You’re familiar with that saying about how all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. However, the reverse is also true: all play and no work will not only make you dull but will also close the door on some great opportunities. And that’s especially true now that the summer holidays are just around the proverbial corner.
So, the big question: why should you get a summer job?
The answer is pretty simple: some extra cash. However, although the financial bit is important, the benefits of working during your summer holidays goes beyond money.
Personal qualities
We all dream of winning the lottery, retiring and spending the rest of our days doodling about and generally doing nothing more strenuous than lifting a spoonful of caviar. However, people who became millionaires overnight following a lucky draw probably continue working and pursuing a successful career. It’s true that they don’t need the money – however, a job is not just about money. It’s also about achieving fulfilment and progress in your journey of continuous learning and development.
A summer job will help you develop valuable personal qualities. On the workplace, you can become more confident and independent. As a student, the workplace may be a new and unfamiliar territory, but the fact that you survive means that you are learning how to deal with stress, an unfriendly colleague or a bossy manager. These are all lessons which will come in handy when you graduate and start your professional life.
Working in summer will also help you become more disciplined and develop a strong work ethic. Of course, you would rather stay in bed reading or go to the beach instead of working. However, by adapting to a work routine and focusing on your tasks, you will develop your sense of responsibility.
Learning new skills
After swotting for your exams for endless nights, you do deserve a break. However, enjoying your summer holidays doesn’t automatically exclude getting a summer job. You can work and still go to the beach and party with your friends. In fact, that is one skill that you can learn: if you manage to clock up a 40-hour week and still enjoy your summer, then you have learned how to manage your time.
As a student, the workplace may be a new and unfamiliar territory, but the fact that you survive means that you are learning how to deal with stress, an unfriendly colleague or a bossy manager
Time management is a valuable skill that will serve you well in your studies as well as your career. Whatever career you decide to pursue, prioritising and planning will always apply. Apart from time management, a summer job will also introduce you to other universal skills such as teamwork, commitment and loyalty.
Gaining experience
A summer job is not just about the money – it’s also about learning new things and gaining experience. This will look good on your CV. In a few years’ time, you will graduate and start looking for a job. The competition will be tough and there will be plenty of candidates contending for the job you want. This is where a good CV comes in. You will need the right qualifications but also experience. And the fact that during your student days you still managed to gain work experience will always look good.
Meeting people
A summer job is likely to bring you in contact with people of your same age. But not only – you will be introduced and form relationships with people of all ages and from all walks of life. Getting well with them, challenging them, learning from them and even resolving conflict are all indispensible skills that you will need in your future career. Moreover, you will add to your list of contacts. You never know: a chance encounter could develop into a future partnership.
Investing in your future
On the surface, a summer job will probably have nothing to do with the career you want to pursue when you graduate. However, one job involves plenty of tasks. For instance, working in the catering industry for the summer might convince you that in the future, you want to work in an industry which is in constant contact with people. Doing some basic administrative tasks might help you discover that you are good with numbers. And working in a bar on a Saturday night is the true test of whether you can work under pressure or not.
Earning some money
At the end of the working day, you will want your pocket to be a bit fatter. And that’s only fair – your efforts should translate into financial gains which will help you treat yourself to those little extras.
However, remember that it’s not just about money – a summer job will not just help you for the next three months, but also for the rest of your life.