First salary: 'It meant pride, freedom, independence'

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 Bill, 37 from New York, US shares his story:

I got my first summer job in July 2005.

I was an electrician on campus at The State University of New York and received $440 biweekly.

It meant pride, freedom, independence, ability, being your own man and of course wealth!

I still have the NY state pay stubs and annual wage statements.

I was majoring in engineering, earning a salary of $10.98 per hour.

I splurged a bit at some Irish pubs (wing nights and beers rocked), saved the rest of it and sent it right back to the state next semester in tuition.

I sent a part of it home too.

A significant other was a luxury for a student, which one couldn't think of affording then.

The state refunded me the taxes at year-end too, so no net losses!

• REDIFF READERS' SPECIAL: My first salary

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!