We all know that typical scene in every summer movie. The teenagers are laying by a pool or at the beach, and someone jumps in, making a splash. Music is playing in the background and you can see the condensation on the glasses of lemonade. While this scene may be what "summer" should be, working a summer job is also a great idea. During the year we are all drowning in schoolwork, clubs, sports, and just life in general. We follow a set routine and rarely stray from it because we do not have the time to explore other options. This is why during the summer where time seems endless, getting a summer job is a brilliant idea. You learn a new skill that you typically would not have learned, and you meet all different types of people.
This summer I learned the importance of hard work and engaging with strangers. I know, talking to someone in person seems like an odd thing. Especially when you take into account that the person is a stranger, but those conversations give you so much. Having a summer job that is so heavily associated with human interaction, I had to learn to get over my fear of strangers. I was always so afraid of someone not liking me or having it become awkward. What I came to realize is that everyone is nervous to talk to someone new, it is not just you. I have heard stories this summer that I never previously imagined could have happened. Customers have told me about their adventures across the globe, protesting the Vietnam War, and being married for 70 years. These lives are so rich with history, and they are giving me a bit of their story.
I have always been a morning person, but this summer taught me an entirely new meaning of being a "morning person". It is one thing to wake up fairly early, make yourself breakfast, and lounge around the house. It is another thing to wake up incredibly early, throw together food, and head to work. I use the term throw because there have been times where I took my waffle out of the toaster and threw it in my purse (no shame). I give my coworker's so much credit because they have spent years waking up at ungodly hours and put on a smile for customers. So a disclaimer for those people who aren't morning people but go out to eat in the morning: be nice.
My summer job is in no way associated with my college major but I could not be more grateful for the experiences. I will spend the better part of my life (hopefully) in that field, and it is nice to know I did other things before then. I can say I had worked these summer jobs and learned new things from them. I also learned the importance of saving and not wasting my money. While going out to eat is nice, I am more cautious of what I am spending. My friend, who also works a summer job, put it best, " I think of how many hours this costs me and is it worth those hours".
When you actually work for your money, you are more cautious of spending it. You worked hard for that money and you understand what it took to get that money.
So if you are bummed that you had to work for the summer while your friends lounged by the pool, think of this. Working this summer has improved your work ethic, not to mention you have built a significant amount of savings. Whether you are using it for school, shopping trips, or to help your family. You know what is like to work for something and you are motivated to spend your summer working. Who knows what this summer job might lead to next summer!
