20 answers
Nevaeh
Student
Emmett, Idaho
4
Questions
Asked
2045 views
What is my first priority with my first ever job?
I just got a job at a pizza place in my town. I know I want to save up for college and a car, but what else is necessary?
Login to comment
20 answers
Wong Loke Yuen
Head of Programme cum Senior Lecturer
645
Answers
Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Updated
Wong’s Answer
Hi Nevaeh. Since you just started working at a pizza place in your town, it's important to be clear about your goals and how to manage your earnings. Your first priority should be learning how to handle your money wisely. You've already set two great goals: saving for college and a car. These are big expenses, so the earlier you start saving, the better.
You can make a simple budget to figure out how much money you make each week and how much you can realistically save. It's a good idea to open a savings account if you don't already have one. Try to set aside a certain amount from each paycheck for college, and a smaller amount for your car.
Besides saving, another important priority is gaining experience and building good work habits. Even if it's just a job at a pizza place, this is your first step into the working world. Show up on time, work hard, be polite, and learn how to work with others. These skills will help you in any job in the future.
Also, don't forget about balance. School is still important, and so is your mental and physical health. Don't let your job take over your life. Manage your time so that you can do well in school, get enough rest, and enjoy some free time too. All the best.
You can make a simple budget to figure out how much money you make each week and how much you can realistically save. It's a good idea to open a savings account if you don't already have one. Try to set aside a certain amount from each paycheck for college, and a smaller amount for your car.
Besides saving, another important priority is gaining experience and building good work habits. Even if it's just a job at a pizza place, this is your first step into the working world. Show up on time, work hard, be polite, and learn how to work with others. These skills will help you in any job in the future.
Also, don't forget about balance. School is still important, and so is your mental and physical health. Don't let your job take over your life. Manage your time so that you can do well in school, get enough rest, and enjoy some free time too. All the best.
Matt M
Auditor
9
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Matt’s Answer
Your First Priority: Learning and Reliability
When you start your first job, your main goal should be to learn how to work well and show reliability. This means:
- Show up on time each day.
- Ask questions and learn how everything works (from making pizzas to handling customers).
- Be dependable, ensure that your manager and coworkers feel like they can count on you.
These habits build a strong work reputation that will help you far beyond this job — college, future jobs, or any career path.
Next: Manage Your Money Wisely
You already have a great goal — saving for college and a car. Add a bit more structure:
Open a savings account (if you don’t have one) and honestly just save as much as you can.
Learn basic money management — tracking what you earn and spend teaches discipline early.
Invest it - S&P 500 is great place to park your money and leave it untouched. Look up intro to investing videos online
Also Important: Build Skills
Even in a pizza job you can still build skills that will matter later:
Customer service — how to deal with people politely and calmly.
Teamwork — learning to coordinate and work well with others.
Responsibility — managing shifts, money, closing tasks, etc..
These are “transferable skills” that colleges and future employers love to see.
Finally: Take Care of Yourself
Balancing work, school, and personal life can/will be tiring. Make sure you:
- Get enough rest.
- Keep school a priority (this is key).
- Don’t burn out by taking too many hours.
When you start your first job, your main goal should be to learn how to work well and show reliability. This means:
- Show up on time each day.
- Ask questions and learn how everything works (from making pizzas to handling customers).
- Be dependable, ensure that your manager and coworkers feel like they can count on you.
These habits build a strong work reputation that will help you far beyond this job — college, future jobs, or any career path.
Next: Manage Your Money Wisely
You already have a great goal — saving for college and a car. Add a bit more structure:
Open a savings account (if you don’t have one) and honestly just save as much as you can.
Learn basic money management — tracking what you earn and spend teaches discipline early.
Invest it - S&P 500 is great place to park your money and leave it untouched. Look up intro to investing videos online
Also Important: Build Skills
Even in a pizza job you can still build skills that will matter later:
Customer service — how to deal with people politely and calmly.
Teamwork — learning to coordinate and work well with others.
Responsibility — managing shifts, money, closing tasks, etc..
