Recession Proof Summer Jobs for Teens
No matter how bad the economy is, there are certain needs that people have. The ambitious teen who starts to plan early can find a job in several industries that are at their height in the summer.
1. Agriculture. If you live in an area that has a summer harvest, whether it is berries, apples, lettuce, beans, etc. you may be able to hire on to a crew that is short-handed. Many established farms hire migrant crews that come from Mexico for the summer season, but some smaller farms do not. Beyond picking, there may be jobs in running roadside stands or helping in local produce stores. Canneries often hire teens for the summer. They pay fairly well and the jobs often turn into repeat jobs the next summer at a step up on the pay scale. Plus, during the heaviest part of the harvest, there may be an opportunity to work overtime. These are sought-after jobs so be sure to apply early and have references ready about your dependability and capability to do hard work.
2. The food industry. From ice cream stores to fast food restaurants, quick dining in the summer is something most families do in the summer. If you can get hired on at a chain restaurant such as McDonald’s or Burger King, the summer job may well work into a part-time job during the school year. If the industry interests you, let them know that you’re interested in their manager/franchise owner training program.
Don’t stop with fast food. Many elegant eateries, especially those with outside dining, hire extra help for the summer. Outdoor concerts and events all need people to sell food. Whether it’s filling bags of popcorn in a stand or serving chilled salmon with dill to classical music lovers sitting on the lawn, there are jobs to be had. Make sure you show up for an interview neatly dressed with special care given to your hair and fingernails.
3. Lawn services. Mowing lawns is closer to home than agriculture jobs. While many homeowners can ignore their yards in the winter, the heat of summer makes the grass grow. This is an opportunity to make a real business for yourself. Invest in a quality mower and edger, get a friend to help you, print up some business cards, and then start going door to door. It doesn’t hurt if people know you as that little kid from two blocks over. “My how you’ve grown up!” “Yes, I have and I’m ready to earn my way and make your yard beautiful.”
4. Pet and house sitting jobs. Summer is vacation time. In addition to doing your own recruiting for jobs, ask your parents to tell their friends that you’re available to come in on a daily basis (or several times a day if necessary) to care for their pets, water houseplants, pick up mail, etc. You may be able to combine this job with lawn services.
5. Senior services. Seniors whether they’re living in assisted living or independently may need your services. You can be a personal shopper, chauffeur, or even someone who stays with them while their family is gone for a day. One time while visiting a grandmother in Leisure World, my husband and I offered to turn her mattress for her as she had been complaining that it hadn’t been done in years. It was easy for us to flip it and then remake the bed. She joked that we should go door to door offering to do the same for a few bucks. We didn’t, but the point is that there are jobs that seniors would gladly pay to have done.
6. Family business. If your family owns a business or if a good friend does, working summers, learning the ropes, is an ideal time to build a future. They may be able to afford having a teen on the payroll for three months whereas they couldn’t afford adding an extra employee. Make yourself useful and both you and the company will gain from the experience.
7. Babysitting. Beyond the normal scope of babysitting, you and a friend or two can organize birthday parties with entertainment. Print up a brochure that outlines what you’ll provide for a certain price – pizza, cake, drinks, games, and you’ll even do the clean up.
The key point to finding a summer job in tough economic times is to be early. There are jobs out there but not as many, so get your resumes out and be creative in planning your summer employment.
