4 answers
Mora
Student
Orlando, Florida
1
Question
Asked
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How to plan for first job?
How do I schedule job hours with after-school activities in high school? I have no idea how job schedules work for part-time jobs.
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4 answers
Charne Creasey
Business Analyst
1
Answer
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Updated
Charne’s Answer
Great question! The thing about part-time jobs is that they are indeed, part-time. Employers typically hire a few part-time folks so you can alternate based on availability. This should leave you time for additional external commitments. Having said that, my recommendations would be to -
1) Assess your calendar. Are there any days you're absolutely not available? Try to consolidate your responsibilities into alternating days so you can have clear availability for work. For example, do you have band practice Tuesdays and Thursdays and a Study group on Fridays? Etc.
2) Communicate with your employer during the interview process on their policies for availability. It would be good to know if they have a minimum hourly requirement and what the policy is for missing work (how much notice you have to give if you will be out sick).
3) Weekend are your friend. If possible, weekends are a great time to make some extra money. Depending on your commitments (and to avoid burnout) I would recommend taking advantage of weekend shifts but also being mindful of your upcoming week. For example, does the school commute take a while? Do you have to wake up early? Try scheduling a morning shift on a Sunday so you can get home in time to prepare for the week ahead.
If maintaining a calendar is challenging I would recommend putting one somewhere central. We all have calendars on our phones, but if you're one of the folks who prefers to see things written down I'd encourage you to get a calendar or a planner. The reason for this is should any commitments change, you can update them into your planner right away and the act of writing will help commit them to memory. Here you can also keep your workplace phone number in case you have to call, you can add your work schedule, and you will be able to see open opportunities for picking up additional shifts if that's something that is of interest to you.
The most important thing I would recommend is speaking with any potential employer about your availability and having it clearly defined early on. That way you're both clear on expectations and what the other has committed to.
1) Assess your calendar. Are there any days you're absolutely not available? Try to consolidate your responsibilities into alternating days so you can have clear availability for work. For example, do you have band practice Tuesdays and Thursdays and a Study group on Fridays? Etc.
2) Communicate with your employer during the interview process on their policies for availability. It would be good to know if they have a minimum hourly requirement and what the policy is for missing work (how much notice you have to give if you will be out sick).
3) Weekend are your friend. If possible, weekends are a great time to make some extra money. Depending on your commitments (and to avoid burnout) I would recommend taking advantage of weekend shifts but also being mindful of your upcoming week. For example, does the school commute take a while? Do you have to wake up early? Try scheduling a morning shift on a Sunday so you can get home in time to prepare for the week ahead.
If maintaining a calendar is challenging I would recommend putting one somewhere central. We all have calendars on our phones, but if you're one of the folks who prefers to see things written down I'd encourage you to get a calendar or a planner. The reason for this is should any commitments change, you can update them into your planner right away and the act of writing will help commit them to memory. Here you can also keep your workplace phone number in case you have to call, you can add your work schedule, and you will be able to see open opportunities for picking up additional shifts if that's something that is of interest to you.
The most important thing I would recommend is speaking with any potential employer about your availability and having it clearly defined early on. That way you're both clear on expectations and what the other has committed to.
Thank you!
Mora
Lianne Maronilla
Deal Desk Analyst
3
Answers
Daly City, California
Updated
Lianne’s Answer
Great query! It's crucial to evaluate the amount of time you can spare for a part-time job. If you're involved in after-school activities and require time for homework, effective time management becomes vital. Therefore, you might only have the capacity to handle a job for about 3-4 hours. Additionally, the range of part-time jobs can be somewhat restricted. A few that come to mind immediately include tutoring, or working as a server/host in a restaurant. Hence, consider your interests and choose something that won't divert your focus from school.
Jacob Taylor
Production Manager
521
Answers
Stafford, Virginia
Updated
Jacob’s Answer
Planning for your first job while juggling high school activities can be a rewarding experience. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you schedule job hours alongside your after-school activities:
1. **Assess Your Commitments:** Start by listing all your after-school activities, including clubs, sports, and any other commitments. Be realistic about the time they require each week.
2. **Set Priorities:** Determine which activities are most important to you. Prioritizing will help you make decisions about how much time you can allocate to your job.
