By Quetzaly Enriquez, 15-years-old

While having a free summer all to myself was a nice thought, I ended up getting a summer job. Don’t get me wrong, having a summer job definitely has its perks, however, it’s much more difficult to work in any other plans for the summer. On the other hand, it keeps me occupied and productive instead of sitting on my butt all day. 

You would really have to try to be bored out of your mind with a summer job. 

Typically someone my age might work at a fast food restaurant or something that could be easier to gain experience. However, what I do is very different. It consists of paperwork, filing, and scanning many documents for our clients. I work at an insurance company, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. I’m only 15 so obviously I don’t have the license to be an insurance agent. So I can’t actually sell policies; I do pretty much everything but that. I’ve also had my coworkers dump any busy work on me so I can get it out of the way. 

I picked up everything very quickly so the job isn’t difficult and it actually worked out to be a great first job. 

The experience you gain from a summer job really does improve your social skills and the opportunity to learn how to do certain things. And of course, the money is a big perk, I mean who has ever complained about having some extra cash lying around? It’s much better than opening your wallet just to see a moth fly out.

This summer I’ve gone out twice so far, which isn’t ideal when you hear your friends talking about all the places they have already gone especially when they invite you to go but you have work. Though when I do go on vacation this summer, I will have enough cash to make it rain on my hotel bed. So it’s got its ups and downs. 

I was actually really happy to get a summer job because my school didn’t have any summer programs for me this year, so I’m glad it worked out.

It might be weird that someone willingly wants to do summer school but it’s fun sometimes, still being able to socialize and go home having spent some of the hours in your day doing something productive. Therefore without work, I’d be bored at home wasting time trying to find something to make the day pass. I mean having free time is great during weekends, but a whole summer of just sitting around would have bored me to death.

I’ve already had some friends complain to me about how bored they are doing nothing all day except watching Tik Tok or scrolling through other social media. I’m very much relieved that instead of being at home inhaling and exhaling all day, I’m making money and getting a big distraction. 

While working you don’t really have time to worry or think about the things that trouble you, so it tends to be a nice break from daily life. You’re so busy all you think about is what you have to get done next, not about your personal life or anything that stresses you out. Being that it’s not work-related of course. 

Work itself can be stressful but it’s not the end of the world, so take a deep breath and picture that summer vacation. Or at least that’s what I do. I’m very mature for my age but no matter how old I get you’ll find me jumping on the beds in my hotel room. 

Having a summer job is truly a blessing.

You will have so much experience and communication skills that without a doubt look good on college or future job resumes. It’s like being one step ahead, and I don’t know about you but I love one less thing to worry about. I’m very content with what I gained from this job experience and I might even keep working throughout the school year.

So think about it, maybe next summer you could get a summer job. Whether you want to work at Starbucks, or at the mall and get discounts for all the other stores. Whatever it may be, It’s a really good way to spend your summer and start the new school year with money you earned all on your own.