So i am going to get my first job and my parents aren't going to pay for my college but they'll help out as long as I don't screw up. So then, If I want to go to a college that costs $21000, what can i do to get more than minimum wage?

Any job that allows you to make tips can be a great way to make a really stable income fast: waitress, coatroom attendant, valet parker, bartender, etc. You can also make a really great hourly rate as a nanny in the right neighborhoods around your campus (like $15/hour cash). If you can get a research grant you can get a lump stipend to research a topic you care about, with pretty flexible hours. You also have the opportunity to provide freelancing administrative skills, marketing or social media advice, etc with websites like Thumbtack, and you can get great real world/internship type experience in the process. Promotional products reps on campus make up to $18/hour and you'll get great sales and marketing experience in the meantime!

http://www.trade-schools.net/articles/high-paying-student-jobs.asp

http://www.insidermonkey.com/blog/12-highest-paying-part-time-jobs-for-college-students-365508/

How are your people skills? Lots of businesses need someone to answer phones and direct customers. Think realty office, veterinarian office, places like that where the professionals should not be bothered with phones until they have been screened. You may be slightly young to work a hotel desk solo, but perhaps during a shift with a second person? Banks often need data entry clerks and will pay for speed and accuracy.

I don't think a gig with a dinner theater pays very much, but it might create an opportunity to sing and C. Springs used to have several good places.

This is all stuff that I have done, my children have done or my grandchildren have done.

All the best,
Mark

Hi Rachel,

I was in the same boat as you. My parents couldn't help me pay for college, so I was in my own. I'll be honest, I waited on tables and then eventually became a bartender while in college. Most places allow flexibility with your school schedule, and you can make a lot of money if you can get into the right place. My parents actually sat me down when I started serving, because they were worried I would quit school to be able to serve full time, because of the money you can make. It also gives you great sales, customer service experience, as well as, time management and prioritization experience.

Also, if you want to be a singer, the bar industry's flexible schedule will make easier for you to make rehearsals and/or auditions. Good luck!

Hi Rachel!

I think it is great that you know you want to continue your education and have a passion you are striving for. What makes it even better is that you will have some financial support from your parents. My advise to you is to use the next 2 years to learn how to successfully integrate working part-time into your current routine of life and education to ensure you know how to create balance before you start college. You will find you will build a greater amount of self-confidence, independence, and gain respect from your parents.

One of the most important things to look at when looking for a part-time position right now is what skills can you develop that would assist you in your future career as a singer? At some point in your career, you will need to know how to engage with a wide variety of people- voice coaches, talent agents, managers, fans, etc. The more comfortable you become having conversations, the more marketable and likable you will become. This will also allow you to learn how to relate to others on different levels, and if you decide to get into writing songs will create a genuine connection.

The best industry to get into to develop these skills is hospitality- restaurant, lodging, event planning, etc. - anything that is tourism related. These areas tend to hire more entry level individuals and can pay decently well. If you can show that you are willing to work hard, maintain a positive attitude, be a team player, show up early/on time, and be flexible when possible with your availability, it will end up opening other opportunities for you for advancement. Let's look at a restaurant. You could go from working as a hostess making minimum wage, to bussing tables making some additional tips, to serving tables making anywhere from $40-$200 in tips a night. Restaurant work is one of the best ways to make the most money, using your personality and intellect, in the least amount of time. Casual dining is a great place to start off.