Finding A Job

Everyone loves money. I love money. You love money.

Everyone wants money. I want money. You want money.

Where does everyone get money? Where do I get money? Where do you get money?

Answer: A JOB!!!!!!!!!!

No. No one is excited. No one likes their job unless you are a saint or work for Vogue or something. Especially first jobs as a teenager. Trying to balance a job and school is difficult, let alone trying to find a job.

I'm turning 17 next month (August 16th, mark that on your calendar!!) and I still didn't have a job until today. I put in 11 applications to clothing stores and coffee shops, desparate to find somewhere that would pay me for labor. Still, no calls. What was I doing wrong?

I think part of the issue was my hours: I can work at 3:30 after school and no one wanted me then. 3:30 is in the middle of shifts and they need someone who can work a full shift. I would have to work at McDonald's or somewhere to find hours that work with mine (boo).

Everytime I went into the store to get an application (well, those that actually had paper apps, because most places are online now) I was freaking out. Putting myself out there and talking to a total stranger and worrying if I look and act alright is so stressful. Taking the apps back in is a whole other story. That's when you have to worry if the manager is there and wants to talk.

So how did I get through all of this? Deep breaths and reminding myself that the worst that could happen is that they don't have a position for me. I won't be publically shamed or made fun of for taking in a job app. Sometimes you just have to get off your tush and get it done or it will never happen. You can't get a job if you don't try.

Have any of you put yourself out there for something and got a good result? What about a bad result? Let me know!

Thanks for listening,
Danielle

P.S. I got a job today (eeeee!). The great thing that it is at the place I volunteer at a lot, so I know the ropes. I didn't even have to submit an app or do an interview! I'm going to run the social media and website, posting interviews, photos I take of people there, and I'm going to get paid for writing. I'm so excited!!!