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 Arvind Fulari, 33 from Pune shares his inspiring story.
I was born and brought up in a small village called Gogaon in Solapur district of Maharashtra.
My father is a farmer and mother, housewife.
Due to poor economic condition of our family I couldn’t pursue higher education.
For several days I went to sleep without food. I did not have a choice.
Indeed, hunger teaches you many things.
I completed matriculation (class 10) from a Marathi medium school in a neighbouring village.
Between 2001 and 2003, I pursued a civil draughtsman course from Government Industrial Training Institute in Solapur.
I saw an advertisement in the newspaper and applied for a part-time job.
I used to make sketches for buildings for which I was paid ₹ 700 per month.
In 2003, I moved to Pune.
I worked for an architect for a monthly salary of ₹ 1,500. That was my first job.
I don’t remember in detail how I spent my first salary. I paid my mess bill which was about ₹ 750.
I am now working as associate team lead with a multi-national company.
Nine years ago, I got married and have two beautiful daughters.
My father is doing well now. My brother works as a tailor in town. But I will never forget the days of hunger and sacrifices we have made.
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!
