15 Awkward First Jobs People Had In The ’60s And ’70s That Taught Them Everything
The 1960s and ’70s weren’t just about moon landings and lava lamps—they were also prime time for awkward, character-building first jobs.
These gigs weren’t glamorous—unless you count rocking a polyester uniform as fashion-forward—but they taught us real-world skills like showing up on time, smiling through customer nonsense, and pretending to know how to work machinery that looked like it belonged in a sci-fi film.
Whether you were flipping burgers, stuffing newspapers, or mastering the delicate art of not spilling coffee on a boss’s desk, your first job left an impression (and probably a stain or two). Join us on a nostalgic trip through 15 delightfully odd, sometimes humiliating, but always formative first jobs that helped shape the groovy professionals we are today.
1. Soda Jerk
In the mid-20th century, soda jerks were the unsung heroes of the local hangout spot—the soda fountain. I remember my first day, nervously donning that crisp white uniform and bow tie.
It felt like stepping into a scene from a black-and-white film. I learned the art of multitasking, balancing a tray of fizzy concoctions while deciphering teenage slang and heartaches.
Mixing cherry coke floats was a delicate ballet of syrup and bubbles, each drink a sugary masterpiece. The job wasn’t just about serving drinks; it was about serving smiles and stories. By the end of my soda-slinging days, I could charm a crowd with the flick of a wrist.
2. Paper Route Carrier
Early mornings and the clatter of bicycle wheels on pavement defined my days as a paper route carrier.
Picture this: a sleepy suburb, mist hanging low, and me, determined to hit every doorstep before the sun fully woke the world. Responsibility was my constant companion, whispering to get moving even in the biting winter wind.
Flipping through the air, those rolled-up newspapers were my pride. Each throw aimed for porch perfection. Between the folds of newsprint, I found the essence of punctuality and perseverance. I came to realize that delivering news wasn’t just a job; it was a vital connection to the world outside.
3. Switchboard Operator
Being a switchboard operator was akin to being a human circuit board.
Imagine hundreds of voices seeking connections, and there you are with a sea of plugs and sockets, orchestrating conversations. My first call? A nerve-wracking symphony of wires and whispered urgencies.
Each successful connection was a small triumph, requiring an acute sense of attention to detail and the ability to multitask under pressure. The rhythm of the switchboard was both daunting and thrilling. Amidst the chaos, I found my voice, honing skills in communication that would carry me through life’s many callings.
4. Ice Cream Truck Driver
Ice cream truck driving was a sweet gig, literally.
My summer days were filled with the jingling chimes of nostalgia and a trail of eager children. Picture an ice cream truck, vibrant and inviting, parked against a backdrop of laughter and grass stains.
I became a master of scoops and sprinkles, each cone a ticket to happiness. As the pied piper of frozen delights, my customer service skills were honed, one sticky bill at a time. Beneath the playful exterior of the job was a lesson in independence and salesmanship, teaching me more than any classroom could.
5. Milk Delivery Person
Delivering milk wasn’t just an early morning chore; it was a ritual.
Each clink of glass bottles in the metal crate marked the start of another day in the neighborhood. I was the bearer of farm-fresh goodness, rising with the roosters to ensure every doorstep met the daily dairy quota.
Rain or shine, my rounds were a testament to dedication. This job taught me the rhythm of routine and community presence. Behind every door was a familiar face, each greeting reinforcing the notion that consistency breeds trust and respect. I was more than a delivery person; I was a part of the family.
6. Bowling Alley Pinsetter
Before the era of automatic pinsetters, the job was a manual dance with danger and precision.
Picture a bowling alley, lanes stretching like runways, and me at the end, an unsung hero resetting pins with a mix of agility and haste.
The rumble of a perfect strike was my cue, sending me scampering to restore order. This job taught me the value of speed and accuracy, as each second counted in this behind-the-scenes ballet. I found solace amidst the clattering chaos, mastering the art of anticipation and timing.
7. Drive-In Movie Usher
Guiding cars at a drive-in movie theater was a dance of headlights and hand signals.
The job required more than just seating patrons; it was about orchestrating an open-air cinema experience. Picture rows of classic cars under a starlit sky, each vehicle a cinema seat.
