We are nearing summer. It’s time to party, drive up and down the beautiful state, go on road trips, and do various things that teenagers love doing. Problem being, the things teenagers like doing cost money. A lot of money.

We are nearing an age where our parents decide that they don’t want to pay for our shenanigans anymore. That’s our job now. But how would your average teenager be able to pay for all of the things that they want?

Speaking of jobs, students could get one! Summer jobs are very popular and quite easy to obtain. A job can teach you responsibility and help fill up some free time in your already empty summer schedule.

First off, if you are under 18, you will need a work permit. Work permits are available in the library, and only take a few days to obtain. If you need a work permit in the middle of summer, you can obtain one from the Department of Industrial Relations website, dir.ca.gov.  Next, you need to actually find a job.

In San Ramon, you have a huge selection of potential work establishments. Right off the bat, you should know that chances are, you’re going to be paid minimum wage. That is that. There are a few establishments that pay more, like In-N-Out, but expect to be worked hard and come home smelling like grease. Everyday.

When you find an establishment you are interested in working in, prepare yourself a nice resume to take in; albeit some businesses don’t require a resume, just a job application that they provide. Once this is completed, take your paperwork to your place of choice and drop it off with the manager of the store/business. If you prove to be a good candidate, they will call you for an interview.

From here on out is easy sailing. Dress well, be early to your interview, and be yourself. Faking an interview will end up biting you in the behind when you start your job, and your manager realizes you are not the person you described yourself to be.

Job wise, the food industry is generally one of the easier places to start. Pay ranges from $9-10, plus tips. Again, the pay generally reflects the amount of work you do. Don’t expect to loaf around for $10 an hour. Busboy/girl positions are quite easy to find, and are always plentiful around the city.

If working in a restaurant isn’t desirable, than what is? Find what you like doing most, and find a job relatable to that. Interested in motorcycles? Cycle Gear parts store is a great place to apply. Gardening? Local hardware stores like Home Depot have a gardening section of their store. Like lifting or exercise? Gyms like Fitness 19 and 24 Hour Fitness are also nice alternatives.

How about any available jobs in our area, San Ramon or Dublin? Another good place to look for employment are movie theaters. Movie theaters regularly hire and are a great place to obtain a summer job.

Along with earning money, jobs have their benefits. Every job will have its perks. Establishments like parts stores will get you discounted parts. Working at a gym tends to be a great choice, according to Junior Nate Rankin.

“I’ve been working at Club Sport gym for about 10 months now. It started as a summer job but I ended up staying when the school year started,” Rankin stated. “The work environment is great, the people are super nice, and I get a free membership to the club, which saves money, not to mention the gym is great”.

Then we get to the food industry. Generally speaking, working in the food industry has its perks, like extra cash in the form of tips, but the best perk of them all is the ability to never want to eat the food you work with again. Goodbye, Chipotle.

Whatever it may be, getting a summer job is a great way to get off your butt and actually provide for yourself.