small government software vendor, and people couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. ‘You’re going to work with BASIC?’ they’d say, as if it was some kind of ancient technology. But I didn’t let their doubts discourage me, and I’m glad I didn’t.
The company might be small, with less than 10 employees, but it’s given me the opportunity to gain experience in a wide range of areas. From setting up servers to customer support, QA, networking, and even designing webpages, I’ve been able to wear many hats. And yes, our clients might not be the most tech-savvy, but that’s okay. I’m getting paid, and I’m learning a ton.
One of the best things about this job is the flexibility. My workdays are usually only 6 hours long, but I’m on salary for 8. It’s given me the time and energy to upskill in my free time, which is essential in the fast-paced world of tech.
I’ve realized that it’s not about the job itself, but about what you make of it. I could’ve easily written off this opportunity as a ‘basic’ gig (pun intended), but instead, I’ve chosen to see the value in it. And you know what? I don’t regret my decision one bit.
So, to all the new grads out there, my advice is to not be too picky. Take what you can get, and make the most of it. You never know what opportunities might arise from an unexpected place.