When you’re in high school, finding a way to balance your studies and social life can be tricky, especially when you need a way to earn some extra cash for hangouts with your friends. However, we can think of one solution that could fill up your wallet without distracting you from your studies: landing yourself a casual job or weekend job!
The best part? They aren’t just a way to earn pocket money; if you play your cards right, your first job could become an important stepping stone in your career journey. If you want to know more, and we know you do, all you need to do is read on!
First Things First: Casual Job Definition
Before diving into how casual jobs and weekend jobs can help you build a career, let’s clarify what they actually are. Basically, a casual job is a flexible employment option where you work irregular hours, often on a part-time basis. Common examples include working in retail, hospitality, or offering services like babysitting or dog walking.
While casual jobs may not come with full-time benefits, they offer plenty of opportunities to develop skills that can benefit you in the long run. From soft and hard skills to valuable references, casual jobs and weekend jobs can truly set you up for the rest of your life. And what’s more, they can even serve as a way to get your foot in the door or start working your way up in your chosen industry.
Why Casual Jobs and Weekend Jobs Are so Great
Casual and weekend jobs are often overlooked as temporary gigs, but they offer so many benefits that you might not have thought of:
Skill Development
Casual jobs are a great way to develop super important workplace skills like communication, teamwork, and time management.
Financial Independence
Weekend jobs give you the freedom to earn your own money, which is a big step towards adulting!
Networking Opportunities
Your first job can introduce you to industry professionals who might become mentors or references later in your career. This may not seem like a huge deal now, but trust us, it will be!
Exploration
Casual jobs allow you to dip your toes into different industries without a long-term commitment, helping you figure out what you enjoy and what industry you might want to end up in.
The Best Weekend Jobs for Students
Not sure where to start? Take our (completely free and fun) career test to discover what industries you’re best suited to or, alternatively, check out some of the most popular weekend jobs for high school students below:
Retail
Finding a weekend job in retail is a great way to develop customer service skills, learn how to handle cash and card transactions, and master the art of dealing with all kinds of people. Whether you’re working at a fashion store, supermarket, or tech shop, entry-level retail roles are incredible for those of us with big plans for the future!
Hospitality
From waiting tables to whipping up lattes, hospitality roles teach you how to thrive in fast-paced environments! You’ll develop multitasking abilities, improve your people skills, and learn the importance of delivering excellent customer experiences, which are all super important skills for any industry.
Babysitting
If you enjoy spending time with kids, babysitting can be a fun, rewarding and very adorable weekend job. Beyond looking after little ones, you’ll hone problem-solving skills, build patience, and showcase reliability; qualities that impress any future employer.
Dog Walking
Animal lovers, this one’s for you! Dog walking offers a fun and flexible way to stay active, all while earning money. It’s also a chance to build trust and time-management skills which will look great on your future resume.
How To Decide if Your First Job Could Be a Career
Every great career starts somewhere, and your casual job might just be the perfect launching pad. Here are our top tips for assessing its long-term potential:
Are There Opportunities for Progression?
When thinking about your future with a certain company or industry, it’s super important to ask yourself whether your weekend job offers chances for promotion or skill-building? For instance, starting as a retail assistant could lead to a supervisor role, and eventually, management. Look for roles where you can grow and take on more responsibility; they’ll help you feel more fulfilled for longer!
Can You See Yourself in This Industry Long-Term?
Think about whether or not the industry you’re in excites you. If you love fashion and work in retail, this could be your entry point into a broader career in merchandising, marketing, or even design! Similarly, if hospitality excites you, it might open doors to roles in event planning or culinary arts.
What Are Your Ultimate Career Goals?
If you’ve got big dreams, think about how your current job aligns with them (and if you don’t, it might be time to start curating a career plan). However, even if your weekend job isn’t in your dream industry, it doesn’t mean it won’t help you. For example, babysitting may not be your forever plan, but it can teach you skills like leadership and patience that are transferable to many other careers!
How to Thrive in Your Weekend Job
Turning your casual job into a career requires more than just clocking in and out; if you want to really thrive, it’ll require some serious effort. Here are some tips to make the most of your role:
Be a Model Employee
Show up on time, stay positive, and be dependable when you’re working at your first job. Building a reputation as someone reliable and hardworking can set you apart from the crowd if your manager is ever promoting internally (AKA from within the company).
Always Be Willing to Learn
When you’re clocked in at your weekend job, ask questions, seek feedback, and take on additional responsibilities when you can. Employers love to see curiosity and initiative!
Invest Time into Researching Industry Trends
Staying informed about what’s happening in your industry shows dedication. Try checking out podcasts about your industry or see what you can find on YouTube. There are so many ways to stay informed and learn new things.
Communicate Your Desire for Professional Growth
Let your employer know you’re interested in advancing within the company. Expressing your goals could lead to mentorship opportunities or new responsibilities that align with your career plan. Plus, if you don’t ask, you might not get!
From First Job to Thrilling Career
Your first job, whether it’s a casual gig or a weekend role, has the potential to be the start of something so much bigger. By recognizing the value of these opportunities, investing in personal growth, and keeping your ultimate career goals in mind, you can transform what might seem like “just a job” into a truly meaningful career.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of weekend jobs, explore your options, and start building a future you’ll be proud of. Whether it’s learning new skills, networking, or discovering your passion, every shift brings you one step closer to your dream career.
And if you aren’t quite sure where to start your career journey, simply head to our career quiz. Trust us, it’s helped many a student who feels exactly the same way!
