As the school year wraps up, many students are gearing up for summer. However, contrary to the experiences of previous generations, a surprising number of high school and college students are opting out of traditional summer jobs. While internships are great for gaining experience, only about 25% of students are actually working in classic roles that come with a paycheck. This could be a missed opportunity!
It’s not about criticizing today’s youth for being “lazy”—believe me, I had my fair share of lazy moments during my own high school and college years. I spent several summers as a lifeguard at a busy lake, enjoying the sun while also tackling some less glamorous jobs. Here are some valuable lessons that come from diving into real summer work:
1. Mastering the Art of Little Sleep
Let’s be honest—who enjoys waking up early? One summer, I juggled a day job at a warehouse and a night gig at a telemarketing firm. My mornings started before dawn, and I often returned home close to midnight. It was exhausting, yet it taught me how to function on little sleep. Fast forward to my army days, and that early wake-up call didn’t seem so bad after all.
2. Gaining Respect for Hard Work
Not every job needs to involve hauling rocks in Alaska, but working a physically demanding job can instill a great appreciation for labor. I’ve had my share of tough, hands-on jobs that gave me a sense of accomplishment that’s hard to replicate in a desk job. I may not want to go back to lifting heavy boxes, but those experiences have stuck with me over the years.
3. Cultivating Compassion
Years after working in that warehouse, I still think about my coworkers and their struggles. Many were working hard just to provide for their families, and that experience taught me a great deal about empathy. It’s easy to forget that everyone has their own battles, especially when you’re focused on making money for your own goals.
4. Learning to Avoid Boredom
Let’s talk lifeguarding! I worked at the only affordable swimming area accessible by bus, and many of our guests were inexperienced swimmers. This led to some real rescues, but there were also long stretches of sitting on the sand, trying to stay alert while managing boredom. These moments forced me to become a multitasking pro long before it was a buzzword.
5. Valuing Others’ Skills
I once spent a day on an assembly line at a toy factory, and let me tell you, that was my toughest job yet! The pay was decent, but I learned quickly that there were seasoned pros who could assemble toys at lightning speed. My clumsiness slowed the team down, and that experience instilled a great respect for the skills of others.
6. Developing Healthy Skepticism
In that warehouse, I met a forklift driver with a wealth of life stories. His tales, filled with dark humor, were often heavy but insightful. One day he joked about his “daughter,” only to remember he had made her up. This taught me to take stories with a grain of salt and not to take everything at face value.
7. Understanding the Value of Money
Once, I researched the wealthiest Americans and was struck by how many had faced hard jobs early in their careers. There’s nothing quite like working hard for your paycheck to teach you the value of money. It’s a lesson that sticks with you, especially when you’ve broken a sweat to earn that cash.
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In summary, taking on a real summer job can provide invaluable life skills that extend far beyond the paycheck. From learning to manage sleep deprivation to gaining respect for others’ hard work, these experiences shape character and prepare students for future challenges.