Some of the best conversations in aged care start with one easy question: “What was your first job?”
This is not a quiz, and it is not a test of anyone’s work history. Residents talk about early jobs, first responsibilities, workmates, lunch, and what they did with their first pay. People often remember the small things first. A uniform. The person who showed them the ropes. How they got there. What they bought with that first envelope. Those details are usually enough to get the room talking.
It works for a mixed group, a Men’s Club, a one-to-one visit, or a smaller memory-support session. Print one or two A4 prompt sheets, sit down with a cup of tea, and take the questions at a comfortable pace. Residents can answer, listen, or pass.
If you want a follow-on later in the week, pair it with I Once Was… occupations or the occupation quiz.
Why this activity works well in aged care
My First Jobs and First Pay is flexible enough for a Men’s Club, a mixed group, a one-to-one visit, or a smaller memory-support session. Staff can print our simple A4 prompt sheets (provided), hold them during the activity, and work through the questions at a comfortable pace. Residents can answer, tell a story, listen to another person, or choose to pass.
The activity focuses on personal memories rather than testing facts. That makes it easier for residents with different education, employment, language, memory, and communication backgrounds to take part.
It also recognises that work and contribution take many forms. Residents may remember paid employment, family businesses, volunteering, military service, study, homemaking, caring for relatives, or helping in the community. Every story can be valuable.
What to print
Both are Premium printables.
- Staff prompt sheet. Two pages. You hold this. It opens the session and has five short rounds. Do not cut it into cards.
- Picture pages. Five pages. Optional. Hold one up when the room needs something to look at. Read the line under the picture, then go back to the person who is talking.
Find the complete set of printable materials at the bottom of this page — including the staff prompt sheets and optional picture pages.
For a ready-to-use version, promote the My First Jobs and First Pay A4 Staff Prompt Sheets with the article. Staff can print the pages, keep them in a folder or on a clipboard, and read through the questions without cutting, sorting, or preparing individual cards.
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How to run it
- Sit in a small group with the staff sheet in your hand. Keep the pictures face down until you want one.
- Start with: “What was your first paying job when you entered the workforce?” Stay with the story. You do not need to finish every question.
- If the room goes quiet, show one picture page and read the line under it.
- Stop on a warm note and thank people. Looking, a short answer, or just listening all count.
Do not ask what someone earned, or about debt or money today. If a resident brings up a family business, an apprenticeship, or work at home, follow them. Do not open with unpaid work yourself.
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