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What are the best first jobs to get at 16-18
I’m looking to find out what are the best mainstream first jobs with a good work environment that are easy to work in and are good for first time workers. Like highest pay, ones that give you the most experience, but not too high pressure or high stress environments. Thanks! :) #work #firstjobs
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11 answers
Updated
Matt’s Answer
Any job is a good first job. If you don't like it find another one. One of the benefits of youth is taking chances. As others have mentioned you can learn soft skills that translate to many fields. It also looks good on a resume someday that you were hungry and working vs. hanging out with your friends.
Thanks! :)
isabella
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Isabella In this day and age, expertise has a very short shelf-life, focus on learning, not on job-titles. The best job, therefore, is where you learn and grow consistently. Do not give that away for a fancy job-title that you clearly don’t comprehend. It is important to start with a job that will help you learn the tricks of the trade, grow and become skilled. If lucky, you might even find a mentor to look up to and seek advice from. These attributes of the first job are way more important than a designation. Everyone comes with different strengths and weaknesses, and hiring managers know this. Often, employers are looking for individuals with the right attitude and the ability to learn, rather than someone with the most impressive job history. This is the perfect time for you to experiment with career choices and figure out where you really fit. Before even going to work, I would say get an internship and try your hands at learning a few skills. Volunteer and gain grassroots level exposure. Stay flexible about the job-roles and companies you explore; you might actually discover your true calling in life.
• LOCATION – It’s important to be able to get to your job easily and relatively stress-free. Not only because you’re more likely to show up because you didn’t miss that third bus you had to take, but because it’ll leave you in a better mood while you’re working.
• SCHEDULE – Make sure the job you’re applying for fits your schedule. If the job requires you to work a morning shift and you’re in class, it’s not going to work. If you want to be in two places at once without defying physics, try standing on a state border with one foot in each state. But for now, choose a job that you'll be able to balance with school.
• EXPERIENCE – One last thing to think about it what kind of experience do you want to have? If you think stocking shelves is the absolute worst thing you could do, you’re probably not going to want to be a grocery store clerk. There are a lot of options out there so it’s a good idea to choose one that doesn’t make you want to hurl every time you think about it.
Happy Job Hunting Isabella
Barista – The sweet smell of coffee. Working as a barista will hone your skills at making the perfect cup. It gives you the opportunity to become a coffee snob, should you so desire. Also, you get all of the delicious caffeine nectar your heart can handle (literally). But ye be warned, this job comes with some VERY early morning shifts
Retail Sales Associate – This is the job where you’ll learn to hate everyone and gain respect for every retail worker you interact with for the rest of your life. This is a highly worthwhile job for anyone who loves clothes and people. You’ll get discounts on trendy outfits while also walking away with some interesting tales about customers.
Lifeguard – This is as close to “Super Hero” as it gets as a young person. You learn how to save lives and keep people having fun at your local pool or water park. While some swim-related establishments offer CPR training, not all do. Before you apply, check the places you’re hoping to work to make sure you're qualified.
Movie Theater – Your first step closer to stardom (it could happen). But no better way to begin learning how cinema works than in a movie theater. You’ll have to remember where all of the theaters are, stock the candy shelves without eating all of the candy, and be ready to prepare and serve snacks. But, think of all the free popcorn!
Camp Counselor – This should really be called Professional Kid Wrangler. As a camp counselor, you get to let your inner kid out while also directing little ones in the right direction (literally and figuratively). Plus, many camps are held during the summer, so it won’t take away homework time during the year!
• LOCATION – It’s important to be able to get to your job easily and relatively stress-free. Not only because you’re more likely to show up because you didn’t miss that third bus you had to take, but because it’ll leave you in a better mood while you’re working.
• SCHEDULE – Make sure the job you’re applying for fits your schedule. If the job requires you to work a morning shift and you’re in class, it’s not going to work. If you want to be in two places at once without defying physics, try standing on a state border with one foot in each state. But for now, choose a job that you'll be able to balance with school.
• EXPERIENCE – One last thing to think about it what kind of experience do you want to have? If you think stocking shelves is the absolute worst thing you could do, you’re probably not going to want to be a grocery store clerk. There are a lot of options out there so it’s a good idea to choose one that doesn’t make you want to hurl every time you think about it.
Happy Job Hunting Isabella
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Updated
Tyrie’s Answer
Hi Isabella,
I love this questions! I started working at the age of 16 as a babysitter (but did not make that much money) and a photo shop cashier at a resort. Finding a job in general can be tough and a lot of high paying jobs require experience. Are you looking to start your carrier or gain working experience? So, what do you look for?
There are a few things to consider if you are looking for a job for the 1st time:
- Work Hours – will this job fit into my life as it is currently? School, family, kids, etc.….. Life!
- Stability – how long am I looking to work at this job for?
- Environment – do the employee’s look happy?
- Education – are there any educational requirements?
- Opportunities – am I looking to move up with this company?
I did not start with my dream job but I had multiple jobs that created the foundation for how I work today.
Here are some jobs that you can look into:
- Host/Hostess
- Cashier
- Server
- Barista
- Animal Shelter Employee
- Personal Assistant
- Data entry Clerk
- *Internship: if you have a dream job in mind look to see if the company has an internship program.
