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We'd asked you, dear readers, to tell us what your first salary was and what it meant to you at the time.
Here are some interesting ones we received. You can share your stories too!
Sanjay Khatri, 43 revealed how his first job helped his career.
"In 1995, my first job was in Natelco, a mid-size telecom company in Mumbai where I trained as a part of my engineering curriculum.
"My first salary was Rs 3,500 which I gave to my parents.
"In the job, I learned some basic skills which had a positive impact in my career.
"I worked for a few major telecom firms before moving to the UK."
Mohanraj, 68 tells us about his first salary:
"In 1973, I completed my master's degree and joined the same college from where I graduated as a lecturer.
"I was 22 when received my first salary in June 1973. It was Rs 500.
"I bought a sari for my sister and some fruits for my mother.
"It was the first time I bought something with my own money. I felt happy and proud. It was a great moment.
"As days progressed, my salary increased manifold, but the happiness I had while receiving my first salary is priceless."
Vijaya Kamarthi remembers the time he was paid for 18 days.
"On February 27, 1989 I received my first salary for 18 (working) days -- a princely amount of Rs 1,260.
"I subscribed to Sports Star magazine and Reader's Digest after seeking my parents' permission."
J Gopal says he was over the moon when he received his first pay cheque.
"I received my first salary of Rs 3,500 from Overnite Express, Chennai in July 1996.
"In fact I was very careful while taking it home to hand it over to my mother and take her blessings.
"I felt very much committed and wanted to spend it in the right way.
"In those days having a land phone was a luxury. I used my first salary to book a telephone."
Ashish Bhalla, head-venture capital, strategic and international business from Mumbai says:
"I started working at the age of 19 at a CA firm as an article trainee.
"My salary was Rs 200 per month. It taught me the value of every hard-earned penny.
"Today as I work as the business head in Mumbai I cherish those moments of struggle, which became stepping stone for my future endeavours.
Dayem Mayroze reveals the struggles he went through before he landed his first job:
"After completing my degree in 2002, I was jobless for 6 months.
"I found a job with a salary of Rs 1,970 per month. I received it in cash enclosed in an envelope."
"I went to the terrace, kept the envelope on the floor and thanked Allah for almost five minutes.
"I prayed if he could help add a few zeros to the salary.
"I went home and gave the envelope to my father who gave it to my mother.
"I am currently working an MNC with a better salary.
"I always thank and pray to Allah each month after the salary is credited into my account."
Dear readers, do you remember what your first salary was?
When did you receive it? Which year was it?
Do you have a photograph of it?
What did it mean to you at the time?
Tell us all about it.
What was your first job and salary? And how did you spend it?
Did you buy a sari for your mum or a gift for your girl/boyfriend?
Write in to us at getahead@rediff.co.in (Subject line 'My First Salary') along with your NAME, AGE, LOCATION and photograph, if possible. We will publish the best responses right here on Rediff.com!