I worked all the way through high school and college. It was an example of learning by doing. Why? Because what I was hearing as a business major in college I was doing at work!
Getting started
My first boss was a small business owner in Florida. I started worked for him when I was in high school.
That job carried me all the way through my undergraduate degree, as well as my MBA, both from the University of South Florida, where I majored in business.
Several years later, after being married, I came back to open a new store with him. He worked at the main store while I managed the newly opened store.
The business owner taught me much of what I learned about running a small business. Therefore, over the years I gained experience and took on added responsibilities.
Proverbs 22.29 teaches that when we prepare ourselves beforehand, we are ready to take on greater responsibility. proverbsforprofessionals.net
What I did
For example, as a college student, I had keys to the store, opened and closed, handled cash, helped created advertisements, and ordered merchandise.
Through the years, I came to appreciate the importance of managing a budget, watching expenses, and being careful about order quantities.
The business sold toys and children’s clothing, hence it was seasonal.
Thus, Thanksgiving to Christmas was peak season for us. As a result, even as a college student, I regularly put in 40+ hours per week. In short, I worked very hard, but learned a great deal.
I worked longer hours when classes were not in session. Occasionally, I would travel to his father’s store, about 30 miles away, to help out on Saturdays.
From Proverbs 10.4 we learn that being focused or “diligent” is a source of wealth. proverbsforprofessionals.net
The owners
The owners were Jewish. Unsurprisingly, many of the vendors we dealt with were also Jewish.
As a result, I learned some interesting things about the family.
Such as, how the father grew up in the garment district of New York City. Or, his father’s uncle who married a Christian. As expected of that generation, the rest of the family treated the uncle as if he were dead!
When the owner married later in life I attended their wedding.
Moreover, I observed merciful practices in action from a small business owner. For example, at Christmas the owner received requests for donations. As a result, he would walk around the store picking out toys to donate to those in need.
Proverbs 3.3 emphasizes the importance of mercy and truth as markers for an impactful life. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Learning by doing
As expected, I learned the importance of managing cash flows. More importantly, I observed the value of ethical business practices – to both vendors and employees.
I was combining knowing and doing in a very practical way. The hours were long by the learning was significant.
But, more often than I liked, he told me “you’re not using good judgment.” Unfortunately, he was correct! Thus, it was truly a growth experience!
From Proverbs 1.3-6 we learn that good judgment is fueled by critical thinking and discernment. proverbsforprofessionals.net
Some outcomes
Granted, the income from that job was nice to have when I was in high school. Why? Because it enabled me to open and build a savings account.
In addition, I was able to pay some of my college tuition as an upper-division student.
Because I lived at home and commuted to college, my expenses for college were modest.
Consequently, I graduated from college with zero debt. Plus, I was driving a car I had paid for with cash. My wife and I drove that car on our honeymoon!
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In short, my first boss taught me much about business and ethical behavior.
He gave me opportunities to run a business on my own, which was a valuable learning experience for me.
Learning by doing is good, but witnessing ethical and merciful practice was much more impactful on my professional development.