In high school, the most important thing seems to be how much money you have and how you choose to spend it. Actually, it's about if mommy and daddy have money, and how much of it you spend.
This always bothered me. My parents were more than able to provide for me, but they couldn't just throw it around every time my car got a scratch on it or my chacos went out of style.
So, at 15 years old, I got a job. None of my friends had one, and they didn't understand why I needed one. I got discouraged because people put me down because I worked in fast food, but looking back, I had no reason to be ashamed of where I worked.
1. I'm making my own money.
Although it'd be super nice to have mommy and daddy throw me a couple hundred when I wanted to hit the VS Semi-Annual Sale, it's a lot more rewarding to make my own money. I'm a lot less likely to spend it too because I worked 50 hours that paycheck, and I'm not going to blow it on a two-hour shopping spree. Well, maybe...
2. I learned discipline.
When you have a job, you take the orders you're given, and that is that. You don't fight back because it's something you don't want to do. Especially working in fast food, you come in contact with A LOT of rude customers. I learned how to take a deep breath, smile, and tell them to have a nice day, even when I hoped their day was gonna suck.
3. I met all kinds of people.
Whenever I also worked in a restaurant, I had time to interact with people. Some of them I wished I hadn't met. I was once taking an order at a drive-thru, and when I asked them if I could get them anything else, one of the guys shouted, "YEAH, YOUR NUMBER." Needless to say, I closed the window.
Some of them opened my eyes to remind me how blessed I am, and reminded me that I have many things to be thankful for.
4. I made a lot of long time friends.
I could only handle the people at my school for so long, so getting away from them and being around other people was something I loved about working.
5. It looks super good on any kind of application.
Whether you're ditching that job for a new one, you're applying for college, or especially college scholarships, it looks highly impressive to have past work experiences on your application. I'm more likely to be considered for future jobs and scholars programs because of that.
6. I learned time management.
From working two jobs at once, participating in band at school (which took 4-5 days of my week), and taking three AP classes my senior year, I learned how to get things done.
7. It gave me an excuse.
As someone who can only handle people for short periods of time, I got to use the excuse "oh sorry. I have to work," way more than I should have. Sometimes, "ya know, I'm just so tired from work, I'm gonna sit this one out." In regards to the hashtag "lies I've told a guy," I've definitely used the excuse that I was at work, even if I wasn't, just to avoid having to text them back, whoops.
There are many, many advantages to getting a job at a young age. Although some people may throw stones and laugh because you are the one serving them, just remember that you're providing for yourself and being the responsible one, which puts you in the lead.
