Helpful tips to survive your first job

by Laura Zakrewski

Have you ever been desperate enough for money that you have resorted to looking under couch cushions for spare change?  We have all been there before.  Most adolescents have had that moment when their parents decline to give them cash.  They beg and they plead, but once teenagers reach a certain age there is just no way around it--they have got to go to work.  There are a few key ways to make it through and survive your first job.

Have a cash flow problem? It may be time to consider a part-time job.
photo by Abby Gillis

Step 1: Be assertive. When applying for a new job (especially a first one), it is important that you are willing to take the time to complete a few applications and write things down that will set you apart from other people going for the same position.  It is usually a good idea to call your potential employer a few days after passing in the application.  This shows that you are really interested in setting up an interview.  Do not be afraid to be confident when you speak with managers and other people in charge.

Step 2: Be prepared for a change.  If you are serious about earning your own money, then you have to be willing to modify your schedule and step out of your comfort zone.  A job is time consuming, and you may have to switch up some of your old school habits to make time for everything.  For instance, maybe start your homework right after school so that you can work later on in the night.  Another transition you may have to make is being more social.  Sure, you have your current friends and you love them.  However, you have got to be able to open up to new coworkers and customers.  This will make your first job experience much more enjoyable.

Step 3: Make sure that you can balance it all.  If you are rarely seeing your family and friends or your grades are beginning to slip, then that means you should reevaluate the whole situation.  Your own health and happiness is more important.  Maybe working less hours or only during the summer can alleviate some of your stress.

Step 4: Don’t worry so much.  The first time doing anything is difficult, so just do the best that you can.  If you make some mistakes along the line, then move on and try harder next time.

Remember that getting your first job is a huge milestone on the road to adulthood and maturity.  Once you start working, it is going to become a constant for the rest of your life until retirement.  There is no turning back, but getting a job is worth it.  Going to work provides you with new life experiences that will prepare you for college and beyond.