by Barry Tadmore

Created on: May 11, 2007   Last Updated: May 21, 2007

Summer jobs for teenagers are never very fun. Most people would rather be out having fun with their friends during their three months off. Therefore, a good teenage summer job depends on two things. Does the teenager want to have a fun summer job or a well-paying summer job? Sometimes they can be the same, but not that often.

For the well-paying job, consider jobs that provide tips.

1. Bus boy. I got a job as a bus-boy the day after my 16th birthday, and immediately loved it because I made an extra $15-$30 in tips for a typical five or six hour shift. This meant I was getting an extra $3-$5 per hour, spending the same amount of time my buddies were doing.
2. Waiter/waitress. Similar to the bus boy, but a bit more responsibility equals a bit more tips. Depending on the quality of restaurant you go to, you could make $100 or more per night in tips.
3. Caddie. For the golf fans out there, this is one of the best summer jobs you can find. Not only do you get to work at a country club, you get big tips from some big spenders. Not only that, but most country clubs will allow all employees to play the course one day per week, usually a Monday or Tuesday.

A few ideas for some "fun" jobs, but don't pay well, are:

1. Cashier. This is an easy job, it keeps you busy, and therefore, time goes quicker.
2. Retail. Whether its customer service, sales, or any other retail position, you'll get plenty of downtime. As with any business, there are busy times and not-so-busy times. But with retail, slow times are usually good for standing around and chit-chatting with your co-workers. At least half the time spent on the job for a retail store will be spent talking with co-workers and waiting for customers. The companies don't like that fact, but it comes with the territory.

There are endless part-time jobs out there, but finding a "good" one depends on each teenager's goals.

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