On my way to a business meeting yesterday I was listening to ‘talk live’ radio and the subject of ‘McJob’ was being discussed.

Basically a new word ‘McJob’ has been established and it is ‘ slang for a low-paying, low-prestige job that requires few skills and offers very little chance of intracompany advancement’.

I disagree with the definition.

A professor had completed a piece of work to see if the definition was accurate. His findings showed individuals with McJobs were:

• on the first rung of the career ladder
• enjoying their role (mostly)
• happier being employed rather than not

When I was 16 I had 3 McJopbs:

1. Petrol Pump Attendant (in those days there was no self service!!) – 70p per hour
2. collecting Littlewoods Pools Coupons – commission based
3. working in a DIY store – 90p per hour

I loved the jobs (and money of course!). I was dealing with the public, having responsibility and built long-term relationships. In fact, through my relationships, I was offered another role as a gardener for one of my regular petrol buyers. My McJobs were the start of my successful career. Building relationships and dealing with people is a skills we all must have if we want to be successful in our careers.

Tesco’s chief executive Sir Terry Leahy, started stacking shelves in his local branch of the supermarket chain, during the summer holidays, when he was 15. What a career he has had starting with a McJob!

Any of you started with a McJob? How was it? Did it provide some fundamental basic skills?

Let’s start the conversation!!

Article source: http://www.greatmanagement.org/blogs/6/McJob-to-Management.html