I have a busy school schedule next semester. Are there any types of part-time jobs out there where you can work just a couple of hours a week, and your employer won’t unexpectedly call you for more hours?
You could do something on your own like tutoring or babysitting.
Doesn’t your school have an online jobs postings? You might go to busy departments and see if someone needs something for a few hours a week.
Oh, and something only on the weekends fits the bill too.
Definitely check your school’s online job postings (I assume you have that), but I also want to warn you not to get your hopes up. When I got my job, they were definitely looking for someone who can work at least a certain number of hours, and we’re very forthright with me that they had other applicants, and our schedules were under consideration. I am happy to say that I got the job and that they’re just letting me “renew” the position every semester, I doubt that they would have hired me with such scant hours.
That said, it’s also not the campus dining hall. I have friends that are starting from 9-3 in the dining hall on Saturdays, so perhaps you might check there?
Another great reason to develop a marketable skill during your HS years that you can take to college. Who wants to earn $9/hr in the copy center on 4 hour shifts scheduled by someone else when you could get $40/hr teaching something you enjoy an hour at a time?
I worked in the mailroom at my school. I really enjoyed it, and the hours were flexible. A typical work week was 8-20 hours. I only needed the job for spending money.
You won’t find many jobs where you can get by only working a few hours a week. It costs money to train you and the company wants to be able to get that money back somehow. I suggest what many others have said: look at jobs on campus, especially if you’re eligible for a federal work study. While you might have to work a little more than “a couple” hours, you’ll be working very low-demanding jobs that will allow you to study while you work. Your school will most likely have jobs like these advertised.
This is one of the benefits of getting a job in high school where you can establish yourself. I have been working at the same grocery store for about 2 1/2 years, and I am able to work a couple days a week during the semester without any questions asked.
I would definitely check the listings at your school because those jobs will more than likely keep your study habits in mind and won’t overwork or “use” you.
I’ve done tons of freelance writing over the years… as a SAHM when the kids were young, and in the years since. I make my own hours and make as much money as I choose.
As a math teacher, I’ve done LOTS of math/education stuff, some parenting, some craft, some travel.
If D goes to a large university, I wonder if they have waitressing jobs available in their pubs and such? She’s been waitressing for a couple of years now and is very good at it. I suppose if she is within walking distance of a town/city, she can apply outside of the school walls. When you can make $25+/hour, it makes no sense to work for minimum wage. Its something I taught her at age 14 and she has never looked back.
Haha, this is a great question. I’ve been wondering the same thing myself.
From what I’ve seen, the one thing that might fit your criteria is being a campus tour guide. At my school, you’re only required to work 2-4 hours a week and you can set your own schedule. The only caveat is that you have to work a couple shifts over breaks, but you get a lot of free gear and it’d probably be pretty fun anyway. I would check with your school to see if they have anything like that.
You could also just apply to part-time jobs as usual and then ask if they have room for you on the weekends (and just the weekends). I feel like off-campus employers probably wouldn’t be as accommodating, but it’s worth a shot.
Best of luck!
If there are any play places near your school, birthday parties.