3. **Search for Flexible Jobs:** Look for part-time jobs that offer flexible schedules, especially those that cater to students. Retail, fast food, and customer service positions often have shifts that can accommodate school hours.
4. **Communicate Availability:** When applying for jobs, be clear about your availability. Let potential employers know your school schedule and any fixed commitments you have.
5. **Create a Weekly Schedule:** Once you secure a job, create a weekly schedule that outlines your school hours, extracurricular activities, and work shifts. Use a digital calendar or a physical planner to help visualize your time.
6. **Time Management:** Develop effective time management skills. Allocate specific time blocks for homework and studying. This will help you stay organized and ensure that schoolwork doesn't get neglected.
7. **Balance and Rest:** Ensure you have some downtime for relaxation and self-care. Balancing your schedule is essential for your well-being and overall performance.
8. **Open Communication:** Maintain open communication with both your school and work supervisors. If you have important school projects or exams coming up, let your employer know in advance to avoid scheduling conflicts.
9. **Adaptability:** Be prepared for occasional adjustments. Schedules may change due to unforeseen circumstances, so flexibility is key.
10. **Learn Time-Management Skills:** As you navigate this balancing act, you'll develop valuable time-management skills that will serve you well in the future.
11. **Save and Budget:** Keep track of your earnings and create a budget. Learning to manage your finances early will set you up for financial responsibility in the long run.
12. **Plan for the Future:** Consider how this job aligns with your long-term goals and career aspirations. It's an opportunity to gain valuable experience and skills.
Remember, it's okay to ask for help or guidance from parents, teachers, or counselors as you embark on this journey. With good planning, effective time management, and open communication, you can successfully manage both your job and high school activities. This experience will teach you valuable life skills that will benefit you throughout your career.
1. **Assess Your Commitments:** Start by listing all your after-school activities, including clubs, sports, and any other commitments. Be realistic about the time they require each week.
2. **Set Priorities:** Determine which activities are most important to you. Prioritizing will help you make decisions about how much time you can allocate to your job.
3. **Search for Flexible Jobs:** Look for part-time jobs that offer flexible schedules, especially those that cater to students. Retail, fast food, and customer service positions often have shifts that can accommodate school hours.
4. **Communicate Availability:** When applying for jobs, be clear about your availability. Let potential employers know your school schedule and any fixed commitments you have.
5. **Create a Weekly Schedule:** Once you secure a job, create a weekly schedule that outlines your school hours, extracurricular activities, and work shifts. Use a digital calendar or a physical planner to help visualize your time.
6. **Time Management:** Develop effective time management skills. Allocate specific time blocks for homework and studying. This will help you stay organized and ensure that schoolwork doesn't get neglected.
7. **Balance and Rest:** Ensure you have some downtime for relaxation and self-care. Balancing your schedule is essential for your well-being and overall performance.
8. **Open Communication:** Maintain open communication with both your school and work supervisors. If you have important school projects or exams coming up, let your employer know in advance to avoid scheduling conflicts.
9. **Adaptability:** Be prepared for occasional adjustments. Schedules may change due to unforeseen circumstances, so flexibility is key.
10. **Learn Time-Management Skills:** As you navigate this balancing act, you'll develop valuable time-management skills that will serve you well in the future.
11. **Save and Budget:** Keep track of your earnings and create a budget. Learning to manage your finances early will set you up for financial responsibility in the long run.
12. **Plan for the Future:** Consider how this job aligns with your long-term goals and career aspirations. It's an opportunity to gain valuable experience and skills.
Remember, it's okay to ask for help or guidance from parents, teachers, or counselors as you embark on this journey. With good planning, effective time management, and open communication, you can successfully manage both your job and high school activities. This experience will teach you valuable life skills that will benefit you throughout your career.
Thank you, Jacob!
Mora
Tamara McManus
Dir. Global Customer Experience
16
Answers
Portland, Oregon
Updated
Tamara’s Answer
Balancing part-time jobs with your other responsibilities can be challenging, but it's definitely doable. The key is to find a company that's ready to support you as you complete your education. Always be transparent and sincere, particularly when setting clear expectations about what matters to you and your existing obligations. Remember, your dedication and hard work are valuable, so don't be afraid to stand up for your needs. You've got this!