First Salary Is Always Special: It Gave Me A Sense Of Independence

The first salary is always special for everyone. It was special for me as well. The very thought of getting a paycheck that you have worked hard for is so exciting! I think most of us put a lot of thought into what we want to do with our first salary. Gifts for loved ones, treat for friends or a reward for self as a mark of self-love, everyone has a different plan to spend their first salary. And the planning to do that almost starts as soon as you start your job.

When the money came in my hand I felt so happy and proud for myself. Because it was the result of my hard work and my energy. It made me feel independent.

My first paycheck came when I decided to take tuition classes for students of fifth to eighth standard. There were three students whom I used to teach. I was less excited about the prospect of teaching a bunch of kids, but more about the financial independence it would bring me. I started thinking of what I will do with my first salary and on what all I will spend it on.

So, after teaching for a month I got my salary which was Rs. 6000. When the money came in my hand I felt so happy and proud of myself. Because it was the result of my hard work and my energy. It made me feel independent.

Also Read: Women spend larger part of salary on household than men: survey

What I did with my first salary

When I received my salary, the first thing I did was to take out Rs 2000 from it and keep it aside as savings. Left with Rs 4000, I decided to buy a gift for my mom. She is the one who has always supported me, helped me in taking decisions and encouraged me to do various things. So I took her to the market and bought her a suit that she really liked. After that, we went to a restaurant for a treat. It gave me so much joy, to see her happy face after I bought her that suit. She was so proud of me, and though she didn’t say anything I could feel it.

Earning money gives confidence to a woman because then she can be financially independent and does not have to be dependent on others for paying her bills.

I also spent a part of my salary on buying new clothes for myself. I love dressing up so this was a little treat to me, from me!

Being independent

Earning our own money gives us confidence, especially to women, as from a young age they are conditioned to put housework over everything else. Ever since girls attain puberty, they are asked to take over the household chores like cooking, washing dishes, doing laundry etc. But when you earn your own money you feel confident and liberated. You first paycheck gives you a taste of what's in store for you.

Also Read: When it comes to investment planning, make your first job count

Earning money gives confidence to a woman because then she can be financially independent and does not have to be dependent on others for paying her bills. Hence, when I got my first salary not only did it put me on the path to chase financial freedom but also social freedom. Once you know what it feels like to earn a paycheck, there is simply no going back.

Palak Dogra is an intern with SheThePeople.TV. The views expressed are the author's own.