With summer break right around the corner, that means the job hunting begins. In the summer, there’s a lot of high school students and college students getting jobs while they are on break. During the summer of 2024, 54.5% of teens had summer jobs. Let’s take a look from both perspectives; Emily Walker (10) who will be working as a lifeguard and Bella Court (10) who is starting to apply for jobs this summer.
Being a lifeguard might look all fun and relaxing in the movies, but behind the scenes it can be challenging. Being a lifeguard comes with big responsibilities like training to save someone in dangerous situations.
“We learn CPR, the Heimlich and we learn rescue breathing and a lot of lifesaving skills that are really necessary for saving lives,” Emily Walker (10) said.
For a lot of teens this summer, getting a job definitely comes with its share of perks. One perk is having your own money so you don’t have to worry about asking your parents for money.
“I really want to start making my own money and I want to buy what I want and not have to ask my mom for money. I also want to pay for my own gas and stuff so I can help my mom out a little bit,” Bella Court (10) said.
Having a lifeguard job can be tough and definitely not a walk in the park. Walker (10) shared some of the most challenging parts of training to be a lifeguard.
“We have to stay really late and just swimming in churning waters is really hard on your body,” Walker said.
Applying for jobs is sometimes a little stressful. Whenever you’re stressed out about the application process, it’s ok to ask for help.
“The applications can be really overwhelming, but I ask my mom for help and she helps me work through the application questions so I have smart answers,” Court said.
If you are looking for a job this summer, try not to stress out too much if you’re having difficulty finding one. A lot of teens want jobs as well, and they are going through the same things that you are going through. When you do get a job, don’t be afraid to be yourself and have some fun while you’re on the clock. Enjoy summer while it lasts because before you know it, the 25-26 school year will be here!