There are many mysteries in life. Is Bigfoot real? How did the platypus get stuck with a beak? Who really took the cookie from the cookie jar? But it seems to me that one of the biggest mysteries of all time would have to be, "How do I get a summer job?" What? You think I am joking? How could I joke about an important topic such as this? So you really, really want to get that perfect summer job? Well, read on, my friend.
I rated these jobs on my classic pay scale. Keep in mind that it will depend on your situation as to how much you get paid.
$-Meager Money
$$-Pretty Decent Cash Flow
$$$-You're Rolling In The Dough, Baby
$ Fast Food
Working in the fast food industry is probably the most basic job you can get. The pay is not amazing and you smell like pickles for days, but it is also one of the easiest jobs to get. Many places will hire you on the spot once you turn fifteen. On the plus side, you will get a behind-the-scenes look at how the food is made . . . and what goes in it.
$-$$$ Babysitter/Nanny/Au Pair
This job is amazing because, if you play your cards right, you can make a lot of money for your bank account. Depending on what you do, you could work just a couple hours or you may live with the family for the summer. This family you work for may require a babysitting license that you can usually acquire at your local hospital. If not don't sweat it. Just make sure that you are patient, quick on your feet, and pack lots of sunscreen.
$$ Waitress/Waiter
Before you even think about getting this job make sure you are fast, good at balancing, and decent at math. You will be cleaning tables, taking orders, delivering six plates on one tray, and cleaning up the broken glass from the little boy who wouldn't sit still. It's a tough job but someone has to do it. It can be a good job for money depending on where you work because of tips. However, many restaurants will pay you below minimum wage because they can count your tips as your salary.
$-$$ Lifeguard
This seems to be the ideal summer job. Sit on a chair, get tan, and flirt. Yeah, right. First, make sure you are very good at swimming and diving. If you have to plug your nose when you jump in, this isn't the job for you. Make sure you put on lots of sun block. I know tan is cool and everything, but skin cancer isn't. You also have to get used to sitting still for long periods of time but not spacing out. Think you can handle it?
$ Mow Lawns/ Lemonade Stand
When all else fails, in comes these two oldies but goodies. Mowing lawns is hard manual labor. Make sure that you are ready to work hard for about $10 a yard. And what neighborhood would be complete without the classic lemonade stand? Now-a-days you can just buy pre-made lemonade and mix it with some water. Just make sure that you aren't run out of business by the eight year olds down the street who give out free cookies.
Well, I hope that this article has given you some insight of the working world. Maybe you have found your perfect job or maybe you have decided that you will never work again. Either way, I wish you best of luck!
-Kaoru816
