While we're thinking about college in the near future, dealing with senior year is no joke. Things are soooo expensive, with no signs of getting better. That means that while I'm trying to get things together for this kid, I have to think about my own expenses. Where do I start? I've already decided my kid has to get a summer job, even for a month. It's a mix of necessity and an opportunity for them to build on those valuable life skills I'm always trying to instill. But finding that perfect summer job isn't as easy as it sounds.
We've never ventured into the world of teenage employment before. In our house, school and activities were always considered the primary job. Make the grades, stay respectful, be humble, and do your chores. After that, all will be well – that was the plan. But now, faced with the mounting expenses of college visits and senior year activities, a summer job seems like a good idea.
Now, getting through the job search was a job in itself. Our journey began with navigating online job postings. Together, we combed through listings, hoping to find something flexible that would allow for college visits while still bringing in some money. It quickly became clear that this wouldn't be a walk in the park. The sheer volume of postings was overwhelming, and finding the right fit was like searching for a needle in a haystack. Everything is done online, and many positions had a preference for tech skills that my kid hasn't yet developed. Add in the fact that many people are looking for work, making traditional teenage jobs harder to come by. We went to the mall and they have tons of "Now Hiring" signs but they don't respond like they should.
We expanded our search to local businesses - nearby stores, cafes, and even a few offices. Each place had its own set of challenges – again, some weren't hiring while others required more experience. This has definitely been a lesson in perseverance and patience. Hell, I feel like I'm looking for a job.
After what felt like an endless search, a breakthrough came through a friend's office. They needed some extra help with administrative tasks over the summer and was happy to hire my kid knowing we would need time to go visit colleges (what a blessing). The relief and excitement were real (at least for me). It was a perfect fit – flexible hours, a safe environment, and a chance for my kid to learn valuable office skills.
Throughout this process, we talked a lot about time management and responsibility. Balancing a job with school and extracurricular activities is no small feat. It's a skill that will serve my kid well in college and beyond. While there's no school, putting together applications for colleges and scholarships is just like being in school - it's hard work. We discussed how to prioritize tasks, manage a schedule, and the importance of reliability.
Understanding the value of hard work and earning your own money is another key lesson. My kid's eyes lit up at the thought of getting that first paycheck. I couldn't wait to see their reaction when they realized just how much Uncle Sam takes out (ha!).
The summer job journey isn't just about earning money; it's about reinforcing the life skills I've been teaching all along. It's about building confidence, learning to navigate the adult world, and creating lasting memories. Every application, every interview, and even the rejections are part of this important chapter.
Watching my kid step into this new role has been a mix of pride and nostalgia. It reminds me of my own first job and the lessons I learned. As we continue this search, I'm grateful for the opportunity to support and guide my kid through this process. Whether they ended up scooping ice cream, working retail, or finding another path, I know they're gaining experiences that will shape their future.
So now, we start planning these college visits. Whether we drive or fly, it's going to be a huge expense – one that definitely takes planning. On to the next...