I’m about to be a high school senior and so far my class schedule is filled with 3 AP class (Retaking one only for a semester just to make up that D ) , a college class at my local community college, and the rest are just electives (I may think of taking another college class as well). I currently have a paid internship job in which I work for just about 2-3 hrs. per week and volunteering at an animal shelter for 3 hrs. per week minimum (Both will also take part of my senior life). Pegged with extracurricular and college-help programs (TRIO) it leaves me little space in pursuing in finding a job.
Yes, it really looks like people will be responding “if you can’t commit, don’t do it” type of comments and I’m aware of it as well. My question is if it is worth risking taking out extracurricular programs/volunteer just so that I can have time to dedicate for a job?
Side Note: I did apply about 9 months ago for Pizza Hut and McDonald’s (back when I had huge amount of free time) but none seem to reply back so I know how hard applying is. I may apply for more job openings just now with a constraint scheduled but I’m interest in applying only because I feel that my volunteering/intern experience can help me on my job application.
To be honest, employers don’t want to hire someone whose only interest is in plumping up their college application. They want to hire people who want to work. And, as you realized with the two applications you did submit, there are far more people looking for jobs than employers out there.
I think you have to figure out what’s important to you, and commit in that direction.
I think McDonald’s is the perfect job for a busy high school student. My three very busy kids all worked there throughout high school and even during college breaks. Maybe it was just their location, but their store was ultra flexible with their scheduling. For instance, my youngest couldn’t work weekends one summer because of travel softball, no problem. She couldn’t work Saturdays during the fall because of band, no problem. She could only work Sundays during the spring because of softball, no problem. She always gave them advance notice about her schedule and she worked hard when she did work. I’d suggest putting in another application, then following-up by stopping by the store in person if you don’t hear anything within a couple of weeks. Around where we live, fast food places are desperate for good help. It just may require a bit of follow through on your application.
Even though you’re already quite busy, I think a part time job (even if it’s a crappy one), with not too many hours, builds character and independence and actually helps you budget your time better. Good luck.