(Editor’s note: The writers are with the Gaucho Gazette, Casa Grande High School’s student-run newspaper)
Students everywhere always find themselves in need of extra money. This common problem among students can be solved by something that some may think of as a nightmare: a job. When looking for jobs, students are likely to look into some of the many food and restaurant businesses offered in and near Petaluma, but why food? And is having a job really worth it?
Working in the food industry
Working at restaurants and other food shops are a great way to earn money. Casa Grande High School junior Amanda Chisholm, who works at the sandwich shop, Bianchini’s, appreciates having a little extra money.
“I like having money; then I don’t have to ask my parents for money all the time,” said Chisholm.
Though working with food has its perks, there are many downsides to working long hours. Casa senior Julian Cohen, who is a waiter and busser at Simmer Vietnamese Kitchen, agrees.
“It’s a labor of love. I like it but if you’re not dedicated, it can affect your grades. Mine dipped a little bit last year,” said Cohen.
Similarly, Colin McDonald, an employee of In N Out, is committed to his job, and holds it as his first priority.
“It takes a lot of more organization now. If my friends and I are going to go do something after school, it takes a lot more planning now that I have work,” said McDonald.
Because of some customers’ dissatisfaction, dealing with them can make working difficult, but Casa junior Alondra Espinosa, who works at Fruta, knows how to deal with this everyday problem.
“I get rude customers sometimes. When they complain, you just have to put a smile on your face and give them what they want,” said Espinosa.
Another difficulty in the world of jobs, especially when working with food, is the constant feeling of being overwhelmed.
“There’s always long days, you’re always on your feet, but when it’s busy, it’s really fast paced, it goes by like there’s no tomorrow,” said Cohen. “You can be working for four hours but it feels like 30 minutes.”
Cohen thinks that working at restaurant is the best choice when it comes to jobs.
“I’d rather work at a restaurant; it’s always entertaining and way more fun to work at than any retail store,” said Cohen.
When it comes to actually finding a job, students often find themselves overwhelmed. Not knowing where you should apply and how to apply to jobs can be frustrating, but Senior Nick Boylan knows what to do.
“Apply everywhere, and apply online if you can,” said Boylan. “If you have to apply in store, then don’t show up in normal clothes, look presentable.”
Interviews can be a nervewracking concept, and students agree that showing up prepared is the best thing you can do.
“Come in confident, and try to think about some possible questions they might ask you before the interview so you’re not just sitting there stuttering,” said McDonald.
Working in retail
Working in retail can be both a challenging and rewarding experience. Dealing with contrary customers, correctly organizing merchandise and handling money can be stressful, but helping people find what they need, bonding with co-workers, and, of course, earning money makes retail jobs satisfactory. Casa senior Adam Harwood works at Athletic Soles in downtown Petaluma and he explains how he came to be a part of the retail world.
“I was really just looking to get a job, but now I really enjoy working in retail. I like that I get to work with people and work on customer service,” said Harwood.
Casa senior Rebecca Morgan, who works at Kmart, especially enjoys the connections she makes with co workers through her job.
“I thought we wouldn’t be that close, but…we make plans to hang out and it’s just like we’re one big family,” said Morgan.
There are some drawbacks to retail. Because salespeople are the face of a company, they are sometimes blamed for issues that are actually the fault of people working higher up.
“The customers always like to bring up the fact that Kmart doesn’t have good management and that it’s just not a well put-together store. That reputation is always brought upon me,” said Morgan.
Nonetheless, retail jobs are usually a satisfying way to make money.
To be hired in retail, it is important to come prepared for an interview. That means to have thought about how you might answer a future employer’s questions as well as what you want to ask them.
“If they ask you, ‘do you have any questions for me?’ always prepare questions. It makes you look like you’re interested and want to know more about the job,” said Morgan.
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