Teens Hold Variety of Paid And Volunteer Jobs This Summer

August brings the looming reality of going back to school, and teenagers are keeping busy and making the most out of the few weeks of summer they have left.

For most teenagers, keeping busy requires having a steady job. For those who are especially busy during the school year with homework, sports, and other extracurricular activities, summer offers the best time for them to get to work and save up some money.

Summer jobs are important for young adults because jobs encourage them to get the most out of their free time. Sure, lounging around the pool on sunny days is great, but tennagers can only do that for so long. There are more productive things to be done.

Peers have taken a variety of different jobs this summer to occupy their time, but they don’t necessarily have to go far to find them.

Take a trip up to your neighborhood pool or local country club, you will find teenagers working the lifeguard stand, counseling the sports camps or carrying golf bags around the golf course.

Another popular job among teenagers is of course, babysitting. However, when teenagers turn 16 and are able drive, many take jobs as a nanny. For working parents, having a teenager as a nanny during the work week is something that is beneficial for both parties.

St. Joseph Academy senior Aly Tegethoff has taken a job as a nanny for family friends this summer. “It has worked out great. I enjoy spending so much time with the two children, and I am also really glad I could help out their parents,” she said.

In addition to working for money, some high schoolers use their free time in the summer to volunteer. Several high schools around the St. Louis metro area require service hours from their students, and the summer is a great opportunity to get them done.

Students can volunteer anywhere from day cares and preschools to local hospitals, or shelters and food pantries.

Casey Shanahan, another St. Joe senior, has regularly volunteered at St. Louis Children’s Hospital this summer. “Studying nursing in college is something I have always wanted to do and volunteering at Children’s has only reassured me. It is such a rewarding experience,” Shanahan said.

Whether teenagers are out working and making money or spending their time volunteering and helping others, they are sure keeping busy before they have to get back to school and hit the books.