We'd asked you, dear readers, to tell us what your first salary was and what it meant to you at the time.
Here, Rediff reader Someshwar Shinde reveals how he landed his first job.
I completed my graduation in pharmaceutical studies in 2001.
Since my English communication skills were very poor, I struggled to find a job as a medical representative.
I was staying with my elder brother in Pune at the time. He worked in an automobile showroom and took care of all my expenses.
My father would also send money for daily expenses.
One of the key requirements to work as medical representative was to have a two-wheeler.
My brother was using a second hand two-wheeler. He agreed to use public transport and gave me his two-wheeler so that I could get job.
And that is how, after appearing for around 25 interviews, I got a job as medical representative.
I remember the joy I felt when I got the job offer letter.
My salary was Rs 3,500 per month.
In June 2001, I received my first salary of Rs 3,100 after deductions.
I gave the entire salary to my brother and requested him to buy a new two-wheeler on down-payment.
He purchased a Bajaj-Boxer.
Over the next few months, I saved some money for higher education and spent some on day-to-day expenses.
In 2002, I opted for CET (Common Entrance test) for MBA and got admission in department of management Sciences at Pune University (PUMBA).
After MBA I worked in India for nine years at various positions.
I am currently working in Nigeria as business head in Unique Pharmaceuticals Ltd, a well-known company for manufacturing of infusions.
I am drawing a monthly salary of Rs 2.5 lakh along with other benefits.
READER INVITE
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!
