Fun and Low-Maintenance Entry Level Jobs

Maybe you are a student, or a recent high school graduate. Maybe you are a bored housewife, and your children are finally old enough to get themselves on the bus without your help. Maybe you are entering the workforce again after recovering from an accident. Whatever the reason, here are some low-maintenance jobs that require little or no prior experience to qualify for-and they do not involve cleaning up after animals, changing diapers, or flipping burgers!

1.) Video/game rental store

This is a supreme choice for someone who wants to work retail, but does not really want to work at a really busy place or a grocery store. Most video rental stores do not open until at least 10, which gives you time to sleep in a bit (a plus!). There is usually a dress code (probably a polo shirt at least), but the atmosphere is pretty casual. Pay is not extravagant but it is decent, and you can watch and talk movies all day. Pretty nice for an entry level job, especially if you are looking for something part time.

2.) Sheetz (or large gas station/mini-mart of your choice)

As long as you are not pumping gas (which would be a negative in a job as far as I'm concerned), working at a gas station with a mini-mart inside is a nice low-maintenance job. I used Sheetz as my example because it is the one that I would choose to work at. Sheetz is actually only in a few states on the east coast, but I am sure that there are equivalents in other parts of the country.

Inside of the station there is a made-to-order kitchen, an area with coffee/donuts/pop/slushies, and of course, magazines and chips. Working behind the kitchen counter would be fun, as would working as a cashier. I am not sure if you have to be 18 to be a cashier at Sheetz, though, because they do sell cigarettes there. Working behind the kitchen would be fine for people under 18, however.

3.) Golf course

Work at a golf course could range (get the pun?) from tending to the grounds, to checking people in, to serving drinks at the bar. It would depend on what kind of golf course you were applying at, and of course, your age. Golf courses tend to be relaxed, however, since the patrons are generally people who want to spend the day playing a relaxing game. You could also go the caddy route, which could involve driving a golf cart. Bonus!

4.) Optician

An optician is the person who helps you pick out your frames when you are shopping for a pair of glasses. It is also the person who fits the glasses to your head, or helps you put your contacts in for the first time. There is training involved, but your employer provides that training for you.

There is no college degree or particular schooling required, simply a high school diploma or GED. If this is the kind of job that you are looking for, try applying at both private practices and places like Boscov's or Sam's Club. You are, however, more likely to get benefits at a private practice (just something to bear in mind!).

5.) Direct health care worker

As a direct care worker, depending on who employed you, you would go into the homes of disabled or elderly people and help them with day-to-day living. You may also work at a group home. This generally requires nothing but a high school diploma or GED, and usually all training is on-the-job. If you are good with people and enjoy helping, this would be a good job for you. Try applying at nursing homes, or look in the classifieds section of your newspaper under "Healthcare" or "Caregivers." These jobs usually pay above minimum wage and offer some type of benefits.