Want to earn cash this summer, prepare for adulthood, and be part of a team? Yes, you say? Then it’s time to look for summer work.
To start, consider the needs in your neck of the woods. My high school years were spent in Orlando; additional summer employees (including myself) were hired in restaurants and theme parks. The same is true in coastal cities and other summer-vacation destinations I’m sure.
If you live where farmland abounds, I’ll bet your town has unique work that needs to be done by willing, hard-working folks like yourself.
Career Choices has an extensive list of teen summer job ideas, several of which had never crossed my mind. Read through the list to help brainstorm needs you can fill.
After identifying the needs of your town, identify what you have to offer. Can you write, paint, bag groceries, take orders, clean windows, walk and feed animals, water plants, assemble sub sandwiches, tutor, or scrub pools? What else could you do if trained?
Ask your parents, teacher of students with visual impairments (TVI), and vocational rehabilitation counselor for suggestions.
Next, consider your transportation. Are there any jobs available in or near your neighborhood? Where is your nearest public bus stop? Are your Orientation and Mobility skills proficient enough to utilize the bus system? What is the cost of a taxi or Uber ride? Could you work in the office of a parent or neighbor and reimburse the driver for gas money?
It will then be time to conduct a successful job search. [Utilize the link; it’s filled with helpful information and resources!]
Ah, one more thing. Don’t forget to know the specific accommodations for vision loss you will utilize on the job and “show and tell” them at your job interviews.
Whether your job search is tremendously successful, disheartening, or “on the fence”, your experience will prepare you for future work.
Good luck and keep us posted.