Job Hunting

[emeraldeyes]

Well, I'm at a bit of a loss. I'm fifteen, and I need a job like I'm not even kidding you. I want something more "real" than just babysitting, although I think that's alright, but... I want a JOBjob. The problem? Most around here don't hire until the age of 16, which I think is crap. 15 year olds can be just as responsible and in need of money as 16 year olds. But that's not the point.

I was wondering if anyone had any ideas, beyond the regular "fast food" option, because I'd hate to find out what goes into that yummy MickyD's chicken, right? Right. I was thinking the local Community Center, because I love kids and my friend's dad runs it all, but... Imput is welcome.

Thanks,
Kate

[littlemorgsi]

I used to work at an after school care centre. The work is really rewarding, the pay tends to suck. So if you need the money more than the job satisfaction, you are probably better with something else. That said, if you are ok with not earning much, its a great job.

Of course, pay for various jobs would most likely be different in diferent countries and states, so what I just said might not apply to you.

[Rikki]

Hm... how about delivering newspapers? They usually hire students for stuff like that, at least over here.

[angeldust]

Know the problem I went through all that. By luck I became friendly with a guy who was running a store so he employed me (Recently the store was forced to close down due to lack of earnings but through him I managed to get a contact in a bookshop and am now working part time there.) I suggest you find a shop you are truly interested in make sure they see you going in there quite a few times and hold conversations with the people working there if the shop is not to busy! Eventually once you think someone knows and recognizes your face and even name if your lucky drop hints about job working or even just flat out ask them. They are more likely to say yes if they have seen you around quite a few times. (I know shop work is not A class work but it is the best you can get at that age)

[Rikki]

angeldust said:

(I know shop work is not A class work but it is the best you can get at that age)

Plus it's paid, so hey.

[emeraldeyes]

Thanks! I know the local paper hires for people to deliver. The only big problem with that is we're 15 minutes from town, and so picking up & dropping off....

In response to the "shop work...." I was thinking I might try the local music store as well. My little brother takes lessons there and we know all the workers, and they're really nice. I asked one of them yesterday, and she said there isn't really a lot open right now, but I could talk to the manager. I decided that the manager looked a little too imposing for me, and am holding off on that. ;D I think they MIGHT hire me underage because they know me, etc., but Mom also mentioned a work permit yesterday. Any imput on that, because I have NO idea!!

[alison]

Most states in the US have work permit rules for people under 16. It varies, but in most instances you must prove you are enrolled in a school, and your employer is bound by certain rules (limited hours, no serving alcohol, etc.) If you call your school office they should have some information on it. Hope this helps!

[Isabelle]

Okay, I'll add my two cents.

You said you liked kids. Have you looked at summer/day camps? Do have a sort of summer program for kids in your area where you might be a junior counselor? When I was 15, I worked at the summer camp I went to since I was five, although technically I was underage (you had to be 16), but they were dire need of help in the kitchen no less. But I was able to help out in other areas also. The pay wasn't that great since it was a non-profit organization, but it was one of the best summers of my life. I made a lot of friends.

Another idea for you. Do you have outdoor garden centers or anything like that in your area? Try looking there. You could be outside doing something on a nice day rather than being cooped up inside like am, even though I work at a garden center. Plants and flowers are not my favorite thing in the world, but I get paid decently so I'm not complaining.

Also one thing to keep in mind when looking for summer jobs is that you should start looking around the time of your Spring Break. That is usually when most places start hiring or are looking for help. At least around my area they do. Always, always get a jump start when looking. It doesn't usually work when you start looking after school's out because most of the positions are usually taken.

Good luck though. I hope you find something!

Liz

[furandfeathers]

Basically, it all boils down to this:

It's not WHAT you know, it's WHO you know.

There are plenty of jobs around here, and my friend (who is also unemployed) and I are both 17, but we can't get jobs because they don't LOOK at applications, they just hire someone's son or daughter. Makes me want to throttle people! Because I KNOW some of the people that are getting hired, and they're not capable of...ANYTHING. It's so frustrating.
*deep breath. end rant.*

*Lizz

[emeraldeyes]

That's okay; rants are good.!

I'm hoping this'll work out, because I know this guys daughter, etc., but I can also work. So I guess I've got the best of both worlds? lol

I'm sorry you're frustrated. I wish I could help. However, as I myself don't have a job, etc..