As a student, I took part in an exchange programme and spent one summer in the United States working in bars and restaurants and travelling. During that trip I acquired a very important skill, that also served me very well in London – I learned how to get 2-3 jobs in a day. I learned that if you smile and offer something to the employer, rather than asking him for something, you have much higher chances. So, instead of going around saying the pitiful «Hi, I am looking for a job», I approached people with a firm handshake and the positive «Hi, I would like to join your team», giving the impression of a confident person, ready to work hard and do a great job.
Believe it or not, but after leaving my CV at the Prada store on Bond Street I was called back in exactly five minutes. The store's General Manager signed me for the position of a part-time cashier then and there. And although I was never good at math and calculations, I was happy to take on the challenge. To my surprise, I never made one single mistake!
My other part-time jobs happened to be at a French bakery, which was very practical as I could also practice my French, and at a restaurant, where I was lucky to finally eat proper meals. When I think of it now, I don't know how I managed to do all of this, but back then I did not even notice any difficulties.