“Often I only had a name written on a little sign”

This summer, we’re asking professionals in Luxembourg about their first ever jobs. This week Pablo Chimienti, communications and public relations officer at the Theater Federatioun, recalls running odd jobs and getting started in journalism.

What was your first student job?

My first student job was in 1998, the year Pantani won the Tour de France and France became world champion in football. I was just 20 years old. It was in an Italian bank in Luxembourg. I was at the reception desk replacing the clerks who were on holiday, but also working as the office gofer. I brought coffees to meetings with major clients, I was the courier fetching or delivering important documents around Luxembourg, I was the driver for the director, who went back to Milan every weekend, as well as for anonymous clients. Often I only had a name written on a little sign, which I brought with me to the arrivals door at Findel. So, I spent a lot of time in the car--an old Fiat Panda that was very discreet and easy to drive--which is why I remember Pantani’s victory, “Pantani the pirate”. It was clearly not my dream job, but I had a good summer nonetheless.

How much did you get paid for this student job and what did you do with your first paycheque?

I invited my girlfriend, now my wife, to come with me to Argentina. Forty thousand Luxembourg francs extremely well spent for an unforgettable trip.

What was your first “real” job?

I started my career as a journalist. I worked for 20 years, mainly for Le Quotidien in Luxembourg. It’s a job where you usually start as a freelancer, which was the case for me too. I finished the last internship for a higher diploma in journalism on 30 September, and the next day, 1 October, I did my first freelance job for Eurosport International in Paris. I then spent four years there, first as a freelancer, then on a fixed-term contract, then on a permanent contract. It was well-paid, more than €150 a day during the week and more than €170 a day at the weekend. On top of that there were various bonuses, a night bonus when necessary, reimbursement of 50% of seasonal transport passes, a very decent company restaurant and a very interesting works council.

What did you do with your first paycheque?

I think I paid for my rent, a few dinners out as a couple and some outings with colleagues.

Today, what would you say to that young Pablo Chimienti handing you a CV for a first job?

Work hard, party harder! Work hard, party harder! Work hard, but don't live for your job! And improve your languages!

This story was first published in French on . It has been translated and edited for Delano.