What kind of jobs you did when you were younger and what is the important things you learned about it?
I worked in labs doing biochemistry, microbiology, plant genetics, and soft lithography. Also waiting tables, teaching in inner city schools in the US, Peace Corps in Kazakhstan, and actuarial work. Currently a music licensing start-up, which has been the most educational of all, but all have taught me more than I have time to share.
This old interview with Michael Vassar seems relevant (bold in answer not in original):