These are “transferable skills” that colleges and future employers love to see.
Finally: Take Care of Yourself
Balancing work, school, and personal life can/will be tiring. Make sure you:
- Get enough rest.
- Keep school a priority (this is key).
- Don’t burn out by taking too many hours.
Myeshia Wells
11
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Myeshia’s Answer
Hi Nevaeh, I would suggest to stay ahead by learning the basics of professionalism.
Show up on time—every time. Reliability is gold. Be respectful and kind to coworkers and customers, even on tough days.
Take initiative—if you finish a task, ask what else you can help with. These habits will follow you into every job you ever have.
The second almost 1st most importantly is Start Building Smart Money Habits
Open a savings account if you haven’t already.
Use the 50/30/20 rule as a guide:
50% for needs (like phone bills or helping at home
30% for wants (fun stuff)
20% for savings (college, car, emergency fund)
Track your spending—apps like Mint or just a notebook can help. Start Building Smart Money Habits
Open a savings account if you haven’t already.
Use the 50/30/20 rule as a guide:
50% for needs (like phone bills or helping at home)
30% for wants (fun stuff)
20% for savings (college, car, emergency fund)
Track your spending—apps like Mint or just a notebook can help. ALso, time management is important so, make sure you balance work, school and life. It is a real superpower as well as teamwork. Working with all kinds of people can teach you so much. ! More thing, when you are thrown a curveball embrace them so that you cabn learn and be a professional in problem solving.
Show up on time—every time. Reliability is gold. Be respectful and kind to coworkers and customers, even on tough days.
Take initiative—if you finish a task, ask what else you can help with. These habits will follow you into every job you ever have.
The second almost 1st most importantly is Start Building Smart Money Habits
Open a savings account if you haven’t already.
Use the 50/30/20 rule as a guide:
50% for needs (like phone bills or helping at home
30% for wants (fun stuff)
20% for savings (college, car, emergency fund)
Track your spending—apps like Mint or just a notebook can help. Start Building Smart Money Habits
Open a savings account if you haven’t already.
Use the 50/30/20 rule as a guide:
50% for needs (like phone bills or helping at home)
30% for wants (fun stuff)
20% for savings (college, car, emergency fund)
Track your spending—apps like Mint or just a notebook can help. ALso, time management is important so, make sure you balance work, school and life. It is a real superpower as well as teamwork. Working with all kinds of people can teach you so much. ! More thing, when you are thrown a curveball embrace them so that you cabn learn and be a professional in problem solving.
Rod Park
Technology Strategist
2
Answers
Wellington, New Zealand
Updated
Rod’s Answer
Your first job is an ideal time to form good habits. Here are the habits that will serve you well for your career:
1. Be punctual
2. Say what you will do, and then do what you said you would do
3. Don't be afraid to speak up if something isn't right
4. When someone does something good, commend them for it. Corporate citizenship goes a long way.
1. Be punctual
2. Say what you will do, and then do what you said you would do
3. Don't be afraid to speak up if something isn't right
4. When someone does something good, commend them for it. Corporate citizenship goes a long way.
Sunanda Agrawal
3
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Sunanda’s Answer
I think with 1st job your focus should be on learning and you should invest your savings to enhance your learning and experiences.
Gary Chan
Finance
2
Answers
Singapore
Updated
Gary’s Answer
Great question, and congratulations on getting the job, Nevaeh!
In your new role, remember that what you do is more important than what you say. Be on time, keep your promises, and work hard. This is a wonderful chance to learn how to manage your time between work and studies.
For managing your money, think about what you want to achieve and make a savings plan. Try to save a little from each paycheck after covering your essential expenses.
In your new role, remember that what you do is more important than what you say. Be on time, keep your promises, and work hard. This is a wonderful chance to learn how to manage your time between work and studies.
For managing your money, think about what you want to achieve and make a savings plan. Try to save a little from each paycheck after covering your essential expenses.