With a flashlight as my baton, I directed the automotive symphony with precision. Despite the simplicity of the task, the role taught valuable lessons in organization and people management. Each night felt like a blockbuster event, where I played a part in creating unforgettable memories.
8. Telegraph Messenger
Delivering telegrams was a race against time and technology.
In a world before instant messages, I was the bearer of urgent words, each telegram an envelope of emotions. My trusty bicycle and I zipped through the city, dodging traffic and time alike.
The job demanded punctuality and discretion, teaching me to handle news with care and compassion. Each knock on a recipient’s door was a blending of anticipation and duty. In delivering messages, I connected people, bridging distances and hearts. The role was more than a job; it was a journey of human connection and empathy.
9. Carnival Barker
Step right up! As a carnival barker, my voice was my ticket to captivating crowds.
With colorful tents as my backdrop, I was the maestro of merriment, luring fairgoers with promises of prizes and thrills. Imagine a bustling carnival, where each call was a siren song to passersby.
The role required charisma and resilience, my words cutting through the cacophony of laughter and carousel tunes. I mastered the art of persuasion, each game a lesson in showmanship and strategy. Being a barker was a whirlwind of energy and expression, where I discovered the power of words and presence.
10. Gas Station Attendant
Fueling up classic cars at a gas station was a rite of passage.
My vintage uniform, crisp and clean, was my badge of honor as I navigated the pumps and patrons. Picture a retro gas station, neon signs flickering against the twilight.
The job was a mix of mechanical prowess and customer service, each tank a chance to make someone’s day smoother. I learned the nuances of engine purrs and people’s preferences. It was a hub of stories and smiles, where the mundane met the memorable. I pumped more than just gas; I fueled connections and camaraderie.
11. Library Page
A world of whispers and wisdom awaited me as a library page.
Shelving books was more than an organization task; it was a voyage through the pages of history and fiction. Imagine a quiet library, where the scent of paper mingled with curiosity.
The role required patience and precision, each book a piece of a larger puzzle. I learned the Dewey Decimal System like a second language, navigating the labyrinth of literature. Beyond the books, I discovered a sanctuary of stories, where each spine held the key to adventure or knowledge. The library was my haven and my teacher.
12. Grocery Store Bagger
Bagging groceries was my introduction to the world of retail.
My paper bags, sturdy and brown, were the foundation of each customer’s shopping success. Picture a bustling grocery store, where the hum of chatter mingled with the clink of cash registers.
Each item was a piece of the puzzle, carefully placed to ensure safe passage home. I mastered the art of packing, balancing fragile eggs and hefty cans with finesse. The role taught me the value of teamwork and efficiency, as every bag was a testament to collaboration.
13. Shoe Shiner
Polishing shoes on a bustling city street was a lesson in attention to detail and interaction.
My brush and polish were tools of transformation, turning scuffed surfaces into mirrors of perfection. Imagine a busy sidewalk, where each pair of shoes told a story of steps and journeys.
The role demanded precision and a keen eye for shine, each shoe a canvas of potential. Through conversations with passersby, I learned the art of listening and engaging. Shoe shining was more than a job; it was an exchange of stories and smiles, polishing not just shoes but also connections.
14. Record Store Clerk
Working in a record store was a symphony of sound and discovery.
Vinyl records were my currency, each one a gateway to a world of music and memories. Picture a vibrant shop, where melodies drifted through aisles lined with album covers.
The role required a passion for music and a knack for recommendations, guiding customers through the soundscape of their lives. I learned to decipher tastes and eras, each transaction a harmony of exchange. The store was a haven for music lovers, where I found not just a job but a community of rhythm and resonance.
15. Elevator Operator
With a courteous smile and deft control, young elevator operators in the 1960s and 70s mastered the art of vertical transportation. A job requiring keen observation and polite interaction, operators ensured each passenger’s ride was smooth and timely.
The job was not without its quirks; operators often heard amusing snippets of conversation or witnessed memorable moments. This occupation taught punctuality, customer service, and patience, skills that served many well in their future careers.
Did you know? The operator’s uniform often added a touch of elegance, accentuating the charm of classic hospitality.