Hey all

It's that time for me to start thinking about getting a job. Thing is, other than applying here, I have no experience in how that stuff works.

I know a little from what my dad has told me but I'm honestly nervous for what's going to happen, how much I may have to work for, my time management, dealing with less free-time, and all of that stuff. Be wary that this is coming from a 16 year old who has trouble with anxiety.

I have a place in mind to think about, but I honestly don't know where to start. The place I talked to one of my friends about does seem to be hiring at the moment and accepts 16 year olds, and it seems easy enough (it's in a clothes store and I'll have to fold clothes and shiz I think).

Does anyone have advice for this situation?

 

Working at a clothing store is great, but if that doesn't work out, you could always look at volunteering/working at an animal shelter (based on whether or not you enjoy animals or have allergies), or work at a restaurant. I'm going to be working those two before December which should be pretty amazing since the restaurant has some benefits and I have a good amount of love for animals.

Good luck on trying to find a job that appeals to you :)

 

I worked at an op shop volunteering and you will not believe how much it sets you above other candidates.
They won't be angry if you make mistakes since you're volunteering and it helps you settle in while making your resume (wow phone how could you)

 

glhf

 

Honestly I think you should focus on school instead of getting a job. Maybe something for the weekends/summer only but def not during the week. If you want to make some cash not doing much you could always try to find a Walgreens or something that is hiring and apply for a cashier type job.

 

I worked at a food store for a bit but then decided to take the apprentiship route and got an apprentiship with Hendy Ford through my college. In the future I would get an apprentiship. You get paid, you learn and then will likely have a job at the end of the training.

 

Well first of all, make your curriculum vitae this leaves a nice impression even if it's empty.
It shows you want to work and it leaves an easy way for someone to read information about you and easy way to contact you as well.

Second of all, think of yourself and how you would be able to deal with many situations.
For example, if you have anxiety do NOT work in a kitchen. A kitchen is 90% a rushing work floor where everything needs to happen fast and good.
I've done a internship at a kitchen in an elderly home, thinking ''Old people psht, must be pretty calm'' Nope. It was a very busy work place and I was not able to keep up and at the time I did not have the assertive attitude at work places like I have now.
(This is completely personal experience maybe some of you work in a very low pace kitchen so feel free to share your story : ^) )

Thirdly, do some research about the store you're going to apply to.
It's always well appreciated by owners of the store if you know some things about the store, you don't have to know the entire history of the store but for example if the store is called ''MaFc'' and it's a short name for ''Male and Female clothing'' then it's probably appreciated if you know that.
(This applies to smaller stores in my opinion, some big super store probably doesn't care if you know or not)

Also look at the type of company you're getting into, you have two type of work places. ''Warm'' and ''Cold'' places.

Warm being, usually a smaller company with less work stress. A small team that is close with each other.
For my example, an electronics store. I've worked in one for years and we all knew each other to a very personal degree and often times would stay after work just to drink something and chat.

Cold being, usually a big company with (doesn't have to be) but more work stress, a big team where you're a number for most and not so much of a person.
For my example, a big warehouse. I've worked in one for maybe a year before it went under. It was a boring job because everyone was too busy with work to get to know each other, and from no one made any effort for it either. The boss wasn't nice either and there were no such things as a company barbecue for example.

And last thing I can say is, make sure you're assertive if you do get hired. Don't stand around with your hands in your pockets waiting for an order from the boss, nothing to do? Sweep the floor, clean the counter or just do a walk through the store and fix some things up.

Here is a picture of Gabe.

 

Sadly for me there's no escaping getting a job due to the possibility of being able to drive soon so I'll have to help pay for insurance a little bit
I talked to my dad for a while last night about the whole thing and I did submit two applications to a food store and a toy store, but I would much rather work at the food store. However, my friend has been working at a club that I heard pays well and his job is to just clean tables/the usual stuff people would do in a restaurant area and I'm interested in that.

Thank you all for the messages, I really do appreciate them :)

 

What t3mptr3s said is very true. I worked in fast food for 2 years at McDonald's. It turned out to be a "warm" place like Saul said, despite it being McDonald's. I was very nervous the first time I went into the store. In fact my mother had to push me out of the car to make me go apply inside. I made a very good impression on the managers/general manager by always being early (barely anyone comes early other than the managers). Over time by being respectful, punctual, and hard working at my job, it grew on my coworkers and bosses. I was a very quiet person there, so the fact my actions gained me so much respect from others says a lot about what people can learn at jobs. It also helped that I went through 6 years of Spanish in a workplace where I was one of the only caucasians. In fact when the hiring manager asked me if people speaking Spanish around me would be bothersome, I told her my Spanish background, and her face lit up. When I left before my first year at college (Summer of 2016), they had a small party for me in the store (cake and brownies), and there was two large cards signed by all the employees wishing me well. My main boss (general manager) loved me, and she is a big reason the last sentence happened.

After coming back from my first year of college, she (my boss) was very happy to see me. This summer I was way more chatty, and talked to a lot of my coworkers more. We had a lot of inside jokes, and my late afternoon shift once a week was always hilarious with the kitchen ladies singing and making jokes. My boss even went to the trouble of helping me get a scholarship from McDonald's to pay for some of my college. That's how much I was appreciated.

I cannot talk about all my customer experiences, but the gist is that my patience and tolerance for idiots/jerks/unintelligent people have gone up. You also discover some people are really nice, especially the local the police (you never know when that can help you). Also, since I worked 5 minutes from home, I saw a lot of people I knew come, especially my former Boy Scout master (it was nice to talk to him when he came through) and the lady who worked at my preschool/daycare (weird enough, she recognized me while I knew the face but not where she was from). Also, my multitasking skills went up a ton.

In all, your actions (punctuality, respect, etc) can really help you in jobs. Fast food restaurants can give you some awesome skills and experience. In fact, it's a nice conversation starter, and you can relate many topics to it. Like when people think I'm not assertive (because they have never seen me have to be assertive), I tell them where I worked for a few years, proving my tough skin. I also always respect workers everywhere and never lose my cool as a customer.

Smg, work fast food, and you will gain some great skills and experiences (obviously most experiences are not that great but they will help you in life).

 

You should be a cast member for Disney Cruise Line, you are on a cruise for months at a time.

 

Are you being serious lol