Writing the date today I realized it was the 37th anniversary my joining the Civil Service.
First posting was the County Court in Scunthorpe which shared premises (but not an entrance) with the DHSS. I was not quite 19 and joining as a 'Direct Entry' Executive Officer (EO) - jumping the Clerical Grades straight to junior manager. Something new at the time and I was probably the youngest EO in department.
The whole office smelled of cigarette smoke - half the staff were chain smokers. I guess that was standard at the time.
The Chief Clerk, a guy roughly my Dad's age, while superficially professional, made it clear that people might not approve of my coming in at a grade others worked eight + years to achieve. His real views and that of others were ill-disguised.
They gave me a rough ride professionally but, out of the office, and lodging away from home for first time I had a whale of a time socially and sexually.
Stayed until February when my Personnel Officer cottoned on and re-posted me to a Tribunal Office in London.
What was your first day/first job like?
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