ALT-1 Best Jobs for High School Students
From picking berries in the summer to delivering morning newspapers to serving hamburgers after school, teenagers are an essential part of the economy. In turn, the money they make, the responsibilities they learn, and the contacts they build go a long way toward preparing them for adulthood. A few lucky ones even launch the beginnings of a career at a young age.
The problem that many high school students face is that they put themselves in a position where they must work. If a young person takes on the burden of car payments and car insurance, he or she has no option other than to work to pay the bills. So, the first consideration before considering work is to thoughtfully consider expenditures. If the purchase of a car or something else major can be delayed, the benefit to the student’s time often far exceeds the luxury of buying the wanted item. But working a reasonable number of hours to earn money for incidentals and college savings is a great experience for teens. Here are some things to consider.
1. Make sure you are of legal age to do the job and that your employer is reputable. Someone who offers to pay you under the table or who has a history of cheating employees is not what you want. Earning money and paying taxes on your earnings (chances are you won’t owe any) is to your benefit in establishing a good credit and work history.
2. Pick a schedule that doesn’t damage your life. Long hours at night will prevent you from doing your homework and from getting enough sleep. Working every weekend will keep you from enjoying the fun of being a teenager. If you can find a job that involves a couple of hours in the afternoon or one day a weekend, it will be easier to assimilate into your schedule.
3. Location is everything. If you have to drive, catch a bus, or get someone to drive you clear across town, you’re wasting valuable time. If you can find a job on campus (such as working in the cafeteria) or something within walking distance of school, that’s ideal. Consider safety, too. If you’re going to be leaving your job in the dark, make sure you have a safe walk or ride home.
4. Your time is valuable. There’s nothing wrong with working at a fast food place. You can learn customer service skills and how to work as part of a team. But, if what you really want to do is work in a certain trade or industry, see if you can find an apprentice job in that area. This is where volunteer jobs come in especially handy. Perhaps you’d like to be a film producer when you graduate from college. See if the local public television or film office has a volunteer job for you. Not only will you gain valuable skills, but you’ll also get to know people whose recommendations may help get you into the college of your choice.
Maybe you’re interested in becoming a veterinarian or a nurse or doctor. Seek out the local medical facility that meets your needs and offer to volunteer. It may be that a volunteer job during school hours will work into a paying job in the summer.
5. Be aware of physical limits. A job that is physically demanding can often build strength but be wary of jobs that leave you so tired you can’t rest properly at night or sore the next day. You should never be asked to lift something that could hurt you.
6. Consider the family business. If your parents own a business, your job is ready made and handy. Even if you don’t see yourself following the same career path, learning all aspects of a business will give you valuable skills for job you do choose.
7. Keep your priorities straight. As a teenager, the most valuable thing you can do to ensure future success is to get good grades. Without them, your chances of getting into a good university are nil. The teen years are also a time to enjoy family and friends and to have experiences that broaden your perspective. If you have to miss a family summer vacation because of your work schedule, that’s sad. If your family is going somewhere for a week, be sure to tell your employer when you’re hired so you don’t have to miss it. Nor should you be working at McDonalds or anywhere on prom night. There are some events in high school that will give you wonderful memories for life. If you’re a member of a sports team, don’t miss practice because of work. It’s possible that your sports ability will be your ticket into college as well.
The high school years are full of opportunities and decisions. Making careful choices about work is essential to being a good student and a healthy, happy person. If you make the right choices, work can add an extra worthwhile dimension to your life… and when it comes to prom night, you’ll be able to pay your own way. That in itself will add to your feeling of self worth, and the job experience you gain may well be pivotal in the life path you follow.