I love this questions! I started working at the age of 16 as a babysitter (but did not make that much money) and a photo shop cashier at a resort. Finding a job in general can be tough and a lot of high paying jobs require experience. Are you looking to start your carrier or gain working experience? So, what do you look for?
There are a few things to consider if you are looking for a job for the 1st time:
- Work Hours – will this job fit into my life as it is currently? School, family, kids, etc.….. Life!
- Stability – how long am I looking to work at this job for?
- Environment – do the employee’s look happy?
- Education – are there any educational requirements?
- Opportunities – am I looking to move up with this company?
I did not start with my dream job but I had multiple jobs that created the foundation for how I work today.
Here are some jobs that you can look into:
- Host/Hostess
- Cashier
- Server
- Barista
- Animal Shelter Employee
- Personal Assistant
- Data entry Clerk
- *Internship: if you have a dream job in mind look to see if the company has an internship program.
Thanks! :)
isabella
Updated
Simeon’s Answer
I'd recommend summer camp working for a couple of reasons. First, it gives you a fun adventures to go on during the summer. Second, you will likely receive certifications for lifeguarding and/or ropes course work that you can use outside of the summer for part time work as your schedule shifts around. Third, you have a great opportunity to get to know the other workers well as you'll be spending most of your time with one another. If you're looking to be successful, any kind of networking will be helpful for you.
Thanks! Was thinking this might be a good option :)
isabella
Updated
Yasemin’s Answer
Hi Isabella! It's great you are searching for a job! With ages 16-18 it may be difficult to find high pay but I know of waitressing or busboy/busgirl. I also know of my friends who worked at an ice cream shop and frozen yogurt place! It helps with jobs who give tips because you end sometimes making more than an hourly wage as well!
Hope this helps!
Best of luck!
Hope this helps!
Best of luck!
Thanks! :)
isabella
Updated
Steven’s Answer
I worked for a few restaurants when I was younger and learned a tremendous amount in regards to customer service, multi-tasking, work-ethic, organization, and management. Restaurant jobs also have flexible hours to help with working around your schedule. Typically, the hourly is not always the best but you can make a great amount of money in tips that you can take home daily. I used to be able to make between $100-$200 daily in tips depending on how busy my shift was and how fast you can work with your tables.
Thanks! :)
isabella
Updated
Julian’s Answer
Not sure if it counts as mainstream, but my first work experience at that age came from internships offered by a program targeting youth employment in my city. Through the organization I was able to work at my local library providing tech assistance, and the following summer I worked on a research team. I feel like the experiences were extremely beneficial, providing me with experience working on teams, learning how to effectively navigate office settings, developing standards for research, among others. They also paid fairly well, and allowed me to develop skills that I currently use in college, both in classes and the more competitive internship process. They were also fairly low-pressure, focusing on learning rather than performance. Would definitely recommend looking into them!
Thank you :)
isabella
Updated
Ruben’s Answer
I suggest that you search for a temporary position (e.g. administrative / office work) it is well paid, not stressful, and a good environment (you can contact a local temp agency and they help you locate an opportunity). Another suggestion is retail customer service (such as gift wrapping, restocking, etc.) or perhaps searching for an opportunity at a bank to perform entry level functions. Babysitting / au pair jobs / dog walking jobs are readily available on most markets and can be fun and rewarding. In addition, sports / little league coaching opportunities can provide good income in an environment that is safe and rewarding. Joining the ROTC which also helps with college expenses, it happens over the weekends and after school so it is more accommodating to your schedule. Influencer jobs are also readily available in most social media platforms, are well rewarded and provide great exposure.
Thanks! :)
isabella
Updated
Krista’s Answer
Lifeguard - You learn life-saving First Aid and CPR skills which demonstrates leadership qualities and good decision-making under pressure.
Updated
Catherine’s Answer
An approach that I took for my first job was to create my own opportunity. I was interested in physical therapy as a career so I walked into one of the local small practices and just asked if they were interested in some help. They weren't actively looking for help but they ended up hiring me as an office assistant that week! While the times may not be suitable for walking into an office right now, there is no harm in sending out an email or making a phone call to a place of work that you are interested in and seeing where it leads. Be ready to talk about why you are interested in working with them and what you would bring to the team, and they may find some work where they could really appreciate your help. It may not be the most exciting tasks, but the tradeoff would be that you get to experience a field that you are interested in and decide if it's something you would like to pursue as a career.
Thank you :)
isabella
Updated
Bruce’s Answer
At those ages I did some very different jobs:
- Worked at two different restaurants
- Worked carpentry
- Did computer programming
Each of those jobs:
- Paid me
- Gave me different positive experiences
- Had people I liked working with
- Was fun to do
Keep looking around and talking with people for their experiences and for job opportunities.
Best of luck to you!
- Worked at two different restaurants
- Worked carpentry
- Did computer programming
Each of those jobs:
- Paid me
- Gave me different positive experiences
- Had people I liked working with
- Was fun to do
Keep looking around and talking with people for their experiences and for job opportunities.
Best of luck to you!