Summer jobs are not just for earning that extra money, but are also an enterprising way to learn about work culture and ethics. Summertime provides an ample amount of opportunities for teens to explore different kinds of jobs.
Summer jobs prepare teens to deal with challenges associated with jobs and work ethics. Jobs not only incorporate responsible behavior towards self and others, but also proper handling of one’s hard-earned money. Before setting out to gain useful summer jobs, it’s important to understand our own capacities and skills. The underlying goal of seeking employment is to enhance or polish our qualities, as well as build those we lack in. There are many companies that hire teens and college students for full or part-time jobs during summers.
Places to Look for Easy Jobs
Summer Camps
If you enjoy being outdoors and meeting new people, then this is the job for you. Various summer camp organizers look for teens who have some skills or talents in sports, or extra-curricular activities, such as teaching a new musical instrument, new dance steps, swimming, etc., that can be taught to children who enroll themselves in summer camps.
Golf Courses
Summertime brings many people out to the golf course for golfing. Teens can work as caddies, ground maintenance staff, or housekeeping for golf clubs. One of the best things about working on a golf course is the connections one can build, as most people who play golf are businessmen. So better hone up your people-skills before getting to work.
Office Jobs
One can gain entry-level employment at many offices. There are plenty of jobs available such as typing, data entry, handling phone calls, telemarketing, running small errands, etc. These jobs can be done on an hourly, part-time, or full-day basis, and they pay well too.
Babysitting
Spread the word around your neighborhood that you are available for baby-sitting. However, note that this job requires dedication and basic understanding about taking care of children. Learn different ways to keep children occupied and happy. One job done well will ensure a steady stream of baby-sitting jobs, and money.
Amusement Parks
Summertime brings crowds in hordes to amusement or theme-based parks. To handle the excess crowd, park owners hire plenty of teenagers as temporary help. They have openings in ticket-counters, games, food service, and ground maintenance. The best thing about this job is, after a hard day’s work, you can enjoy free rides and even discounts at food counters.
Swimming Pools
A job as a lifeguard comes with responsibility. However, not everyone can become a lifeguard. One has to undergo extensive training which includes swimming tests, written tests, and CPR certification. To become a certified lifeguard, one needs to be at least 15 years of age. This certification will qualify a teenager to work at a hotel pool or a small community pool.
Restaurants
Working in restaurants is an excellent way to make some extra money. There are many kinds of restaurants such as fast food, family dining, elegant dining, etc., and they all pay differently. One can work as a waiter/waitress and, besides getting paid for the work you do, one can earn a lot as tips.
Tutoring
Most parents look for part-time tutors to help their children cope with difficult subjects. If you are an intelligent student, then you won’t have trouble finding a good tutoring job. This job will help build your confidence and improvise your people skills.
Yard Work
Gardening and cleaning yards are excellent summer jobs for teens. However, care should be taken when working around sharp garden tools and power mowers. This job is for strong teenagers, as it involves digging, planting, weeding, clearing, mowing, etc.
Other Summer Jobs
- Neighborhood car washing
- Doing laundry
- Working at old age homes and shelters
- Caring for and walking pets
- Working at theaters and supermarkets
- Sale campaigns
- Newspaper or courier delivery jobs
- Volunteering for church programs
- Working in libraries
- Hairdresser’s assistant job
- Keeping an eye on ongoing horticultural or agricultural work
To find out who is hiring in your local area, you can either look out for classified advertisements or inquire personally. Internet is another source where you can search for jobs in your area. Keep an eye on ‘wanted’ signs on windows. They might just land you on a job.
While summer jobs are a great way of spending summers, it’s important to ensure safety while doing so. Being young and inexperienced about work culture and ethics can lead to difficult situations at times. Make sure your parents know where you work so that you are always accessible to them. Summer jobs teach valuable lessons of communication and team work. So while you are earning, learn and prepare yourself for the future.
