The struggle is real when it comes to finding a summer job. Whether you are looking for a low key gig or an internship we like to think of summer as something way off in the distance, but here we are at the end of the semester and most of us, are starting to realize how screwed we really are.
1. You can’t have it all.
We all would love to that job that required little to no work, payed well, and had great hours that accommodated you summer beach schedule, but I don’t know if that job exists and if it does please let me know. In reality, most summer jobs are low paying long hour jobs and we just have to accept that.
2. Time commitment.
No job will allow you to beach it all day and party all night. Whether it is the prime beach hours or nights full of parties, you have to make a sacrifice.
3. Parents nagging.
I find it hilarious the way my parents work my pending summer job situation into conversation.
Me: I’m on my way to class right now.
Mom/Dad: Are you on your way to finding a summer job?
My parents need to understand that I have had a summer job since I was fourteen so I don’t have any plans on slumming it on the couch this summer. I also have applied to multiple jobs and simply waiting to hear back.
4. Extremely broke.
If you are like me and are ballin' on a stone cold college budget then you know that a summer job isn’t optional. I need the financial resources to aid my food and clothing addiction. It is nice not have to rely on your parents 24/7. Once you graduate college we are (should be) on your own and being able to support your spending habits early makes the transition to the real world much easier.
4. Planning.
Most job applications for the summer become available in the winter. So if you find yourself jobless in April, good luck. Even the world of ice cream scooping has quite competitive.
5. Connections.
We all love to hate those people who climb the ladder by using their connections, but the fact of the matter is if you have an advantage -- use it.
6. Internships.
If you have reached the point where it is time to get an internship, it is a very stressful and competitive process. However, nowadays it is important to have at least one internship before you graduate. It is time to enter adulthood so throw on your best Hillary Clinton pant suit (please don’t if you actually want to get the job).
7. Relying on your parents.
It is nice not have to rely on your parents 24/7. Once you graduate college we are (should be) on your own and being able to support your spending habits early makes the transition to the real world much easier.
8. To save or to spend?
It's hard to hold a big check in your hand and not want to go spend it. You have to ask yourself what has the better payoff, your new pair of shoes or your hypothetical new car down the road. If you can’t make that decision, the best thing you can do is set aside a certain amount of your paycheck and watch that money turn into something great while still being able to spend the rest of it right away.
9. Location.
If you are someone who doesn’t want to run into people you know while on the job, I’d recommend working in another town, yet at the same time ask yourself if the money your spending is more than what you're making at that job.
If your in a situation where you don't need a summer job, I envy you, however,having a summer job over the years has taught me to be more responsible and have a strong work ethic. I have also found a way to make trips to the beach and enjoy my summer nights.
