Throughout high school, it is important to have job experience for your future. A lot of students at Berkley High School work at local businesses, while others are self-employed. Both are great ways to get experience and money in your bank account. Either option requires a load of research and time in order to get the job.
Whether you are babysitting, selling clothes, creating a business, teaching sports lessons, or tutoring, you can consider yourself self-employed. They are all easy to start and are great opportunities to make money. I talked to a few students at Berkley who are currently employed at a local business but have also had self-employment experience.
Sophomore Sloane McEvoy is employed at Jet’s Pizza in Berkley, while also babysitting on the side. With a strong opinion, McEvoy stated, “I prefer babysitting over working at Jet’s Pizza. First of all, I like the actual job of babysitting more, but I also make a lot more money when babysitting.” McEvoy continued, “I earn more money when I’m self employed because I choose the price.” The reason why self-employed jobs are more financially beneficial is because you can charge any amount to clients, whereas when you’re working under someone, they choose what they pay you. McEvoy encouragingly says, “Students at Berkley should definitely try a self-employed job like babysitting, I love it!”
An employee of Berkley’s Be Well is a student at Berkley, Sophomore Owen Danaher. Danaher enjoys working at Be Well, but he also trains younger kids in soccer. Along with Mcevoy, Danaher expressed, “I like my self-employed job better.” Although Danaher loves working at Be Well, he claimed, “I make more money when training kids at soccer. Plus it’s my passion, so it’s really enjoyable.” There seems to be a common pattern of better pay when you are self-employed rather than working under someone else. These individuals made it clear that you earn more money when you employ yourself, no matter what the job is.
When one is trying to employ themselves, many give up because it is hard to advertise a business. Both McEvoy and Danaher have the trick to overcome this struggle many come across. Both individuals market their offerings on Facebook. This doesn’t take a lot of work and you don’t even need to have your own Facebook account! Danaher clearly explains, “I have my parents put a flier out on Facebook and that usually brings me clients.” McEvoy uses a similar strategy to get the word out about her babysitting career. “Before I used Facebook, I found my clients through friends and family.” McEvoy started small in order to gain experience, which she highly recommends.
If self-employment doesn’t seem to be the best path personally, then being employed by another is also easy and fun! McEvoy explained her process of application at Jet’s Pizza, “I filled out an application and work permit, turned it in, and before I knew it they offered me the job.” McEvoy makes it sound so easy! If she can do it, you can too! Mcevoy also emphasized the importance of how steady her job is through an employer. This makes working under another easier a self employment job can end at any point and work time will vary. McEvoy encourages others to try both versions of employment because she has enjoyed her experience with both.
Overall, it is clear that getting a job in high school has been beneficial in many ways. The two students earn money, gain experience, explore their passions, and enjoy their time while working! Both ways of employment are fun, easy, and exciting! Although this is true, self-employment seems to be a fan favorite, and it is not hard to accomplish!
