Hi all,
Presently I am stuck at my parents’ house for the summer. I’ve relaxed for a few weeks but I’m starting to get anxious just sitting around here. I would love a job or an internship or anything, really, but I’m extremely limited in my options for a few reasons:
- There is nothing near me. I live in a small town, relatively remote. There are very few businesses with no job openings, at least none that I'm qualified for.
- I don't have transportation. I don't have my own car and there is no public transportation in my town. My parents both work so they couldn't take me anywhere either.
- My parents moved last August, so I don't live in my hometown anymore. I don't have any friends from high school to visit, I don't have a summer job to go back to, etc.
- I applied for a lot of jobs/internships in February/March, but I am a history major with little work experience. Last winter, I was still planning on studying abroad in the fall, so I wasn't too worried about summer plans because I was trying to save money. Unfortunately my study abroad plans fell through (because of money lol).
Essentially I am stuck at home just doing hobbies. It’s been nice to relax and watch some movies, but I really need to be productive in some manner. I suggested that I take online community college classes to earn some credits, but my parents didn’t seem fond of that idea because I wouldn’t get in-state tuition (we’ve only lived in this state 9-10 months) and they don’t want to pay extra.
I’m just wondering if anyone has any ideas about this situation. If you have any suggestions of something for me to just do, then please let me know because I am dying.
id try to persuade your parents to let me take that class. make a powerpoint slide or something to show why it would be beneficial and how it can further your education and stuff. you could also try talking with the financial aid people at the school and explain your situation and maybe they can find something that works out for everyone.
it may be too late to sign up for internships for the summer. you could probably try to look if there are fall internships that have their application open right now. if you’re planning on transferring or anything, you could work on your application essays. or any other type of essay you may need to write in the near future.
there are also online open courses (MIT opencourseware for example). you could always try learning something new through khan academy. or try code academy (it’s an online website. teaches you how to code. free). or try picking up a language or something. try building something if you’re into engineering or something. or try doing a science project. read books. marathon a new show. go for runs if your neighborhood is safe. go through your past notes and try to retain your knowledge (most of us forget everything a few days after a semester ends. STEM classes are very cumulative so it might help to just study up on stuff to retain that knowledge before you start forgetting it).
tbh, i feel you. i know what i just listed is easier written than done. i get so bored, too. i was writing out that list and realized that i never do any of that stuff even though i know it might relieve me of my boredom at times. i personally love watching new shows occasionally and that’ll usually distract me for a good while. play a video game or watch a series you’ve been pushing aside for school. ive been watching game of thrones lately, working on essays, browsing CC and chilling on twitter.
i feel so unproductive, but sometimes we need our lazy time. nothing wrong with it. at first i felt really bad for being unproductive but sometimes you just need to do nothing and clear your mind and relax without worrying about trying to advance in a certain endeavor or whatever. (perhaps this is bad advice to give lol…but i guess what im trying to say is that if you’re by any chance a workaholic or something, it’s ok to be lazy and do nothing once in a while).
You could do your family’s housework, and cook meals. Your parents might even pay you some if you do. You might also be able to babysit, or mow lawns/garden for money if you have any neighbors who need these types of services.
I would try to create my own little business for the neighborhood…Babysitting, lawn mowing, dog walking, gardening, weeding, etc Whatever you wouldn’t mind doing. Make a flyer and distribute it aroudn the neighborhood (with parents permission). ALso join the website “Nextdoor” which lets you join a group for your neighborhood and you can advertise babysitting…i am sure there are people needing people to babysit their kids over the summer.
Tough situation, especially since you haven’t been there long enough to really know your neighbors and vice versa. Do you (or your parents) attend church nearby? There might be a bulletin board where you could advertise services.
Besides the great ideas above, could you offer dog-sitting and/or house-sitting? If you get a call, emphasize that you’re new to the area as that will reassure potential clients that you’re not going to be inviting a bunch of friends over while the owners are gone.
Have you ever sold things on eBay? Browse the site for ideas of what sells. You may already own some things that you’re willing to part with (or your parents might, giving you a commission for doing the work).
If you’re looking for a mental challenge, you can watch on-line lectures (Yale and Stanford offer them, among others). Learn the location of all the countries in the world with a fill in the map quiz (I realize that would only kill a few hours, but hopefully you get the idea). Read some of the classics you didn’t have time for (lots available for free for your Kindle or can be borrowed from libraries).
How about searching for an on-line job? You could tutor for standardized tests, build web sites, etc. Check out Craig’s list, but don’t send any money or sign up for anything before you get your parent’s ok.
What about a volunteer opportunity? At a local hospital or library?
It’s like that saying: if you could do anything, what would it be? You are in a unique situation - you have room and board and you have the free time. You get to choose how to fill it. Is there something you’ve always wanted to learn? Something you’ve always wanted to create? Build? Community project? Since you don’t know anyone there, you’re a blank slate. Never mind what “looks good” on your resume; grab this opportunity and make it a summer you’ll always remember.
Can you take MOOCs, just to keep yourself busy? No credit, but something to do. Coursera has classes in creative writing, statistics, Intro Chinese, and more – lots of technology courses, but not all of them. Not all are free, but they aren’t super pricey.
Is there someplace to volunteer (library)? Would they like someone to put together a display of the history of your town or county? Or is there any local history you could dig into, and research or maybe try to write an article for publication?
look up WWOOF! its an organization for volunteering to work on organic farms, with people, animals and plants. its an amazing experience! it requires a small fee so the organization can stay in business but you can travel to anywhere in the USA or the world and work in exchange for food and shelter.
If you are looking to make money, what about finding an online job? You can do everything from the internet nowadays. Sell art! Write blogs! Create a business! Check out craigslist or search engines for jobs where you can work online.
Also, volunteering with the fire department might be something of interest! Or sign up for a summer camp! you can live there for weeks with kids and have a blast! There are ways!!!