There are many different types of jobs, and each category has even more specific positions, thousands even. That many positions can be very confusing to choose from for your first job, and you have to make sure that you even like that job. However, many jobs may not hire you unless you have experience or have a college education. So sadly, your choices of jobs are more limited, but there are still many choices for part-time positions.

Fast food is a common option for many people, as a large number of fast food jobs do not require experience or a college education. Many of them are also part-time, allowing you to have a job and earn an income while also focusing on your education. Just a few of these fast food jobs are cooks, cashiers, drive-thru, those who prepare food, and general managers.  These jobs may require a high school diploma, especially for a general manager; however, not all jobs require one.

Another common pick for first-time and part-time jobs is in retail. Many retail jobs also do not require a college education or a high school diploma.  Some of these jobs include those who stock shelves, cashiers, customer service, sales representatives, and janitors. Stores that are more like bulk stores, such as Sam’s Club or Costco, could also include jobs to do samples of products or kiosks.

Samual Grigsby, an art teacher at Kirn Middle School, decided to work at Scheels as a teenager. He said that he decided this because he spent lots of money at the store, so he thought, “I spent so much money there anyway I figured they could pay me!” Many stores also provide an employee discount, which could benefit you if you work at a store you spend a lot of money at. Although, being able to buy items for a lower price could result in overspending.

Another person that chose retail is Delaney Kuper. Delaney, a junior at Abraham Lincoln High School, picked working at Hobby Lobby as her first time job. She said that she enjoys being able to work at Hobby Lobby, but sometimes has problems with it fitting into her schedule. This is a great example of what can happen when you get a part-time job. When getting a part-time job, it may cause problems, conflicting with unexpected schoolwork or events that could maybe cause you to have to miss work or the event. Most jobs won’t adjust your schedule unless you tell them in advance of the date.

Customer service and administration is another option. Most entry-level positions require just a high school diploma, and will also provide training on the job. A couple of these jobs are a receptionist, a customer service representative, and an administrative assistant.

Grace Nixt, a senior at ALHS said that her first-time job was working at the guest service department as an associate at The Henry Doorly Zoo.  She says that she got the job there because her friends encouraged her and also helped her apply for the job. She also says that because one of her friends worked there, she had an easier time getting into the job. This is a good example that when you have friends or family that work somewhere you want to apply, it could help with you getting into the job. The family or friends could also help you learn about the job and what to do.

A lot of the time, teens also do smaller jobs like babysitting, lawn care, and tutoring other students. Kristen Johnson, one of the 6th grade math teachers at Kirn, had the job of a babysitter when she was a teen. She said that she chose this because it is a job that you can get when you are younger, and also gives you experience before you can be hired, around 16. These jobs are great for teens who need practice with job skills before getting a real job. These jobs are also a great thing if you aren’t old enough to get a job.

The jobs I mentioned aren’t only good for when you need to make money; getting a job while younger can provide many other benefits. They can provide necessary skills for getting a better job when you are older, as many better jobs do require experience.  For example, fast food and/or retail can teach you time management skills, better collaboration abilities, how to balance multiple tasks, and how to stay on a schedule.

Smaller jobs like babysitting, lawn-care, or tutoring other students can teach you independence, better problem-solving skills, and the need to work with and listen to other people. All of these skills are essential for getting a better job in the future. Getting a job while a teen can also build confidence and give a sense of accomplishment. Whether getting your first paycheck or getting a promotion, they both build a sense of self-confidence and a sense of accomplishment.

Many people find jobs to be a part of their livelihood, but you have to pick the right one. Many people’s first jobs aren’t ones that they like, but they can learn. As people get different jobs and get better education, they can reflect on this and pick the job that they like.