To Work (Through High School) or Not to Work

I am 16-years-old and college bound. I start my senior year this fall and I have been looking for a job so that I can save money for a car and tuition. My parents don't have any college savings for me and I haven't been able to make any money to save either. With all my community involvement and volunteer jobs I have quite an impressive resume for my age, but I can't seem to find a job! Everywhere I go I am told I am too young or they are not hiring. I fill out an application anyway but I know it is a waste of my time because they aren't going to hire me. What can I do?

A: The first thing to do is STOP thinking that filling out an application is a waste of time. No application filled out is a waste of time. By telling yourself this while filling in the blanks your answers and intentions will turn toward the negative. Your handwriting and verbiage changes as your mental attitude changes; so drop the attitude that you are wasting your time and I will bet you will find yourself actually getting at least an interview.

Another problem you are going to find is that many adults are getting laid off from high paying jobs and they are taking away the entry-level jobs that you should be having. Many handymen are just mowing laws or raking leaves because they are willing to work for almost nothing - jobs that many teenagers are more than willing to do. Employers are more likely to hire these adults because they can work during the weekday - they are not going to take off Friday night because of a concert or Football games, and they are generally more reliable to show up to work on time and do a good job.

My best advice to you is to keep filling out those applications. Include phrases (if they are true) like "always showed up to work on time and often stayed past my shift to help others who were behind or had more than they could handle". This shows that you are a team player (without saying it) and that you do show up on time. Don't mention that you want the job just for weekends and holidays, or that you will be quitting once school starts. Who knows, you may find your grades do not suffer while working just 1 or 2 days a week! Finally, don't ask if a company is hiring, just ask for an application and then when you turn it in make sure you give it directly to the manager - and NOT during a sales rush. Many applicants just casually fill out an application during lunch and then turn it in with 15 people waiting in line. I guarantee as soon as the applicant walks out the door that application is in the trash.

If you truly want a job then find your local workforce center. You should be able to get the information by dialing 211 from your home phone-free call. They can help you with your resume, interview techniques, and finding a job in the first place. There is plenty of money out there for college without having to carry a job. Scholarships, grants, and student loans will cover the cost of your education if you use it wisely. If you really need a car you should talk to friends who own cars and have to pay for them by themselves. It will cost you A LOT to own a car. Even if you get a "new" or good used car from a dealership you will find your payments and maintenance costs taking every penny of your 20-30 hour workweek paycheck. Check out jobs, but make sure your education comes first, you would be surprised how little you really need a car when you go to school and just how expensive they are to maintain. Good luck, but investigate and inform yourself before you jump onto that bandwagon!