Weekend seasonal jobs – are they worth it?

I'm thinking about taking a seasonal job that only requires me on weekends. Do you think it's a good idea for balancing with school and extracurriculars? Any advice on what types of jobs to look for?

Sure, taking a weekend seasonal job could be a fantastic opportunity, especially if it aligns with your interests or long-term career goals. Keep in mind, it's how well-aligned a job or activity is with your goals and interests that will make it stand out in your college application, not merely having a job.

For instance, if you're interested in business, consider looking for retail jobs where you might learn about inventory management or customer service. If you're interested in art, perhaps a job in a local gallery would provide useful experience.

Balancing this job with school and extracurriculars is crucial. It would be best if you were realistic about how this will fit into your current schedule. For example, can your school work and extracurriculars be reasonably contained during the weekdays? Also, consider the stress level of the job and how physically demanding it might be as this can affect your energy levels during the week.

Remember that, while it's good to be committed and involved, you do not want to spread yourself too thin. Time management will be a valuable skill set to develop as a result of having a weekend job. So be aware of your limits, ensure that it does not take too much of your study time, and give yourself some needed rest.

To find a suitable job, explore local businesses to see if they are hiring, use job search websites, or ask friends or family for referrals. When considering potential jobs, think about what might help you both currently (in terms of income, work experience) and in the future (skills, connections), and make your decision based on what will be most beneficial in the long run.

Finally, remember that your health and schoolwork come first. If a job starts to negatively impact either of these areas, it may be worthwhile to reassess and perhaps cut back your hours or leave the job. There's no shame in adjusting your commitments to maintain a healthy, balanced life.