Summer is slowly but surely on its way! Yes ladies, the bikinis are ready to be dug out of the closet and the flip-flops will be back in season soon! Even though this sounds to the utmost of relaxation from papers and studying – holding a summer job is a commitment many of us need to keep. In order for you to buy that new Victoria’s Secret bikini – you need some cash in your pocket first! Who really wants to be stuck inside all day when summer is right outside the door?
Gardening
These jobs are everywhere- a small, local gardening business would be an ideal job for someone who has a green thumb and for someone wanting to be outside. You may get dirty, but let’s be honest, getting paid while getting a tan sounds pretty good to me! This job goes hand in hand with farm work or lawn work. Even if it’s just mowing your neighbor’s lawn or picking weeds, money would be the result and you’d never have to work nights!
Lifeguard
Lifeguarding is always an excellent option, however, you need to be trained and re-certified with CPR yearly. How great is that? Tanning, working, and calling the beach your office! If you don’t live near a beach, a fun idea would be to get a group of friends together and rent a house for the summer at the beach. Everyone chips in with rent and miscellaneous spending by working with that summer job! Who says you can’t have fun and make money?
Camp Counselor
There are many youth camps or church camps in every town. Do some research on a camp that interests you, apply, and see what happens! Working outside and meeting other counselors would be social and fun while making money. This will take up the majority of your day, but hey—it’s better than being stuck inside of a Macy’s all day standing by the register and folding clothes!
Dog Walker
Like dogs? Why not be a dog walker? Exercise is crucial with this job along with being able to deal with dogs. You can wear what you want to wear and be athletic in the summer sun.
Living in Harrisonburg for the Summer?
Well, I did some research for you. Waitressing is always a great option – tip money can be saved or spent! Here are just a few restaurants with a variety of foods that could use some students this summer:
- L’ Italia
- Union Station
- A Bowl of Good Café’
- Beyond
Harrisonburg has plenty of other things to check out- Massanutten Resort is open year round due to their fun water park. For more fun ideas on what to do check out the Harrisonburg Tourism website!
Not that interested in getting a Summer job?
That’s perfectly fine—use this time to catch up on some hobbies you haven’t been able to get to because of studying.
- Go hiking – make it a routine, it’s great exercise!
- Bike around town
- Lay outside and read a book (or two) that you’ve been meaning to get to
- Open the windows in your room and rearrange your furniture – change is always good for the soul!
- Cook! Try anything from pastries to guacamole
The most popular job of students at JMU is not the most ideal for summer time. Yes, it is true that waitressing makes a lot of money but get out and be original – have some fun in the sun and get paid for it! Browse around for some ideas, ask friends or do some research – there is something out there for everyone and fortunately, you have the entire summer to figure it out!