Malvena Nwakanma, MBA, BA
Payroll Specialist
8
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Malvena’s Answer
Hello,
Your top priorities for your first job:
1. Be punctual
2. Be open to learning and growing, build a cadence for yourself, and give yourself grace
3. Ask plenty of questions
4. Have fun, interact with others, and celebrate the wins (for yourself and for others)
Hope this helps, and good luck!
Your top priorities for your first job:
1. Be punctual
2. Be open to learning and growing, build a cadence for yourself, and give yourself grace
3. Ask plenty of questions
4. Have fun, interact with others, and celebrate the wins (for yourself and for others)
Hope this helps, and good luck!
Ashley Silver
Learning Manager
1
Answer
Gainesville, Virginia
Updated
Ashley’s Answer
Hi Nevaeh! You've received some great advice already. Here's another suggestion: recognize and appreciate how you're developing good work habits that will benefit you in the future. Skills like keeping your uniform clean and ready, managing your money wisely, and arriving at work on time with a positive attitude are valuable for your current job and any future ones. Remembering that this job can help you save for college and a car might inspire you to keep up these good habits.
Ping Ping Lim
Financial Controller
1
Answer
Singapore
Updated
Ping Ping’s Answer
On the job:
1) Be proactive and positive in your job
2) Be willing to learn
On planning for your financials:
1) Understand your goals
2) Plan and pen down your monthly income and expenditure so you can understand your spend and how long it takes for you to reach your goals of funding for your car and college
1) Be proactive and positive in your job
2) Be willing to learn
On planning for your financials:
1) Understand your goals
2) Plan and pen down your monthly income and expenditure so you can understand your spend and how long it takes for you to reach your goals of funding for your car and college
Philippe Jan de la Cruz, CPA
Finance Manager
3
Answers
Singapore
Updated
Philippe Jan’s Answer
Be keen to learn and be curious. Go beyond what your job is and try to understand how things work. As you get your first paycheck, try to understand how your money flows in and out and build habits to save.. then invest! :)
Stephanie Kim
Finance Analyst
1
Answer
Seoul, South Korea
Updated
Stephanie’s Answer
First off, please don’t stress about finding the perfect job right away. It’s okay to fail, and whatever experiences you go through will all add up as your asset in the end.
I think your first job should be something that sparks your interest and broadens your perspective. I recommend choosing work that excites you and gives you the chance to meet as many people as possible. If you keep seeking for what you enjoy and are good at, money and savings will naturally follow.
I think your first job should be something that sparks your interest and broadens your perspective. I recommend choosing work that excites you and gives you the chance to meet as many people as possible. If you keep seeking for what you enjoy and are good at, money and savings will naturally follow.
Taruna Juneja
Client Lead at Microsoft
2
Answers
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Updated
Taruna’s Answer
Hello Naveah,
As a mom of a teenager who started his first job at KFC, I want to share some advice. Always strive to be your best. Be disciplined and punctual, and try to arrive a little early. Keep a positive attitude—be friendly and learn from any mistakes. Work well with your peers and managers, as these habits will benefit you. Manage your earnings wisely; remember, saving money is important. Balance your work and studies so neither is neglected. You'll gain valuable skills like teamwork, active listening, and professional communication, which will be helpful in the future.
set your alarm
For unplanned leaves/emergency situation - figure out a back-up to fill you in
Plan your financials -savings, budget goals etc.
Balance your work schedule and school commitments (studies, homework, sports etc.
As a mom of a teenager who started his first job at KFC, I want to share some advice. Always strive to be your best. Be disciplined and punctual, and try to arrive a little early. Keep a positive attitude—be friendly and learn from any mistakes. Work well with your peers and managers, as these habits will benefit you. Manage your earnings wisely; remember, saving money is important. Balance your work and studies so neither is neglected. You'll gain valuable skills like teamwork, active listening, and professional communication, which will be helpful in the future.
