What did your first job teach you?

How to deal with the public without getting stepped on. I worked foodservice during my teen years until I was 22. I also worked in a doctor's office from age 21 to 23, when I started nursing school. During school I worked part time doing data entry and also as a receptionist and then loan processor in the mortgage department of a local bank. Every single job I've had has in some way contributed to my field of nursing, even in ways some wouldn't expect.
Every single job is a learning experience, even if it's not something you'd want to do permanently!

"Attention Kmart Shoppers, that blue light is now flashing in our accessories department where we have scarves for $2.00. Head over to the accessories department to take advantage of this blue light special for the next 8 minutes!"

Exactly this! I remember learning the different pieces of meat. I also learned that those heat lights the chicken sat under would give you a nasty burn if you accidentally hit it with your hand while reaching for the piece you needed!

That it was my responsibility, not to take shit from people and how to have fun. I worked at a 24 hour truck stop overnights on the weekend. We got an interesting crowd in throughout the night.

My first job taught me to toughen up and not be such a princess. The first week there were blisters, sunburn and sore muscles. I whined a lot at first, but learned to deal with the long days and found out I was strong and capable. By the end of the summer I was tanned, toned and had my own money to spend!

That people don't like to tip. 

How to make the curl at the top of a soft serve ice cream cone (Dairy Queen). 

And how to avoid older, creepy managers (son of the owner).

I worked there for 2-3 months and found a new job at the local pizza place.  I liked that job much better.  

I worked at the national guard armory through a special program for low income kids. I learned that I am awesome at filing. Lol I loved it there. It was a summer job when I was 16.

I worked at a Crayola factory. Not sure what I learned. But it sure was fun. I worked in office , not in plant.
Oh I know what I learned. You need everyone to run a business. Don't look down at the plant workers just cause your in the office. I didn't do that. But there was a us vs them feel. I got along with the plant so I had no issues.
Just like now. The construction guys and me
They don't like most of the office. But they like me and if I asked them to do something they do it. I help them with their union stuff and whatever they need and they help me

That working with food was not for me.

Also, to ask a LOT of questions about what exactly the job entails. I was under the impression I would be working in the store part of the property making custom bubble bath and massage oils, and not in the cafe part. Imagine my surprise when I found myself waitressing and learning all the components of 30 dishes. 😳

That getting a job can literally depend on who you know.

My first job (when I was 15/16) was cleaning doctors’ offices...I learned how to use one of those giant floor polishers. That was fun! 😄

As a waitress, there is more going on than you think. It's hard to juggle and prioritize all the different needs of the customer. So maybe next time you are an impatient customer trying having some patience.

My first job was at a dry cleaners. Yawn. After I worked there for about six months I saw an ad posted that Disneyland was hiring. I thought "Why not?" and worked there for three years in a few different jobs. It was hard work, a lot of fun, and a talking point on my resume for years. I learned that "why not?" or "why not me?" attitude helped me go for a lot of big and little things that have made my life better, or at least more interesting.

Disney has it's own culture, so that was a lot of what I learned: customers are guests, workers are cast members, etc. I worked at Carnation Plaza Gardens more than 40 years ago and I can still tell you that they serve Coke, Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Grape, and Orange sodas (yes both Coke and Pepsi!) and our cash registers did not add, we did it all in our heads. Working parades and Thunder Mountain Railroad were a piece of cake after that gig.

I worked in a donut shop, and I learned that I am NOT an early-morning person!