Blogs / Celeste Lavin's Blog
Work Study |
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The cost of going to college increases substantially each year. Students try to keep costs down with scholarships, loans, etc. A great way to do this is through work study programs. Most colleges will let students work at the school in various capacities (dishwasher, library assistant, research assistant, housekeeping...) and instead of giving a salary, the college will deduct costs from the students' tuition. This can be a great opportunity to meet new people on campus, get to know a different part of the college, and perhaps make out-of-classroom connections with professors. Even the connections you make when working in dining halls can be invaluable. People often return to their dorms after work study in the cafeterias with trays of left over cookies, and we all know that in the college environment cookies can be a savior. Most college websites should have information on work study programs. Check it out! And if you are still applying to schools, consider work study when thinking about those unbelievable tuition costs. |
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School-Year Job |
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You dont want to admit it. I dont want to admit it--but summer is almost over. For many of us that means our summer jobs are almost over too. Now comes the time to decide if employment should be secluded to the summer, or if you would like to work during the school year. Some things to consider: Priorities-- Can you do your job and get your homework done and go to your after school clubs (and even get a few hours of sleep in each night)? Are you willing to sacrifice extra-curricular activities for a job? Money-- How much will you be making at this job during the school year? Is it worth the time and sacrifices you would have to make? Proximity-- Can you get from school to work and back home easily? If you have to rely on public transportation, is the cost going to be worth the salary? Hours-- You cannot legally work during school hours, so are you willing to work at night and during weekends? Experience-- Is this job an opportunity that you cant pass up? Will it add to your skill-set or supplement your now growing resume? Will it provide you with connections and experiences that will greatly benefit you? A school-year job is not for everybody, but it does have its perks. Make sure to consider every angle before making the commitment. |
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Five-Finger Discount |
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Now that youve landed that summer job, you may find yourself spending a lot more time staring at the same merchandise every day than you thought you would. If its something good (ice cream!) you may get tempted more than you thought. Most employers will give workers discounts for the merchandise. Some will let you take home things free at the end of the day (like food that is restocked daily). And still some may look the other way while you scoop a free cone for yourself and 6 of your closest friends. While I have been at the receiving end of these benevolent workers, I know it is important to make sure this is okay with the employers. Before taking free samples for yourself, or subtly handing out something to friends, check with your boss on the gifting policy. Chances are the rules are pretty lax, and if not, at least you know the rules and wont accidentally get in trouble. |
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But Im Too Young! - Jobs for younger teens |
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| Myfirstpaycheck.com was created to help young people get jobs. We have job advice for teens, interview tips, a resume builder, etc. But the one thing we cant help you with is changing an employers mind. What if he just wont hire someone younger than 16? He has that right, and most employers will not hire students that young. So what are the young and restless to do? Well, if nobody will hire you, hire yourselves! Do what I did, start your own business. It doesnt have to be a highfalutin website; you could start a landscaping company, or a babysitting service. Get a couple of friends together and offer lawn-mowing or snow-shoveling. Or you could tutor even younger kids. If you cant get hired for a payed job, consider volunteer work. It is satisfying and contributory (to your community and your future resume). You can help out at religious school or at an homeless or animal shelter. People everywhere are looking for volunteers, and young people can fill that void (even 14 year olds!). | |||
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Sacrifices |
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Much to my surprise, their was another prompt about teenage employment in my state-wide standardized testing. This time the focus was on should teens get jobs or not. The argument against it was that it took time away from school work and extracurriculars, and the argument for it being employment builds character, teaches responsibility, fills your wallet, and preps you for the workforce. Though the arguments against youth employment do have some value, they would have to be severely exaggerated to really make an impact. With child labor laws, 14-16 year olds can only work 3 hours a day. And most teens with jobs are not working these 3 hours every single day. They still have time for a club after school a few times a week, and they definitely have time for studying and homework. Employment can even help with time management, because it is a responsibility outside of school that will take up time, so students have to maintain patterns of activity, creating a natural schedule of school, work, and studying. The employed youth do have to make sacrifices, choosing to go to work instead of hanging out with friends. But this employment is beneficial in so many more ways that these sacrifices are worth it. So to all of those taking these state tests, think again about the arguments for employment. |
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