Taruna recommends the following next steps:
Arun Unni
Finance Director
1
Answer
Singapore
Updated
Arun’s Answer
1. Show up on time. Every day and to every meeting
2. Be open to all types of work coming your way. Nothing is "too small" or "unimportant" for you. There's something to learn from everyone. If nothing else, to develop a sense of empathy
3. Never hesitate to escalate if you see unethical / wrong - whether a financial issue or a personal matter impacting you or another colleague. There might be short term pain, depending on the situation in your organization. But you'll sleep better at night
As for saving up, set yourself a percentage of your take-home pay that you'll commit to saving each month (50% was what I went with early in my career). Everything else (rent, car, holiday, eating out, movies) comes out from the rest. Adapt your lifestyle to your savings....not the other way around.
Good luck!
2. Be open to all types of work coming your way. Nothing is "too small" or "unimportant" for you. There's something to learn from everyone. If nothing else, to develop a sense of empathy
3. Never hesitate to escalate if you see unethical / wrong - whether a financial issue or a personal matter impacting you or another colleague. There might be short term pain, depending on the situation in your organization. But you'll sleep better at night
As for saving up, set yourself a percentage of your take-home pay that you'll commit to saving each month (50% was what I went with early in my career). Everything else (rent, car, holiday, eating out, movies) comes out from the rest. Adapt your lifestyle to your savings....not the other way around.
Good luck!
Marco Testa
Marketing
1
Answer
Paris, Île-de-France, France
Updated
Marco’s Answer
Hi Naveah, you've done a great job with your replies so far! Remember to stay open to all the opportunities that come your way. Sometimes, a job might not be exactly what you imagined, but it could be a valuable first step. As long as you're learning and growing, you're on the right path. Wishing you the best in your career!
Lori Berens, PMP
Program Manager
4
Answers
Concord, North Carolina
Updated
Lori’s Answer
Congratulations on your new job!
Setting goals like saving for college and a car is fantastic. Consider starting an emergency fund and think about contributing to a 401k early on. This can grow into a nice retirement fund over time.
1. Try to arrive on time or a bit early for your shift.
2. Keep an open mind and be eager to learn.
3. Stay positive, even with challenging customers.
4. Show your enthusiasm to learn and possibly advance in your role.
5. Be kind and treat others as you’d like to be treated.
Having worked in various restaurants, I can say it’s a great way to gain valuable skills for future jobs. It teaches you how to handle different situations.
Best of luck! This is just the start of many wonderful opportunities in your life.
Setting goals like saving for college and a car is fantastic. Consider starting an emergency fund and think about contributing to a 401k early on. This can grow into a nice retirement fund over time.
1. Try to arrive on time or a bit early for your shift.
2. Keep an open mind and be eager to learn.
3. Stay positive, even with challenging customers.
4. Show your enthusiasm to learn and possibly advance in your role.
5. Be kind and treat others as you’d like to be treated.
Having worked in various restaurants, I can say it’s a great way to gain valuable skills for future jobs. It teaches you how to handle different situations.
Best of luck! This is just the start of many wonderful opportunities in your life.
Matthew Frank
Sales
4
Answers
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
Starting your first job in a pizza shop is a fantastic chance to learn how to interact with customers and work well with others. These skills will be incredibly valuable throughout your career. You have the perfect opportunity to practice and grow in these areas.
Ryan Lisiewski
Corporate Finance - Risk Management
1
Answer
Flemington, New Jersey
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Hi Nevaeh, congrats on your getting your first job! This already shows me that you are motivated and on the right track!
The fact that you are already thinking about saving and financial planning is great, you are likely ahead of a lot of your peers by thinking about these things at a young age. College and a car will be the major expenses coming your way in the near future, my advice would be to remember all of the more minor expenses that you will have (they might be smaller, but they will certainly add up to a lot if you don't pay mind to them). Necessary items like insurance, vehicle maintenance, phone bills, and groceries are expenses people often forget to include in their financial planning. Optional items like food, drinks, and entertainment can also consume a lot of budget it not kept in check!
My advice would be to make practical choices wherever possible. A $25k car with a loan might be fancy and nice, but it won't get you to work any faster or better than a good $5k used car will. Big-name (expensive) universities might also be a fun idea, but if it costs 5X as much as a small school or community college, you have to ask yourself, is the education you are receiving really 5X as good? Trying to make every purchase as practical as possible will pay huge dividends long-term.
