More than just a paycheck

The first salary is never just a sum of money; the thought itself is amazing and carries a weight that makes one feel different. Even before the funds hit the bank account, many find themselves lost in planning, deciding what to buy, whom to treat, and where to go. These moments do more than just provide financial relief. They offer a sense of empowerment and the freedom to finally prioritise one’s own wishes. Over time, these memories shape how we view ourselves, our families, and our lives.

Seikh Jinat Sharmin, Assistant Professor at the Department of Printing and Publication Studies, University of Dhaka, recalls the memory of her first salary, wanting to experience freedom without strings or guilt. “For the first time, I prioritised my own wishes over my obligations,” she shares. Treating herself to a meal at a fine restaurant and a peaceful afternoon at a salon provided a thrill of empowerment. For her, this was more than a luxury. “Growing up, I often read news reports about how few women in our society truly own property. That realisation stayed with me. The moment I received my first salary, I made a silent vow: I would build something that was entirely mine. At the time, with my entry-level pay, it was my first stepping stone. Looking back now, those little savings and steps have led me to exactly where I wanted to be: owning something I can truly call my own.” This sense of empowerment often manifests as a desire to celebrate the self in quiet, meaningful ways.

I remember planning my own first salary for days, imagining a long list of things to do. Yet, when the money finally arrived, I surprisingly didn’t feel the need for grand gestures. I simply took myself to a nice coffee place to enjoy the moment and bought a book to remember the day. Though I only did a few of the many things I had planned, that simple act of self-celebration felt deeply special and content.

However, for others, the true joy of financial independence is found in the ability to give back to those who supported the journey. Samiha Sarmin Munia, Assistant Professor in the Transfusion Medicine Department at the National Institute of Chest Diseases & Hospital, recalls her experience of receiving an internship stipend during Ramadan. “I remember for the first time I took a rickshaw home; before that, I used to take a bus and walk to my home. I bought jilapis for my family. I still remember the face of the rickshaw puller when I bought an extra bag of sweets just for him,” she says, noting that the gesture felt more significant than any promotion since. Even when she entered government service in 2014, her first official paycheck was dedicated to gifts for her family and close ones, as her joy remained rooted in providing for others.

As the excitement of the first paycheck settles, it often brings a sobering realisation of the effort required to earn it. Rahnuma Ferdous Oishy, a graduate student of Dhaka University found her first experience both special and confusing. “I finally understood the effort behind every amount,” she explains. “Like how hours of hard work of your life get converted into numbers.” This newfound mindfulness often changes one’s perspective on spending, turning a proud moment into a lesson in value. Ultimately, these first earnings set the stage for the responsibilities of the future. While Samiha Sarmin Munia initially focused on the joy of giving, the birth of her daughter in 2016 transformed her relationship with money once again. She realised, “I am a mother now; I cannot afford to be reckless with the future,” sparking her first real urge to save. Whether it leads to a quiet afternoon at a salon, a shared bag of sweets, or a dedicated savings account, a first salary is a milestone that bridges the gap between our past efforts and our future dreams.