In many ways, my first job helped shape me into who I am today — it taught me the value of hard work, the importance of being dedicated and committed to getting the job done, and the pr...
tuff

Everyone remembers their first job.
It’s a definitive time in your life: it’s a step up from childhood, and a preview of adulthood. It’s a proud moment, when you are old enough to earn your own money. First job experiences are also formative. Not only do they teach you the value of hard work and money — they also shape your understanding of the world. They increase your self-confidence and self-sufficiency. And a good first job will get you started on the path to future success.
My first job was a doughnut finisher at my local Dunkin Donuts in Andrew Square — a job that was very reflective of my Boston roots. Although the work wasn’t glamorous, it was definitely a lot of hard work and taught me a lot. While I wouldn’t call myself a baker, I surprised myself with my new skills — something I wouldn’t have learned if I hadn’t taken this job!
My days would start early in the morning, way before our store opened — and you know how early Dunkin Donuts opens! My shift would consist of getting the doughnuts ready for sale, accept shipments, and prepare the doughnuts with a variety of fillings, icings, and decorations. The busiest time would obviously be in the morning, when doughnuts would fly off the shelves. Sampling the different doughnuts was a fun part of the day, especially the new flavors.
When I go to Dunkin Donuts now, I often think back to the hours I spent there as a teenager. Dunkin Donuts has changed a lot since I worked there in the early 1980s. But I know my first job experience is similar to other young people’s experiences today. Everyone’s career needs to start somewhere, and that’s where I got my start.
In many ways, my first job helped shape me into who I am today — it taught me the value of hard work, the importance of being dedicated and committed to getting the job done, and the proud feeling you get when you earn your own money. It also shaped my understanding of how crucial part-time jobs are for a young person’s growth and development.
That’s why, as Mayor, I am so supportive of summer jobs and other part-time jobs for our City’s young people. These are positive experiences that every young person should have, especially as they move through their teenage years and into adulthood. For young people who live in low-income areas or have a lack of support in their lives, a good part-time job can have a great impact on their lives and even make a difference, by increasing their confidence and putting them on the track to success.
So as a City, we’re committed to growing these kinds of jobs and connecting our young people to these opportunities. We’re working with employers to recruit more young people. Having job experience will make them excited for their future, and for finding and achieving their dream job someday. It’s how we support our young residents, giving them a chance, and help prepare them — and our City’s future workforce — for success.

In many ways, my first job helped shape me into who I am today — it taught me the value of hard work, the importance of being dedicated and committed to getting the job done, and the pr...
tuff


Everyone remembers their first job.
It’s a definitive time in your life: it’s a step up from childhood, and a preview of adulthood. It’s a proud moment, when you are old enough to earn your own money. First job experiences are also formative. Not only do they teach you the value of hard work and money — they also shape your understanding of the world. They increase your self-confidence and self-sufficiency. And a good first job will get you started on the path to future success.
My first job was a doughnut finisher at my local Dunkin Donuts in Andrew Square — a job that was very reflective of my Boston roots. Although the work wasn’t glamorous, it was definitely a lot of hard work and taught me a lot. While I wouldn’t call myself a baker, I surprised myself with my new skills — something I wouldn’t have learned if I hadn’t taken this job!
My days would start early in the morning, way before our store opened — and you know how early Dunkin Donuts opens! My shift would consist of getting the doughnuts ready for sale, accept shipments, and prepare the doughnuts with a variety of fillings, icings, and decorations. The busiest time would obviously be in the morning, when doughnuts would fly off the shelves. Sampling the different doughnuts was a fun part of the day, especially the new flavors.
When I go to Dunkin Donuts now, I often think back to the hours I spent there as a teenager. Dunkin Donuts has changed a lot since I worked there in the early 1980s. But I know my first job experience is similar to other young people’s experiences today. Everyone’s career needs to start somewhere, and that’s where I got my start.
In many ways, my first job helped shape me into who I am today — it taught me the value of hard work, the importance of being dedicated and committed to getting the job done, and the proud feeling you get when you earn your own money. It also shaped my understanding of how crucial part-time jobs are for a young person’s growth and development.
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Speaking at the BCYF Summer Teen Program
That’s why, as Mayor, I am so supportive of summer jobs and other part-time jobs for our City’s young people. These are positive experiences that every young person should have, especially as they move through their teenage years and into adulthood. For young people who live in low-income areas or have a lack of support in their lives, a good part-time job can have a great impact on their lives and even make a difference, by increasing their confidence and putting them on the track to success.
So as a City, we’re committed to growing these kinds of jobs and connecting our young people to these opportunities. We’re working with employers to recruit more young people. Having job experience will make them excited for their future, and for finding and achieving their dream job someday. It’s how we support our young residents, giving them a chance, and help prepare them — and our City’s future workforce — for success.
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Visiting the Mayor’s Mural Crew on Blue Hill Avenue in Mattapan
In the spirit of celebrating first jobs, below are a few first job stories from some of my senior staff at City Hall, explaining the impact of their first jobs:
David Sweeney, Chief Financial Officer
My first job started at age 6, as an independent personal paperboy. My parents had informed me I would be performing this job. This “opportunity” was provided to me by my parents, and the route consisted of delivering a newspaper to an elderly couple at the top of my street, Bea and Marie. I delivered them their newspapers and they sat and entertained me for about 30 minutes on my walk to school every morning. Essentially, Bea and Marie paid me $2 a week for the responsibility of babysitting me before school because my parents had to leave for work so early in the morning. I did the job for four years, and spent my $2 paycheck on candy, ice cream, and french fries at King’s Corner Variety.
My advice: If you have the luxury, find something that excites you and doesn’t feel like work. Also, take advantage of the on the job training you’re receiving. Soliciting customers for a sale, shoveling mulch, or operating the cash register might not seem that glamorous, but you can build on those skills over time. Everyone has to start somewhere — even if you don’t get to be a 6 year-old paperboy.
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David Sweeney with his family and Mayor Walsh
Joyce Linehan, Chief of Policy
I was 14 when I was hired as a recreation director. The campground I spent my summers at had a lack of organized activities, so I convinced the owner to hire me to help plan things like movie nights, games and music events. I worked there for three summers. Looking back, this was my first entrepreneurial venture — I liked the creativity involved, and the flexibility. For other people looking for their first jobs, this is my advice: There is opportunity everywhere — sometimes when you least expect it. Try to see the world through other people’s eyes, and remember that people have a lot to offer.
Summer Youth Job Employee Roundtable
Jerome Smith, Chief of Civic Engagement
At 16, I was hired to be a crew member at McDonald’s. I was the oldest of five, and having a job meant independence, and helping my family. I applied for the job after seeing a job in Waterbury Republican — without asking for permission in advance. I remember my first day was chaos: I was assigned to the fry station and once 10:30 AM hit they would be serving both breakfast and lunch at the same time. My first manager’s name was Gary, and he became a good friend, inviting me over for dinner and talking with me about my future. He tried to convince me to join the McDonald’s management program, but instead I left to go to college.
Here’s what I learned about first jobs: It is your first job, not your last. Get as many skills as you can and build a strong foundation. Even if the sky is falling, don’t get discouraged. Take advantage of all of the experiences, good and bad, they’ll all make you better at your next job.