Whenever making a purchase, think of the time it would take to earn that money back, rather than just the money itself. If you make $20/hour, and would like to buy a $100 pair of shoes, you will be trading 5 hours of work for those shoes. This time concept will help you keep a good perspective on what you really want to spend your time (and money) on. Hope that helps!
The fact that you are already thinking about saving and financial planning is great, you are likely ahead of a lot of your peers by thinking about these things at a young age. College and a car will be the major expenses coming your way in the near future, my advice would be to remember all of the more minor expenses that you will have (they might be smaller, but they will certainly add up to a lot if you don't pay mind to them). Necessary items like insurance, vehicle maintenance, phone bills, and groceries are expenses people often forget to include in their financial planning. Optional items like food, drinks, and entertainment can also consume a lot of budget it not kept in check!
My advice would be to make practical choices wherever possible. A $25k car with a loan might be fancy and nice, but it won't get you to work any faster or better than a good $5k used car will. Big-name (expensive) universities might also be a fun idea, but if it costs 5X as much as a small school or community college, you have to ask yourself, is the education you are receiving really 5X as good? Trying to make every purchase as practical as possible will pay huge dividends long-term.
Whenever making a purchase, think of the time it would take to earn that money back, rather than just the money itself. If you make $20/hour, and would like to buy a $100 pair of shoes, you will be trading 5 hours of work for those shoes. This time concept will help you keep a good perspective on what you really want to spend your time (and money) on. Hope that helps!
Richard Crawford
Account CTO
1
Answer
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Updated
Richard’s Answer
Learning to budget is a valuable skill. Here are some important things to keep in mind:
1. Emergency Fund - Save for unexpected expenses like car repairs, medical bills, or job changes.
2. Daily Living Expenses - Plan for food, transportation, phone bills, and personal needs. Keeping track of these helps you avoid using your savings.
3. College Costs - Besides tuition, remember books, supplies, and application fees. They can add up quickly.
4. Insurance - If you’re buying a car, include auto insurance in your budget. It can be pricier for young drivers, so plan ahead.
5. Retirement Savings - Think about setting aside some money for the future.
6. Fun & Personal Spending - Set a small budget for entertainment or hobbies. Building a network can be helpful for future job opportunities.
1. Emergency Fund - Save for unexpected expenses like car repairs, medical bills, or job changes.
2. Daily Living Expenses - Plan for food, transportation, phone bills, and personal needs. Keeping track of these helps you avoid using your savings.
3. College Costs - Besides tuition, remember books, supplies, and application fees. They can add up quickly.
4. Insurance - If you’re buying a car, include auto insurance in your budget. It can be pricier for young drivers, so plan ahead.
5. Retirement Savings - Think about setting aside some money for the future.
6. Fun & Personal Spending - Set a small budget for entertainment or hobbies. Building a network can be helpful for future job opportunities.
Mike Malthus
Health Sector ICT Sales
2
Answers
Wellington, New Zealand
Updated
Mike’s Answer
Concentrate on three things that will motivate you in this role. Create a savings plan, and remember to prioritize setting aside money for yourself first.
focus on 3 things that will inspire you with the role ... and build a savings plan, but always pay yourself first
Mike recommends the following next steps:
Don Holland
Member Service Representative/Food Runner
244
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Don’s Answer
Hello Nevaeh,
Congrats on getting a job at the pizza place in your town. With your first job it is important to start earning money, getting experience and growing the skills you have. This is a good start for you and you just need to work hard in order to progress within the company you work at. This could also lead to possible different opportunities or network possibilities in the future. Just focus on being the best version of yourself. Hope this helps and best of luck to you in your future!
Congrats on getting a job at the pizza place in your town. With your first job it is important to start earning money, getting experience and growing the skills you have. This is a good start for you and you just need to work hard in order to progress within the company you work at. This could also lead to possible different opportunities or network possibilities in the future. Just focus on being the best version of yourself. Hope this helps and best of luck to you in your future!