Summer Jobs Ideas

So you are a teenager, either in high school or college, and you are wondering, "It sure would be nice to have a job this summer..." You have a lot of options. In fact, you have a "bewildering array of options." You can work in restaurants, small businesses, retail stores, amusement parks, summer camps and so on. There is a job out there that fits almost anybody. The important thing is to recognize that you do have options. In recognizing them you gain the ability to explore your options. Here are a variety of things to think about during your exploration:

* You can do the normal thing--you can go apply for a job at the local fast food restaurant. This may not be a bad thing to do, depending on your attitude going into the job. If your attitude is, "I hate this job," then obviously you will get nothing out of it. If, on the other hand, you look at it as an opportunity to learn how a business works from the inside out, then you can get a lot out of it. Start gathering the knowledge and skill with your summer job. Try as many positions as possible and ask lots of questions about cash flow, staffing, inventory, etc. Keep in mind that there are lots of different kinds of restaurants: fast food, family dining, elegant dining, etc. They pay differently and appeal to different people. Look around at the options before making up your mind.

* You can work at a place like a amusement park that hires a lot of people in the summer. Again, attitude will control what you learn. You can learn an incredible amount about business and human nature in a job like this.

* You can work at a summer camp, resort, or vacation spot that hires lots of people in the summer. Ditto on the attitude. The advantage here is that you might have the chance to travel.

* You can volunteer at any number of places: hospitals, shelters, clinics, summer youth programs, etc. You won't make any money, but the experience can be invaluable.

* You can get an entry-level job with a small business and learn the business. Options are endless. Just open the business section of the phone book or drive around and see what is out there. Drive through small industrial and office centers and knock on doors. It will be helpful if you have a skill the business can use such as typing, computer skills, etc., but that is not necessarily a requirement. Again, make learning the key. What you are looking for is a small business that is interested in hiring an eager "gofer-type" employee and then showing you how the business works. Take what you can get and learn, learn, learn.

* You can enter a summer educational program. Many colleges and community colleges run summer classes. Go take some. Write around or talk to some guidance counselor at school and see what is out there. If nothing else you could join a "continuing education program" at a college or university and get a jump-start on college.

* You can look for summer intern programs at local companies. You can call your local or state government and see what you can find. Many states and municipalities offer summer job programs.

You can get a job anywhere and then spend the money to do something you really enjoy. For example, work at night and take pilot lessons during the day. Or work at night and explore a hobby or sport during the day. You can work for yourself. Create a summer job mowing lawns, taking care of kids, painting houses or whatever. well that is pretty basic but till you have other options being worked out, no harm in keeping yourself busy.

You can also hunt for opportunities on the web. Go to the directory of online resources and read other articles there on job skills, career options and so on. Use keywords like "jobs for minors" and "Summer jobs for minors" or "part time jobs for teens" in the big search engines and see what you find.

Top 10 Part-Time Jobs for Teens

Life as a teenager is hectic between school, friends, and home. That's why part-time jobs should be fun, social, and flexible. Here are some popular jobs you as a teen can work after school and on the weekends to earn extra cash.

Babysitting

Babysitting is a tried and tested by many way for a teenager who enjoys company of kids to make money. Neighbors, family friends, and relatives with small children often need help and want someone they know and trust. In order to offer more valuable services, teens can take classes on handling emergency situations and become certified in CPR and first aid. When a teenager proves his responsibility, reliability, and availability on a regular basis, his part-time business will be booming.

Coffee Shop

If you enjoys coffee, music, laptops, and people, then working as a barista at a coffee shop can be a great part-time job opportunity. Coffee shops often offer a peaceful atmosphere perfect for people watching. Plus, you can earn tips! If you want to serve the hip crowd, working at a coffee shop part-time after school or on the weekends could be the job for you as a teen.

Retail Clerk

Working in retail is a popular choice for teens who want to earn extra cash after school or on the weekends. Your expertise on fashion, make-up, electronics, books, or athletics can be turned from a hobby into an after-school money maker as a teen. If you choose a store you frequently visit, you'll not only enjoy your time there, you'll also benefit from the employee discounts offered!

Dog-Walking/ Pet Sitting

Many elderly neighbors, friends on vacation, and people who work long hours need help washing and walking their pets. If you as a teen enjoy working with animals and have a responsible work ethic, then this is the job for you. Your part-time business will begin to pick up once you set your reputation as a reliable and available animal lover.

Landscaping

Landscaping, leaf removal, and snow shoveling are booming businesses. Many people don't have the time or aren't physically capable of shoveling snow or caring for their lawn and garden. Lawn and yard work is a challenging job that entails manual labor and long hours. If you as a teen doesn't mind getting dirty and loves the outdoors, nature, and physical work, this job is right for you. You'll hone your creativity and benefit from the physical activity, while learning about responsibility, hard work, and time-management. Plus, your hard work will be on view in the community - a free advertisement for your services.

Food Services

If you as a teen are a social butterfly and love interacting with people, restaurant employment might be right for you. You can choose from such positions as cashier, host/hostess, server, bus girl, food runner, dish washer, and prep cook. Many towns have popular and unique diners and drive-ins, which make for a fun and social working environment. Food industry positions can help you develop people skills, self-esteem, and responsibility, while enjoying a bit of socializing. Most of these positions are offered as part-time jobs for teens, so school work and extracurricular activities won't be affected.

Tutoring

If you enjoy working with adults or kids and excels at school subjects such as math, science, English, computer software, or foreign languages, you can establish a money-making business. Tutoring younger children in school subjects or teaching adults computer knowledge, software applications, and technology are great ways to help others while earning some part-time cash. School work and other activities will stay at top priority since you can schedule your own hours of work. This opportunity will also strengthen your teaching and people skills, while solidifying your knowledge in your field of expertise.

Sports Instructor

Many teens are involved in extracurricular activities and sports during the school year. You could take your soccer, tennis, swimming, lacrosse, running, jump rope, or other athletic skill to the next level as a part-time job to earn some cash. If you are personable and like to interact with adults or kids, working as a sports instructor will be a fun experience. This is a great opportunity that will boost your confidence, provide healthy physical activity, and again improve your people skills.

Movie Theater

Free movies, free popcorn, and socializing are just a few of the benefits you get when working at a movie theater. If you as a teen are a movie buff, this is the perfect environment for you to spend your after-school or weekend hours earning extra cash. Concessions, tickets sales, ticket stubs, and usher are a few of the positions you can choose from. You can also choose to avoid the crowds and maybe catch a free flick after school or on the weekends, while working part-time as a teen.

Internship

Some teenagers have it all figured out and know which field they want to pursue. If you as a teen want to gain experience for your professional future, an internship is the best part-time employment plan for you. You can log hours at an internship after school or on the weekends to earn credit and experience. Many internships are unpaid, but the job experience can lead to future employment. If the experience is more important than the money, an internship will propel you in the right direction as you gain confidence, professional knowledge, and real-world experience.