Everyone Has to Start Somewhere

When we think of famous film stars and musicians, we think of the glamorous and exciting lives they have. It’s hard to imagine that their lives were ever normal, difficult and boring. But everybody has to start somewhere. For example, Jennifer An iston worked as a waitress before becoming a successful TV and film actress. She , also , spent some time as a telemarketer, where she had to telephone hundreds of people every day to sell them things they didn’t want. Jennifer Aniston wasn’t the o nly star to start her working life selling things. Julia Roberts worked in an ice - cream parlour before she became famous, and Madonna sold doughnuts in New York City. Tom Hanks, now , one of Hollywood’s top actors, sold popcorn and peanuts at a cinema in Ca lifornia. Also, h e once worked in a luxury hotel, where he had to carry heavy bags for the rich hotel guests. Another actor with several early jobs was Brad Pitt. He drove limousines, moved fridges, and even dressed as a giant chicken to advertise a Mexica n restaurant! One person who loved his first job was film director Quentin Tarantino. His job as a cinema attendant was perfect for him because he could watch films all day and he didn’t have to pay. Johnny Depp, however, probably didn’t enjoy one of his first jobs – he used to sell pens. Comedian and actor Jim Carrey probably didn’t enjoy his first job either – he cleaned the floors in a factory when he was only 15. He says that it was a difficult time, but that he learned a lot from the experience. Later, Carrey got a better job, as a security guard. While most stars had indoor jobs, others started working outside. Actor Michael Douglas worked for a while as a petrol station attendant. And Steven Spielberg, now one of the richest men in Hollywood, had to protect fruit trees from insects in his first job. So whatever your job is now, or even if you’re looking for your first job, don’t feel bad about it. Even the most boring or unpleasant job can be a great way to learn about what you can do, what you want to do – and what you never want to do again! (A dapted from CUP, Face to Face, Intermediate, Extra Reading, Resources)