<p>S is a new h.s. graduate and needs a summer job before heading off to college. He really would like to be a waiter, because he thinks he can earn the most money that way. However, it seems some restaurants are not interested in him because he’ll be leaving in 3 months. The ones he has applied at have told him they will get back to him, but you know how that is…who knows if he’ll hear anything.</p>
<p>He’d really like to earn at least $10/hour. He’s sharp and personable, so I think that’s probably doable, but maybe I’m being unrealistic. He is also in good physical condition, but doesn’t really prefer to do a labor job. Obviously it’s too late to apply for internships or anything like that. He was so bogged down with school this semester that looking for a summer job was the furthest thing from his mind.</p>
<p>Any suggestions on what type of job he could look for and whether he should lower his sights on hourly wages?</p>
<p>S found a job that pays $10 per hour directing cars into parking spots for special events at a local entertainment venue. We asked him if they accepted applications from parents and he said no…</p>
<p>Can he work in a photography supply store, a department store where they have a photo lab that takes studio pictures (like babies, dogs, proms…) or a photo development lab? I know your kid has some capability with cameras!</p>
<p>If he’s personable, maybe, he can work at a local business doing sales. Or something. He might be young. But if he can sell, he’ll definitely earn $.</p>
<p>Has he applied at chain restaurants? I know some of my former students work at them here and then “transfer” once school starts to the same chain where they go to school.</p>
<p>In my area Starbucks pays very well. I would focus on a place that will give him lots of hours rather than the actual rate of pay. In other words, $15/hr for 20 hours a week is less than $8/hr for 40 hours. </p>
<p>I often have teens asking for a raise so they can meet a certain savings goal, when all they have to do is ask for more hours. Or in some cases, actually work the hours that they are on the schedule for rather than taking extra time off willy-nilly.</p>
<p>Have him not dwell on the $10 per hour. He’d probably also like to earn $25 per hour but isnt likely to get it. I don’t blame him for wanting to maximize the income on an hourly basis but he’s not in the best bargaining position since he’ll be quitting in a few months. </p>
<p>Are there any summer seasonal type jobs in your area? My area has a lot of them due to the tourism industry here. They typically don’t pay $10 per hour but at least they have summer spots open and some of the jobs can be fun. </p>
<p>There’s also always Sears, Circuit City/Best Buy, Home Depot, Lowes, and other retail places. Even if he earns less than $10 per hour it can be good experience if he’s not had this type of job before. He’ll be able to see how they operate, interact with fellow workers, get incentive to succeed at college so he doesn’t need to do this type of job anymore, etc.</p>
<p>My bank hires summer tellers. Qualification is to be an 18 year old high school graduate with math aptitude and pass a drug test! My son did this after his PG year and it was a great job. They would have been happy to give him hours during vacations from college as well. If you have a small local bank, it never hurts to have him go in and apply.</p>
<p>Remind your son when looking for any job at any level that he should dress well (no cutoffs, flops, visible underwear etc), go in on his own (no buddies), be prepared to fill out an application and interview on the spot. I am always impressed with an applicant who has the smarts to bring a resume.</p>
Not necessarily so. My S got an internship even later than this by applying online to a local tech firm. However, he was in the summer after college soph year, with a tech major; so I don’t know if it is realistic for a hs grad.</p>
<p>In my area also, $10/hr would be steep for a non-tip job.</p>
<p>Are there seasonal places? Around here, seasonal ice-cream places, hotels, restaurants with tourist business hire summer help, fully understanding the 3-month-ish term (and liking it, because they don’t need the extra help after Labor Day). As a bellhop, S made tips which made the hourly take greater then $10/hr. Others did valet parking for good tips as well.</p>
<p>My S signed up with a local temp firm after senior year and got a job working 5 hours a day at $10/hour. Boring but paid well and an office job looks good on the resume (it was an international telecommunications firm). Your son could at least sign up and take their aptitude tests - good practice and you never know!</p>
<p>Tell him just to apply everywhere. My rising college junior has been looking for a job everywhere he/we can think of and still no job. He’s an Eagle Scout and has worked before. I almost think that getting job is like applying for colleges- you have no idea why they take the people they take.</p>
<p>Good news! S2 started today delivering pizzas for Papa John’s. The funny thing is that S1 is delivering pizzas for Domino’s! Domino’s wouldn’t take S2 as he has only 1 1/2 years driving experience and they require 2 years. Papa John’s wasn’t as picky. S1 has been making $11-14/hour after paying for gas, so that’s not bad at all. </p>
<p>We’ll see how many hours S2 gets. S1 is starting with about 30 hours per week. Those pizza places are desperate. I’m just glad he has something to do to earn some money and keep him off the computer. Hmmmm…maybe I need something to do to keep <em>me</em> off the computer. :-)</p>
<p>My son got a job this past Monday - working at a kennel/doggy day care. Not the “internship” he was hoping for, but will help him earn money for his fall study abroad.</p>
<p>timely–not to be interfering or paranoid, but I guess your son has reviewed all the safety tips re: pizza delivery? Never go into anyone’s house, etc.</p>