A part-time job is perfect. Since you’re still in school, you don’t have that much time to devote to a job because you still need to keep up high grades in school. With a part-time job you can make extra money to pay for the movies, bowling, or going to parties, or you can save up for a car. Whatever you do with the money, the best way to get it is with a part-time job.
There are many opportunities when it comes to part-time jobs. In some places there may be more opportunities than others.

First, decide what type of work you want to do. This is your first job, so you can’t expect to get a job $12 an hour office job or manager position.

Do you want to work with customers?

Do you prefer labor work?

Is there a specific industry you want to get experience in?

Are you just looking for the highest paying job no matter how bad the work?

The most popular and obvious venues are:

Fast food

Department stores

Boutiques (such as in malls)

Supermarkets

Small businesses (hair salon, dry cleaning, etc.)

Restaurants

If you want to work in fast food, you need to be able to handle stress. If the smallest things offend you, look elsewhere. It may be easy, but it can be tiring. If you like dealing with customers, it may work out.

Department stores are usually alright to work in. Again, it’s a customer place to work, especially if you are a cashier. You may be a merchandise assistant where you put out products and help customers. Sometimes you can get a job in the stockroom organizing merchandise and unloading the truck. This would be better for someone who doesn’t like dealing with customers.

Boutiques in the mall are similar to department stores. It’s a smaller environment and they may be a little harder to get hired into because there aren’t as many positions.

Supermarkets are another standard place for teens to work. You can be a cashier, shelf stocker, or work in the deli, or bakery. Most of the positions are going to require customer service. They can all be hard work without much downtime. It could get boring as a cashier, depending on the shift time. You will have to work a lot of evenings, most likely.

When working in a small business, you usually will be dealing with customers and cleaning. They are usually shops that require training to work such as a beautician or seamstress, that’s why you would clean and do small things. They can sometimes be boring if it’s slow, but it’s usually easy. It also doesn’t pay as much.

When working in a restaurant, you can’t always get a waitress position if you are under 18. You also won’t be able to start in an expensive restaurant with good tips, they require experience. You could be a prep cook, but that is a very stressful job. The best perk is the potential in tips, but that’s only if you get the right shifts.

There are many other jobs that I have missed, but these are the ones you will most likely be able to get as a teen. Get out there and interview wherever you can. Some people make it look hard to get hired, but if you have a good background and look at the right time, especially during the holiday season, it shouldn’t be hard.

By: Samantha Asher

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