First salary: 'Even today, I value Rs 850'

We'd asked you, dear readers, to tell us what your first salary was and what it meant to you at the time.
Rediff reader Rao MA from Singapore reveals how his first job taught him the value of money.

My father has a small rice unit in the village. Like most kids, I was also dependent on his income to pay for my education.

When I secured an engineering seat through an entrance exam, my parents, relatives and friends told me that I had 'settled' in life.

I was a first class engineering graduate from '86 batch.

But when I came out of college there were few jobs available because the country was going through recession.

I went around industrial areas dropping my resume at the security gate.

After six months of searching and applying for a job, I was finally offered a job as a service engineer.

They gave me the job on the condition that the first three months I will have to work without any pay or allowances.

After the second month they told me that the company is not doing well and that they can't give me a permanent job.

I went back to my home in the village and started looking after my father's small rice mill.

Three months later, one of my classmates wrote me a letter to come to Hyderabad and apply for the post of a service engineer in his office.

After writing two exams, appearing for two interviews and a group discussion I was selected for the job and offered a monthly salary of Rs 13,500 along with company perks like bonus and allowances.

I joined in the middle of month and my first salary was Rs 850.

When I received it, I felt I was on top of the world. I was relieved that I would no longer have to ask my parents to send money to live in Hyderabad. 

With the money, I paid my room rent and spent the remaining on food and travel expenses.

While working in the company I realised that it's not hard work, but smart work that will help me progress in my career. 

Currently, I'm working for an MNC in Singapore taking care of their Asia Pacific business.

Even today, I remember the number 850 and its value whenever I pay or spend that amount in any currency.

• REDIFF READERS' SPECIAL: My first salary

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Dear readers, do you remember what your first salary was?

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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?

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