Getting a summer job could either make teenagers cringe at the thought of losing their summer break or glow at the thought of having their own money. Whichever your reaction may be, just keep in mind that there are both good and bad aspects to having a summer job.  Having a job comes with great responsibilities, but it also comes with a sense of independence, and of course, money.

“I recently got a part-time job, and I’ve been a little stressed out. Now that I’m starting to get used it, and I’m making friends, it’s much less taxing,” said Mariano’s employee Katie Keefe, sophomore.

Getting used to working can be hard, and the conflicts within the job can also make working environments challenging.

As a result, employees say they learn patience and self-control in order to avoid lashing out while on the clock.

“One of the worst parts of having a job is dealing with rude customers. Once you’re in uniform, you’re not only representing yourself but the company you work for,” said Bill’s Pub employee Vanessa Carillo, senior.

Consequently, it takes time to learn an employer’s expectations and to develop coping skills to handle difficult customers professionally.

One coping mechanism is relying on one’s co-workers. Co-workers can lift one another up when presented with on-the-job obstacles.

After all, co-workers spend hours at a time together and have to withstand a lot of stress and pressure when working shifts together.

Therefore, making friends with co-workers makes shifts go by faster while filling them with more laughs. It’s often nice to have someone to lean on during times of stress, especially because it’s not professional to show too much emotion in the workplace.

“When I first started working, I considered quitting a lot. Now that I know the people I work with and have friends in the building, I’m glad I never went through with quitting,” said Keefe.

Although it can be stressful getting a job and then acclimating to it, there are several benefits.

Managing money is a crucial skill, and when done so successfully, it can lead to a less stressful future. Not only does having a job prevent future financial strain, but it also looks good on college applications.

“The best case scenario would be if the summer job you are able to attain is related to the field you are planning to major in,” said Aracely Lawrence, counselor. “Colleges love to see that you initiated working to learn more than working to earn. The experience you end up receiving when you work to learn can be priceless and can also serve to confirm your decision on the major you selected, or it can help you open your eyes to other careers you may not have considered before.”