When I was younger, the thought of getting a job had always frightened me. It meant losing my free time, working hard, and keeping my professionalism at all times. That sounded like a drag; I just wanted to stay home, play video games, and watch movies. Eventually though, the time finally came for me to get my first job. I was 16 years old, I had just gotten my drivers license, and I was ready. After my first day on the job, I realized there was never any reason to worry, and I never looked back. Working while in high school has made me realize that I have gained so many valuable skills that directly translate to my life and my future. Whether that’s strong communication skills, a higher level of professionalism and maturity, or just a large boost of confidence overall. Getting a job while in high school was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
Like many others, I was a nervous trainwreck on my first day. My heart was beating so fast and I had a little bit of a nervous sweat going on, but I didn’t let that get me down. I finally went to clock in and introduced myself to everyone. Joseph (my shift manager for the day) taught me how to do everything that came with our job almost all at once. It was overwhelming to say the least, who knew working at a car wash would be this complex? Sitting in my car after I was sent home for the day, I realized that the real world really isn’t that bad. I seriously cannot wait for my next shift. After about a week I got my first paycheck, it was worth almost nothing, but it was a huge milestone for me and my working life. My first days at work were awesome and I really couldn’t wait to keep working. The real world welcomed me with open arms, and I loved it from the jump.
After a while, I was promoted to cashier. Now I had the duty of speaking to and pitching to customers. Previously as a crew member I never really needed to deal with customers, and even if I did, it was very brief. Now I’m the one who’s front and center and I control everything that people purchase, so I had to sharpen my social skills fast. At the beginning I was nothing short of terrified. I stuttered almost every other word and it was very hard getting my point across to the customer. It was like a public humiliation ritual I couldn’t escape. From reading that, I think you can assume that I wasn’t a social butterfly from the jump, but with time, effort, and practice, speaking to people eventually became easier than not speaking to them. Thrusting myself into the cashier position was hard at first, but it built valuable social skills and boosted my confidence in myself which directly translated to every other social interaction in my life like my relationships, professionalism, or even just small talk with someone I didn’t know. Breaking that social barrier by being a cashier helped me exponentially, and I’m so glad I took the risk.
More time passed, and I gained more and more experience with each day that went by. When I turned 18 I was immediately promoted to assistant manager with a couple of my other coworkers (who also became great friends of mine due to the social skills I’ve learned while working). Becoming a manager was a big step up from cashier and team member. Now I oversee the schedule, control what employees are coming into work, and I also run the store whenever I’m on shift. It’s a big responsibility for an 18 year old still in high school, but I knew I could do it because I’m prepared for it. Over my 2 years of working at the car wash I’ve learned the skills of problem solving, people skills, crisis aversion, and overall business management. This promotion was earned and it is a great stepping stone for my future in the workforce ahead.
This leads me to the current day, where I have an interview for a five-year electrical apprenticeship coming up. It’s the biggest opportunity of my life so far, and without the skills I’ve learned from my job like social skills, confidence, crisis aversion, problem solving, communication, leadership, etc… I genuinely would not be ready for this potential job, let alone my future in the workforce as a whole. My choice to get a job while in high school has dramatically changed my life for the better and I recommend all high school students to join the workforce and gain valuable real-world experience as soon as possible.
Overall, getting a job while in high school has vastly benefitted me for my present and my future, and it will benefit you just as much. Working while in high school has instilled self-confidence, helped me overcome my shyness, and given me valuable workplace experience. Getting a job while in high school is an amazing idea for those who want to set themselves up for great success in the future.
