With summer right around the corner, it’s time for many students to start thinking about how to make some cash before school rolls back around. Whether it’s your first gig or your 10th, not all summer jobs are created equal. Here’s The Pitch’s official ranking of the best summer jobs for high school students.
No. 5: Self-employed jobs outside
Whether it’s mowing lawns or power washing a neighbor’s driveway, these classic summer jobs can be a convenient way to make money. Showing up at your neighbor’s house and asking if they need anything done is much easier than attempting to get hired by a company. The drawbacks, however, can be hard to stomach. During the deadly summer heat, the last job you want to have is one where you’re required to work outside. Sure, the fresh air could be nice, but the reality is you’ll constantly be sweating and burning alive. Sunscreen only does so much when you’re baking like a rotisserie chicken from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
No. 4: Fast Food
You get free fries. That’s the good part. The bad part? Everything else. It’s chaotic, smells like oil, and people can be surprisingly mean when they don’t get their sauce. One of the benefits of working in fast food is the many opportunities to work. Fast food places practically never close, so getting hours shouldn’t be a problem. The pay, though… Let’s just say, there’s not much tipping in fast food. But hey, at least there’s A.C.
No. 3: Lifeguarding
Now we’re talking. You’re still outside, but at least you’re by a pool. Lifeguarding gives you the illusion of tanning while working, even if you’re mostly just sitting and sweating. Plus, there’s a sense of power that comes with blowing the whistle. Downsides? Sunburns, screaming kids, the occasional emergency that reminds you it’s not just a chill poolside hang – oh, and have fun fighting with the other 100 lifeguards to get hours.
No. 2: Camp Counselor
Being a camp counselor is basically a 50/50 chance of being one of the best jobs you’ll ever have, or the worst. You either have the fun activities and good kids, or the awful activities and be stuck with the most annoying little kids ALL DAY. No matter how it plays out, though, it’s nice to get a consistent schedule.
No. 1: Ice Cream Shop
This is it. The pinnacle of summer jobs. Cold air? Check. Sweet treats? Check. Happy customers? Check. Sure, your arms might get sore from scooping, but that’s a small price to pay to be everyone’s favorite person during a heatwave. All this, combined with a great paycheck, makes being an ice cream shop worker the number one summer job.
Within the five options, it is clear that not all summer jobs are created equal. Some options seem like they’re practically designed to make you suffer, while others hold a promise of a relaxing and easy summer break. Choosing the right job will make the difference between a chill, memorable summer and a miserable, sweaty one.
