by Ethel Smith

Created on: May 10, 2007   Last Updated: June 20, 2010

There are many good teenage summer jobs, it all depends on your age and your talents what are available and suitable for you. Of course you need to add to this, if you want to actually gain work experience for a future career, perhaps, earn plenty of money or just earn some pocket money and have a laugh into the bargain.

Supermarkets

In England you have to be at least sixteen to work at a supermarket, older if you want to work unsocial or night hours. The advantage with these jobs is that they are pretty stress free. Some are physically tiring but most only employ staff for part-time hours. You can stay on a bank of holiday workers and get preference each holiday if you want to.

Factory work

Most of these jobs are a bit mundane and boring but the pay can be good. I had a factory job during my school holidays when I was sixteen and although it was hard work it was fun. The other staff were a riot and very kind and thoughtful.

Cinemas

Cinemas often take on seasonal part-time workers. The pay here may not be so good but there will probably be perks.

Fast food chains

These usually provide uniforms and pay reasonable rates. They can be hot and smelly places to work but you will meet lots of other teenagers here and that can be fun.

Beach and resort work

If you are lucky enough to work near a resort or beach you may be able to get work hiring deckchairs, selling ice creams, waiting tables or similar work. These jobs are in many ways the best. The pay may not be so good but you will get tips and probably be able to be outside enjoying the sun for most of the day.

Leisure centres

Temporary teenage work at a leisure centre may involve ticket or food sales.

The possibilities are endless such as hospitals, shops, garages, leisure centres, museums and many more which employ summer teenage staff. A lot depends on what you want to earn, where your interests lie and how old you are. Work may be more limited for the 13-16 year old age group. There are always paper delivery rounds though..

Many of these temporary jobs will stand you in good stead in later life and show you a little of the real world. If you end up when you are an adult with a good career, you will at least have some idea what ordinary folk have to do to earn a living.

Learn more about this author, Ethel Smith.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.