5 Lessons I’ve Learned From My Summer Job

Summer Jobs. These two words can bring up a wide range of emotions based on your experiences in the summer job field. From babysitting to being a lifeguard, factory jobs to waitressing, the amount of summer jobs for college and high school students is somehow both limitless and extremely limited. These jobs are for those young people who need to earn money for their schooling, gas, textbooks, clothes, etc., but do not have the experience or education to get a job that they would probably actually enjoy. Because of this, we are usually stuck with less than thrilling jobs that require hard work and serious dedication. But there is a silver lining to these jobs, absolutely! Here are 5 lessons that I’ve learned from my experience with summer jobs.

1) You have to work hard to get what you want

The biggest complaint I hear about summer jobs is that they’re hard. Well of course they’re not easy, it’s called work for a reason! If you want the money, you have to earn it, a value that is quickly diminishing in today’s society. But, by working hard, you’re allowing yourself to better yourself, while giving yourself experience in responsibility and dedication.

2) Never judge a book by its cover

This last summer, I worked at a factory on the floor, and I could have easily judged those around me based on their appearance or position in the company. But by keeping positive and open-minded, I became very close to those around me (although they were almost twice my age) and allowed myself to have a great experience in a job that was maybe less than satisfactory.

3) Education is important

Now, with two weeks into my college career, I value it even more after seeing what the working field without a degree is like. I know that if I want to accomplish what I want for my future, an education is crucial to achieving my goals.

4) Attitude is everything

If you go into your summer job with a bad attitude, you are going to have a bad time. Guaranteed. But if you enter your job with a positive attitude and are happy and energetic to those around you, your good vibes will spread, creating an all-over better environment to work in. And nothing makes the time move faster than positive vibes.

5) Hard work is underrated  

This summer, I was one of the few in my friend group who had a 40 hour job throughout the summer. And although that was tough to deal with at the time, now I have no regrets what-so-ever. Even though I was the one who wasn’t hanging out till 11 pm every night or being with my friends every second, I truly believe that they were the ones that were missing out. By working in my summer job I earned more than money– I learned how to respect others, work hard, be responsible, and appreciate my education. And that is priceless.