Throughout my senior year at Hoover High School, I have had a job in fast food, and although it can have its ups and down, often being very challenging and difficult, it is a vital resource that can teach students responsibility, time management, and communication skills

A job can teach responsibility in a variety of different ways. One key way it can teach responsibility is by giving you a duty that you should meet during your shift. For example, during my shift, I have the responsibility of taking customers orders and making sure I quickly and efficiently make their drinks.  By doing this, it allows the runner to quickly grab the premade drink and hand the order to the customers.  If I don’t do this, it’ll take time out of the runner’s duties to make the drink, piling up orders that need to be given out. A job can teach you that doing your part matters and how much responsibility you truly have.

Another vital resource a job can teach is time management.  It can teach this vital skill through a schedule and punishments that can occur if late. At my job, we can get written up at times, if we do not get to work on time. Therefore I prioritize how I use my time making sure to get up early, giving myself the perfect amount of time to get ready and arrive at least a couple minutes early. This skill also helps me at school.

Finally, having a job gains you communication skills through an abundance of ways. One key way you can be a better communicator is through customer service.  Working in fast food, during certain times, mistakes are made on the orders therefore being able to talk and come to an understanding with customers builds communication skills.  Also at times, when customers who speak another language come to order, being able to signal and get a clear understanding of what they want to order is very useful.

A job is a very important responsibility that can be such an impactful part of a teenager’s life. The skills you gain at a job help prepare you for your future.