Here’s what you can get out of my unforgettable summer job
My youngest brother, who’s just about to finish high school, recently got his first full-time summer job. This brought back memories of my own summer jobs from 13 years ago. I started out delivering papers as a kid and gradually moved on to lawn care.
But the one summer job that really stands out to me is being a soccer referee. I grew up playing soccer, and later found myself on the other side of the field – refereeing, a role often misunderstood and criticized by the crowd.
That job taught me a lot. Handling the heat of angry parents and upset players was my first glimpse into the harsh side of life. It was tough. Imagine being a 15-year-old getting yelled at by adults! But going through that pressure prepared me for presentations in college and helped me improve my public speaking skills in sticky situations.
That job also kept me fit. As a referee, you can’t slack off – you have to run around and always stay vigilant. Plus, it paid well. Earning $45 for an evening match was a nice bonus for my teenage self.
This got me thinking… should students work during the summer? Absolutely. It gives you a chance to save money, taste the real world, sharpen time management skills, and build your social skills. And trust me, the habit of earning and saving money, and the understanding it brings of the value of money, is worth learning early.
Does this mean you should get a summer job? Yes, whether you’re studying or working full-time, finding a side gig is a smart move. It could even be part-time or freelance – the point is, it can be an extra income source and a rewarding experience in your free time.
One of my favorite quotes by Seth Godin states:
“The challenge is to replace trivial work with rule-breaking activities instead.”
In other words, fill your time with experiences that truly broaden your horizons instead of tasks that simply keep you busy. What are you waiting for? Go find that summer gig, and do share your experiences with us.
Oh, and here’s some extra reading for you:
– “What You Can Learn From My Worst Summer Job”
– “Lessons From Underpaid Jobs”
– “The Guilt of Not Working Enough”
Happy reading and job hunting!