"Steemit Engagement Challenge S11/W3 - The first salary always remains extra special for me."

When I was growing up, I didn't have the opportunity to earn my own money because I lived with my aunts. I did make money but they weren't mine.

What I do was to go to the market, buy the good that I was to sale, sale them and go home with all the cash. Then, I will remit all cash for the day. The next day, I will be given the capital again to go for another purchase and sale. It continued that way. I yerned to have cash of my own when I am finally free and stay on my own. But one thing I never did was to desire whatever thing I made for my aunt's. I knew it belonged to them because they were taken good care of me while I was doing my part.

As a young child, I was looking forward to going to school, get a good university education, passing out with a good grade that will eventually enable me get a good job with an attractive salary.

Somehow, it looked like something that can never be achieved. But I got the opportunity to work as a receptionist in a firm back then where I was paid a stipend. I didn't consider that to be a salary because it wasn't much. I was only waiting to gain admission into the polytechnic that will place me at a better opportunity to earn what is the real salary.

And I finally, I got the chance as an undergraduate and as an industrial attachment staff in Fidelity Bank LTD.

The first salary always remains extra special for me.

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I worked very hard in school so as to be able to get a better place to do my industrial attachment and this earn my first Salary. Salary is a token paid to you for carrying out an assigned work. So having passed through some stress, I definitely awaited my first salary. It is the first time that I will be receiving money in bulk. That makes it special. It is also the first time that I will make personal purchases without thinking about what the person who gave me the money thinks about it. That makes it special. It makes me feel more responsible as a person.

And you can imagine the feeling of working in a bank even though I was just there temporarily. I couldn't wait for that moment!

What are you going to do when you get your first paycheck? (or) What did you do after you received your first paycheck?

Waiting for the first salary looked like an eternity. In my country, payment is done at the end of the month. Sometimes, payments are made the second week into the new month.

However, mine wasn't that way. We were paid latest 24th of the month.
I already planned on what to do with the salary. I had in mind, giving myself a little treat, by changing my wardrobe a little, buying some gifts to appreciate those who had helped me along the way to get to that point in life.

So when the salary came, I was ecstatic. I checked my account balance several times to be sure it was actually mine. My face and heart was filled with joy.

I sewed some cloths to upgrade my wardrobe since my job demanded that I dress corporately. I also bought two pairs of shoes, got some gift items for my nieces and nephews that I stayed with. The balance I kept for transportation and upkeeps till the next payday. My salary was $40. I knew it is small, but it was of much value then. Why won't it be? Someone that just came out of school and not even hoping for such amount of money. Imagine my looks then as I dressed in those corporate attires each day to work. Levels changed, lols!

Does your income support your family other than yourself?

Well then I was a single young lady living with my sister and her family. They weren't demanding anything from me then but I knew I had to support them. The salary was manageable then. I only helped by buying some beverages in the house and other little things.

I also sent some cash to my mom then because she was still alive. She deserved it and even more as one who was close to my heart.

But the major part of the money went for my personal experiences because I needed to care for myself. No one will listen to me again for support because to them, I have started earning.

Did you study to earn money or knowledge?

On a personal note I study to both earn money and acquire knowledge. Studying affords one the opportunity to learn new things, be exposed to variety of thoughts and help one to enlarge his or her horizon.

Many at times, after studying in the colleges, the person still finds it difficult to a get job. However knowledge acquired in the school can assist if the individual wants to establish a business of his own. It will help him in knowing what to do to ensure a successful business venture.

So I study both to earn money and acquire knowledge.

Is life all about earning a lot of money or something else?

Life have more meaning when it is not centered around money. Many believe that earning money is their only source of happiness. But that is not true.

Living a fulfilled life comes from knowing that you are doing your best to make the Almighty happy.

Maintaining a loving and precious relationship with family members and those whom you love is what should be of utmost importance in our lives.

It is true that money is important. But I love the way the questions is structured. Making money is important but that is not all there is in life.

Those who make money at the expense of relationships and end up not being happy. And those who make money at the expense of their own health die and leave the money behind. Little wonder that there is a wise saying that "money is for a protection, the Same as knowledge. But the advantage of wisdom over money is that wisdom can protect it's owner but money can't". When death comes, money can't buy life, but our good relationship with the Almighty can earn us everlasting life in the future. And that is the most important thing in life.

So I answer that life is not all about earning money. There is more to it.

Conclusion

I can always remember my first salary, how special it was. That wonderful feeling and joy that comes with it cannot be easily forgotten.

I therefore invite @mesola @okere-blessing and @m-fdo to take part in this contest

Good luck to everyone taking part!