Gareth Pearce. Photo / Paul Taylor
Gareth Pearce
Managing Director, Ezibed.com
What was your first job?
Working for a plant nursery in Palmerston North in 1990. The main task was to transfer young plants into larger pots, then into trays, then into the transfer truck. They were sold to garden centres.
It was an after-school job that started at 3.30pm and finished at 5. School finished at 3pm and I had to bike about 10km to get there, mostly in a headwind. It was hard work just getting there! I was 15 and with my first week's pay I bought our family fish and chips on the Friday night. I had only change left over from that pay. I felt so proud that I had earned a wage.
How did you get that job?
I was on the hunt for a job so that I could buy a scooter to get to school. There weren't many jobs back then so you took what you could get. After a few months a position became available in the produce department at Foodtown supermarket. It was much better washing cabbages than potting plants. And there were more opportunities.
Did you enjoy the job?
Not at all! The boss, who was also the owner, lined us all up in a chain-like gang. We weren't even allowed to talk to each other as this reduced productivity
What did you learn?
The most valuable lesson learned was time management. The last person who arrived for work got the day's worst job. This usually involved manure.
Any advice for someone starting out?
Patience, time management, loyalty and commitment are the key attributes. Learn how to get ahead by paying attention and working hard. Your first job will set you up with the fundamentals you need to succeed. Employers don't like time-wasters.
