As a kid summer was a time to relax, spend time with friends and family and play sports. This for the most part stays true throughout life, but there are a few changes. For some, this change can happen early, around 13, or start later, around 18, but no matter what it happens to all of us. The first big change comes from the age of 15 to 16 when you get your first taste of freedom and your first reality check: driving. The day finally comes and all the hard work and countless hours pay off with a fancy card saying you're legal to drive. Everyone's first thought is cruising around with friends having the time of your life, that is, until it's time to fill the tank. Most parents are like mine and will only fill it so much before they say it is time for a job.

Teens hear the words "summer job" and groan because it means they will have less time with friends. Instead of being that person who says how "great" my first summer job was, even though it actually was a lot of fun, I am gonna give teens a little advice on how to make it a little easier and more fun than it seems it will be.

My first piece of advice is to find something you enjoy or can at least tolerate. I got lucky and have horticulture background and I was able to apply for landscaping jobs, which is something I truly enjoy. Many teens won't have that type of experience and may have to settle for something different. that is okay as long as it is still something that you can handle doing.

My second piece of advice is a follow up to the first, make the most of the job you are doing. There will always be a coworker, manager or boss somewhere that you will not like. The key is to put up with them, as long as it is within reason, and still do your job. Be civil with everyone and not act like they are making your life miserable. Now if the person is doing something downright immoral, that is a different situation and you should follow guidelines to turn them in. Beware though if you are constantly turning people in for petty things you will quickly become disliked and possibly even let go.

My third piece of advice is for those who are concerned about seeing friends and enjoying summer. You will still have plenty of time! I was a summer athlete who left on Thursdays and did not come home till Sundays and normally worked the rest of the time 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at my shortest amount of hours. The thing is though, all my friends had similar work schedules and had other things to do also. We just planned around it and still had plenty of time to go do fun things.

My final piece of advice is that summer jobs are not as terrible as they seem. Your friends will all have one and they will have similiar schedules as you, so don't be bummed out because you would be bored at home anyways. They are also a great way to mature and become your own person. You learn so much about other people, the job and about yourself. They may seem terrible to have, but they really are not that bad and are only for a few months at a time.