My first actual job at 15 was a dishwasher, then cashier, then cook at a local steak house. At the same time I did computer repair at night, (as well as highschool)
I quit both of those jobs at 17 and started working at a car dealership changing oils and worked at radio shack part time for a year or two while attending an automobile tech school. Meanwhile I did side work customizing cars.
At 18 I got a job at Sears in the tool department to get a discount on my tools. One of my employees hired me part time to install swimming pools on my days off (an odd arrangement). Meanwhile I realized I didn't want to turn wrenches all my life and started attending university online.
I did that for 5 years, but made store manager at Sears after 4, At age 23 I quit to follow my dreams and fly and never looked back.
I worked at 2 different hardware stores while getting my ratings. Finished my ratings at 25 and my degree at 27.
Dave