There you are all bright and shiny and ready to make your mark on the working world! But then you land your first job and it’s nothing like you imagined. Or maybe you had to settle for the first opportunity that came you way (I’ve been there). No matter how awful your first job may seem to you. Here are a few tips on making the most of it:

1. Be Open to Learning Everything

You might not be interested in your first role but you’d be surprised by what you can learn from a starter job. I started off as a data capturer which helped me build speed on the PC for my first corporate role.

2. What are the Benefits?

Company culture? Office snacks? Learning opportunities? Figure out what the positives are and use them to your advantage. A starter job might not be what you want or in the field you want but this is a great opportunity to start to build your network.

3. Try Out a Side Project in Your Field

For me this was running a blog. Try to get experience in your field by either doing volunteer work (if and when you can) or ask if your job has something extra that you can assist with. My first steps into Marketing was assisting with Customer queries on Social Media. It was an interesting way to use my fast typing skills but it was such an advantage when I moved over to Marketing.

4. Take Advantage of any Training Opportunities

If there are any opportunities for further training, go for it! Developing your skills is a great way to figure out what works for you and what doesn’t. In my starter job, Business Admin courses were offered to a few employees who later moved from Data Capturing to Client Services. If your company offers to pay for training- even if it’s a small portion- consider giving it a go.

5. Note what your transferrable skills are

Hard-worker. Fast learner. Able to work well under pressure. These are skills you pick up in almost any job. What specific skill in your starter job are you able to use in another role? Identity these and add them to your CV.

A starter job might not be the job you initially wanted but making the most of it will serve your career well in the long-run.

Umhlanga is one of my favourite spots to unwind. From the seaviews to the seafood, no matter your mood, Umhlanga has something for you. Here’s my itinerary for a perfect day in Umhlanga:

Kick Off Your Morning with Breakfast at Mary & Joe

Start your day with a relaxed breakfast at Mary & Joe, a local favourite known for its fresh coffee and hearty breakfast options. Whether you prefer a classic eggs benedict or a stack of fluffy pancakes, this spot will fuel you for the day ahead.

Mid-Morning Beach Stroll with an Iced Drink

Take a scenic walk along the Umhlanga Promenade, breathing in the fresh ocean air. Stop by a beachfront café to grab an iced drink- think iced lattes or tropical smoothies- and enjoy the views. This is also the perfect time to take a quick dip if the waves are calling!

There’s just something about the Umhlanga beach that melts away worries of the world.

Experience the Variety at The Village for Lunch

Have your pick with lunch at the village. You could choose to walk around and see what grabs your attention but some of my favourites are:

• Ocean Basket: Like the name says, Ocean Basket has everything from fish and chips to sushi platters.
• Steak & Ale: If you’re in the mood for a juicy burger or a hearty steak, this pub-style eatery won’t disappoint. They also have amazing customer service which really won me over.
• El Patron: El Patron offers a variety of meals at great prices. They have pizza, burgers and even pastas.

Treat Yo Self at Ocean Mall

Ocean Mall is a huge mall that you could explore or simply just treat yourself to something sweet. Some great options for those who love sugary treats are Romano’s Ice Cream which offers gelato in a variety of flavours. You could also visit Hey Sweetie and indulge in both local and imported snacks.

Unwind with Cocktails and a View

You could head to the Pearls Mall (which has a fantastic view of the beach) for drinks or if you’re okay with a bit of a splurge, visit the Oyster Box hotel and go to the Lighthouse Bar. This classy setting is perfect for cocktails while you watch the sun set.

Dine Like a King

To wrap up your day, you can have dinner at any of the many options in the village but my recommendations are:

• Butcher Block: While Butcher Block is known for expertly grilled steaks, I’ve tried their hake and chicken schnitzel and am a fan of both. Basically, it doesn’t look like Butcher Block goes wrong with anything.
• Little Havana: A stylish bistro offering Cuban-inspired dishes with a South African twist. Their chimichurri steak or peri-peri prawns will leave you wanting more.

Whether you prefer casual cafés, fine dining, or beachfront treats, Umhlanga offers a foodie adventure at every turn. This is the kind of place where every bite becomes a memory and every meal feels like a celebration.

Most days I cannot believe my job. I cannot believe I work in Marketing. I cannot believe writing is considered something you can do as a job. I cannot believe that I am listened to because I have a “voice” and “a story to tell”. It amazes me that I work in an environment where some days I am setting up goodie bags for staff and other days I am drinking vodka at a fancy bar. It is just bizarre. It also amazes me that I didn’t have to change myself for my lifestyle. I was just me and I fell into this amazing life. I found this post that I wrote many years ago, complaining about people judging other people’s life decisions.

I haven’t forgot how I had to fight for my job for years. I had to fight to write. It was considered a waste of time. I had to fight with family who thought I was wasting my life by taking a call center job (i.e the first place to hire me) and then staying there for years (something I did because no one else would hire me). I had to fight to study- the Marketing courses I wanted to try out were incredibly expensive but my dad was kind enough to lend me the money. I paid him back as soon as I could.

But even with all out that, I took my oddball ways and made it a part of a career I love. And that is something that I do not take for granted.