It seems like as soon as high school starts, a bunch of expenses start assailing students. Going to the movies is 20 bucks, getting a cute top from the mall is 30 dollars, and going out to eat every once in a while will definitely start to pinch your pockets.
Are your parents a little less willing to hand you some money every time you walk out of the door? Is your stash of birthday cash dwindling? I have the perfect solution for you: Get a part-time job!
Do some soul searching before you decide to dive into the job pool and start looking for a job. A job is a lot of commitment. It means hard work and obligations. Although it would be great to find a job that you like, and even better, love, you may not have the options that you’d like with a high school education. Can you live with missing a couple of games or parties to go to work instead? Can you take working on the weekends? Will you lose it when dealing with one rude customer? There are a lot of things to consider when getting a job, make sure you do some thorough thinking. A pros and cons list could help you out with that!
Getting a part-time job can be good for a variety of things. Money is the most obvious one. Also, there is a chance to make friends outside of the school environment. If you’re a good employee, then your manager can write you a great letter of recommendation.
Having a job shows responsibility as a young age. It is also great practice for the future.
If you’re still conflicted about what you want to major in, then a part-time job can help you eliminate some choices. Did working in retail make you want to tear your hair out?
Maybe you should not pick a major that will require you to work in a job that is customer service heavy. Were you a tutor over the summer and did you hate it? You may want to rethink the teaching degree that you want to get. Conversely, did you enjoy interacting with many different people in a day? Were you given a promotion, and did you enjoy a managerial position?
Pursuing a job lets you work on a resume, too. As you get different jobs and take on more extracurriculars, your resume will start to beef up. Before you enter the professional world, getting a part-time job is a good precursor to a full-time career. You will learn about taxes, calling in, overtime and more. Terms that you need to be familiar with in order to ensure that you are not lost like a boat at sea when you enter your first full time job.
Of course, school always comes first. Never let the seemingly large amount of money that you may make at a job cloud your goals for the future. Get a job that works well with your schedule. One that not only allows you to get to school on time, but that also gives you enough time to get your homework done. Don’t forget about some down time either! If your grades start to slip or the stress of it all is getting to you, reevaluate your priorities. Your school work and mental health come first. Don’t stress yourself out worrying about the particulars of today when you still have to work towards tomorrow.
If you are in college, try getting a job on campus. There are always opportunities aplenty. Check in with the financial aid office or student services to see if they have any openings available. Jobs on campus are very flexible. Some even allow you to work, go to class, and then resume work when your class is over. Again, working in close proximity with many college professionals and professors will let you form close bonds with people who could help you in the future. Even if there are no jobs available on campus, your school can give you resources that will help you find one with a trustworthy company or organization.
It may take a while to get a job. There is no perfect situation. For some, it can take months and for others, it can take just one or two weeks. Do not get bogged down from the rejection emails that you may get. For every door that closes there is another one that opens.
If the traditional job market is not working for you, then try starting a side business of your own! See if you can run errands for your neighbors or family members. If you are handy around the house, then advertise your services online and around town. Makeup is a hot market these days. If you can do a gorgeous full face, then try your hand at being a makeup artist. From social media manager to freelance writer, there are tons of online opportunities for the tech and social media savvy as well.
Be smart with the money you earn. It is rewarding to spend what you earn and see the fruits of your labor. Still, opening a savings account and putting some money away is beneficial for the future. You don’t have to save your whole check or even half of it, 20 dollars every now and again will accumulate overtime. Ask a family member, consult the internet, or make an appointment with your bank to ask about the best way(s) to save. There are stocks and bonds, savings accounts, and other options.
A job is a lot of work, but hard work often pays off. Getting a part-time job is a great way to start to grow up and transition into the “adult world”. Just remember to do what is best for you and your situation. Think hard about the responsibilities that you already do have before adding on any others. Having a part-time job can be very rewarding.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help with any questions that you may have. Talk to family members, school counselors, friends and consult the Fastweb.com for helpful advice.
Did you know that now you can find part-time jobs on Fastweb?
