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First salary: How one phone call changed my life

December 25, 2019 09:35 IST

We'd asked you, dear readers, to tell us what your first salary was and what it meant to you at the time.
Rediff
reader Kapil Mohan from Delhi shares his story.

Kapil Mohan

In May 2004, I completed diploma in electrical engineering from Pusa Polytechnic, Delhi.

I got my first job in June 2004. 

It was a simple call from the company's owner Vivek Jain that changed my life.

I was referred by a family member who worked with NBCC.

'Want to learn? Come and join (office) from tomorrow' Jain had told me.

There was no interview or salary negotiation.

I was appointed as assistant design engineer with AM Power Consultancy Services in Delhi.

The next day, I went, said good morning (to Vivek Jain) and started my job.

I got good exposure and learned how to deal with prime projects -- right from construction of malls to branded clothing factories, IT company offices, hospitals and more.

At the end of first month Vivek Jain handed me INR 2,000 as salary.

I was very happy. I came home and gave it to my grandmother.

Every one was happy.

It's been over 15.5 years since that day.

Today, I am a BTech graduate from BITS Pilani, pursuing my MBA from BITS Pilani.

I work as senior manager and head marketing of a power generation company.



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!