Summertime, and spending is easy

Lazy, crazy days of summer easily turn to frustration and boredom when you’re broke. This year, don’t spend your summer vacation singing the no-money blues. Instead, tune into the following summer job strategies. 1. Start early. You know you need a summer job but haven’t taken the necessary steps to actually find employment. Don’t wait too long. Many jobs for youth are gone by the end of June or the first week of July. You should already have a job in hand or be actively interviewing. Tip: Once you’re employed, remember to budget your income accordingly. Don’t blow it all then look to family or friends for transportation costs or other weekly expenses. 2. Re-connect. Did you work last summer? If you had a great job, give your former boss a call and ask about available positions. Even if your last position was less than stellar, call anyway. It may turn out to be a blessing if no other opportunities arise. Tip: If you belong to a civic or religious organization, ask about summer youth positions. Your membership in the organization may give you the winning edge over other applicants. That’s especially true for organizations that participate in national summer-employment programs and may need you to serve as a supervisor of younger youth. 3. Ask. You’re summer job may be closer than you think. Ask family and friends if there are any summer jobs available where they work. Many corporations annually employ teens and young adults in various clerical or administrative positions. Often times, these positions pay slightly more than minimum wage. Granted, you’re unofficial title may be “go-fer,” but you’ll also get an opportunity to meet many different people and scope out a bunch of occupations. Tip: Make sure you follow house rules concerning dress code. And if the company has a “casual-dress day,” don’t show up in barely-there cut-off shorts, T-shirts or other inappropriate clothing. 4. Plan Ahead. Just because you’ve planned to spend a majority of your summer with out-of-state relatives doesn’t mean you can’t work. Tip: Ask your relatives about local jobs for which you qualify. Before you arrive, contact the appropriate person via telephone, fax or e-mail to set up an interview. 5. Use your talents. What are you really great at doing? That talent, be it taking care of kids, swimming or typing, can land you the perfect summer job. Plus, your talent also translates into “experience,” which may net you extra bucks. Tip: Consider tutoring. Summer school is mandatory for students who flunked classes or need extra credits to graduate on time. By tutoring, you can earn money while helping another student stay on track. 6. Be creative. Sell something. Turn your used textbooks, novels, CDs or clothing into cash. Sell them online or at garage sales. Other part-time money making ventures include lawn care, pet-sitting and car maintenance (as in car washes and vacuuming). Tip: If you have family or friends who are small-business owners, consider running their errands or providing office assistance for them. 7. Eat humble pie. Okay, so really you don’t want to work at the nearby fast-food joint or diner. But it is a job. And if you major in procrastination, fast-food jobs may be your only options by the time summer is in full swing. Grab an ounce of courage to go with your humble pie and apply today. (Then dance your way to the bank each payday.) Tip: Your friendliness with local retailers, from owners of dry cleaners to managers of banks, supermarkets and video stores, may open the door for employment. Next visit, talk up your skills and ask to sign on full or part time. 8. Volunteer. So volunteering won’t put any extra cash in your pocket, but it will keep boredom at bay, provide you with opportunities to hone your skills and enhance the lives of others. In the long term, it can also lead to summer employment or careers down the road. Tip: Some volunteer jobs do provide stipends. Ask when you apply. 9. Have fun. Between your money-making activities, have fun. Summer is the one season for you to relax and prepare for the upcoming year. Take time to enjoy yourself. Tip: Add more freebie activities to your agenda. By stressing less over money, you’ll have a summer worth writing about in the fall.

Article provided by www.nextSTEPmag.com

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