Many of the most influential US presidents lived ordinary lives before entering politics, working in jobs such as farming, training, entertainment, or retail. Long before they gained national and international fame, their early experiences helped shape essential skills such as discipline, communication, and public engagement.
Unexpected jobs for US presidents It was before entering the White House
Andrew Jackson (7th President of the United States) | Apprentice saddle maker
Andrew Jackson began his early working life as an apprentice to a saddlemaker, where he gained hands-on experience at the skilled trade, according to WorldAtlas and Professional Talking. During the American Revolutionary War, he worked as a teenage courier carrying letters in support of the American cause. In the end, he was captured by British forces and subjected to harsh treatment during his imprisonment.After the war, Jackson pursued his legal studies in Jacksonville, North Carolina, laying the foundation for his future career in law and public service.
Abraham Lincoln (16th US President) | wrestler
Abraham Lincoln is widely remembered for his political legacy, but he also had a notable early involvement in wrestling according to WWE and the Miller Center. As a teenager, while growing up in Kentucky, he participated in “catch-what-can” wrestling, a difficult form of hand-to-hand combat. Before entering politics, Lincoln balanced farm work with competitive matches, building a reputation for his strength and skill.
Andrew Johnson (17th US President) | tailor
When Andrew Johnson was 14, he and his brother were apprenticed to a local tailor, according to the Miller Center.
They worked there for a few years before running away. After spending nearly two years on the run, with a reward offered for his return, Andrew returned to Raleigh in 1826 to be reunited with his family.Soon after, he moved west to Greenville, where he began working as a tailor when only seventeen years old. During this time, he also tried to teach himself how to read and write by studying the book of famous speeches he had received as a gift.
Warren G. Harding (29th US President) | Newspaper editor and publisher
Warren G. Harding was known as one of the great newspaper editors of his time. He was a true small-town journalist who cared deeply about his community. In 1884, when Harding was just 18 years old, he was living in Ohio and dreaming of becoming a journalist. When the Marion Daily Star was put up for sale due to financial problems, he convinced his father to help him buy a half share. His father agreed, and assumed part of the newspaper’s debts, which were then placed in Harding’s name.The newspaper became a major part of his life. He remained closely associated with it throughout his younger years, and it remained important to him even during his political career and presidency.
Lyndon Johnson (36th US President) | Elevator operator
Lyndon Johnson spent a short time in San Bernardino in 1925 as a teenager. During that period, he worked as an elevator operator in the Platt Building, which was one of the most important buildings in the city at that time, according to official reports.Years later, in 1964, after becoming president, Johnson returned to San Bernardino. During his visit, he returned to the Platt Building and took photos in the same elevator where he had previously worked.
Gerald Ford (38th US President)| Football coach and sports mentor
Gerald Ford is often considered one of the most athletic US presidents. He was an outstanding football player and served as captain of the Michigan Wolverines football team. In his senior year, he was named the team’s Most Valuable Player, and during the previous two seasons, the team was undefeated and won national championships.Ford’s athletic journey began at Grand Rapids South High School, where he played as a center. There he learned discipline, responsibility and teamwork. He also showed leadership by organizing training camp before his senior year, helping his team have an undefeated season and win a state championship.Later, at the University of Michigan, Ford continued to play football. Since athletic scholarships were unavailable during the Great Depression, he supported himself by working jobs such as waiting tables and washing dishes.
During his college career, he played at several positions, including center, long snapper, and fullback.
Jimmy Carter (39th US President) | Peanut farmer and agricultural manager
Before entering politics, Jimmy Carter worked on his family’s peanut farm in Plains, the Miller Center reported. He managed the farm and was involved in growing and selling peanut seeds. He later started his own business called “Carter’s Warehouse”, selling seeds and providing peanut shelling services.
Ronald Reagan (40th US President) | Savior and actor
Ronald Reagan spent his teenage summers working as a lifeguard on the Rock River, where he saved many lives over several years.He studied at Eureka College, where he was more active in sports and theater than academics. He played football and acted in school plays, graduating in 1932 during the Great Depression. Soon after, he got a job as a sports radio broadcaster at an Iowa station.In 1937, Reagan moved to Hollywood and signed with Warner Brothers.
He often played roles similar to his real personality – friendly and heroic. He gained wider recognition for his roles in Love Is on the Air, Knute Rockne, All American, and Kings Row.
Bill Clinton (42nd US President) | Comic book seller
Bill Clinton showed early signs of charm and persuasion at an early age. When he was just 13 years old, while working in a grocery store, he convinced his employer to let him sell used comic books outside the store. Although his main job was store work, this early entrepreneurial side activity is often remembered as a reflection of his natural communication skills and initiative.
Barack Obama (44th US President) | Ice cream shop worker
Barack Obama had part-time jobs at Baskin-Robbins as a teenager in Honolulu. There are many sources documenting Obama’s experience as a cashier at Baskin-Robbins. He interacted with customers, filled orders, and performed other work-related tasks. It was just a temporary job for him, but it was one of his first experiences in dealing with clients and taking on responsibilities.
