A Quick Guide to Part-time

By Emily Phillips

As summer draws near, many teens will begin the yearly ritual of job-searching. Obviously, fast food and retail seem like the automatic go-to source for some quick cash. However, as many have come to find out, happier alternatives do exist.

Part 1: McDonald’s should be your last resort. Yes, you will absolutely get hired and paid. No, you will not be happy. Some fast food restaurants are quite tolerable, but from my personal experience, and everyone else I’ve known to work there, we hated it. If you have a high tolerance for stress and constant complaints, you may be able to stand this job.

Part 2: Make sure to check absolutely all openings. Work is incredibly easy when you can be satisfied with where you are. I’ve heard positive words about Silverlake, Salvadore’s, and Kings Island (if you have the transportation). Also, day cares seem to be a growing interest for many female teens, while males tend to head towards stores that sell electronics.

Part 3: Try being your own employer. This alternative to working for a specific company allows you to do something that you are good at and enjoy. Yard work, babysitting, car washes, lemonade stands; the whole shebang. Whether you stay home or go out is up to you, and so is your pay.

While being self-employed offers complete freedom of choice, it does not have a guaranteed salary. Competition is high, and that results in many teens either not working, or working in the traditional minimum wage jobs. Most times, however, teens are adequately comfortable with whatever job they earn. Cash is cash, and teens will always be grateful for it.