As someone with three side hustles and one year-round job, I thought it would only be right if I helped other teens in finding their next line of work; something that might bring in more money than house chores do. It’s important to know what you want in a job, and what type of job best suits you. Come with me as we explore what other Oyster River High School (ORHS) students are doing to build up their resumes.
Behind The Scenes:
Meet Jackson Seator (’27): ORHS’s insider at Barnz’s Barrington Cinema. Seator decided to apply for the job when he found out: a.) he could watch free movies, and b.) he was going to have to start paying for his own car insurance. Working at a movie theater can come with a lot of underrated perks, according to Seator. His favorite part other than the free movies and popcorn is how it’s not always a “go go go job,” the hard work comes in waves.
A busy person like Seator has to balance out his work/school/social life schedule, and for most people that can feel pretty overwhelming, especially when your managers are not flexible. But rest assured, even with the late working hours a movie theater brings, Seator says his boss at Barnz’s “really tries to work with you.”
If you were sold at “free movies and popcorn,” just like I was, some pro tips for making your job something you look forward to includes:
-Being chatty (Seator says the older folk love to talk about the movie they are seeing).
-Be prepared for a little down time in between movies (a good time to catch up on homework! Or doomscroll like I would end up doing).
-Be careful when filling up the slushie cups (a pro tip from Seator).
Be Your Own Boss:
Caroline DeSantis (‘27): Teen entrepreneur. Former equestrian, DeSantis started her horse treat business, Cantering Cocos, at 14, wanting to change the game of horse treats. She was having trouble getting a job because she didn’t have her license. For a lot of teens, this can be one of the biggest issues when it comes to job hunting.
Starting her own business seemed like the best way to make a little money without having to worry about transportation. DeSantis was also able to choose something she was truly passionate about at the time. As she got busier, her business became less of a priority, but working for herself made it easier to take that step back. DeSantis says, “I could kind of just do whatever I wanted, if I needed a break I could take it, and I could come up with new ideas whenever I wanted, I didn’t need to rely on anyone else.” From her personal experience, DeSantis suggests future entrepreneurs to:
-Stay organized (on social media platforms, with your customers, and deadlines).
-Find something you’re passionate about (stay engaged in your line of work).
-It’s ok to say no! (set your boundaries with pressing customers).
Future Leader:
Blake Cassamas (‘29): Experienced camp counselor. Cassamas started as a camper at Durham Parks and Rec REACH camp and worked his way up to Counselor in Training (CIT), Junior Counselor, and now Counselor. Cassamas chose to be a camp counselor because of the convenient summer hours. He says, “I’m an athlete during the school year so working in the summer works for my schedule.” Cassamas’s favorite thing about his job is the community that comes with it, and even though he says being a camp counselor can be a lot more work than some of his peers’ jobs, it is more rewarding because of the connections you make.
For future camp counselors, Cassamas suggests:
-Start small and work your way up (it’s rewarding but can be a big commitment!)
-Have a positive attitude (the kids and your coworkers love to see a smile).
-Let your inner kid show!
Committed Contributor:
Jillian Trezak (‘27): Market Basket Veteran. Trezak has had a consistent job at the Lee Market Basket for three years now. She had begged her parents for a job so she could have money for herself, having a common realization that the older you get the more you want to spend. Trezak appreciates Market Basket for giving her so many “first job” experiences; customer service skills, work/school balance, and new connections through her job. Trezak has had a versatile experience working there; from being a cashier to working in the kitchen, she never felt stuck doing the same thing.
Trezak has plenty of work experience at Market Basket, so for those interested in a job like this, she suggests:
-Be social (make that eye contact, say hi to your bagger, it makes work a lot more fun).
-Don’t quit just yet! (it’s ok if you don’t like your first day of work, but don’t give up so soon on making that bank).
-It’s ok to quit eventually (opposing the last point, Trezak doesn’t think it’s worth it to dread your job every day, so if it’s not your thing, there are plenty of other work tips in this article).
The People’s Person:
Maggie DeWire (‘28): Flag Hill’s go-getter. DeWire obtained a position at Flag Hill Distillery and Winery, a popular pick for ORHS students looking for a job. Flag Hill hosts weddings, and those who work there cater to the weddinggoers. From setting up weddings, to serving food, to cleaning up, and eventually being allowed to eat the leftover desserts, working at Flag Hill allows for a lot of real-world people skills practice. DeWire appreciates how easy-going her job is, saying, “it’s very fun, my boss is really flexible, and it’s a very teen-friendly job.”
For those who are interested in any restaurant/catering jobs, DeWire’s got you covered:
-Be welcoming to people (it’s somebody’s wedding day; everyone appreciates a warm welcome).
-Be friendly (DeWire says people will be more open to talking with you if you flash your smile).
-Have fun with it! (make friends with your coworkers, just because you’re working doesn’t mean it can’t be fun!)
Starting a new job; whether it’s your first one or your fifth, can be a little scary if it’s something you take seriously. But there are so many ways to put a little cash in your pocket, and I hope that you can find a job that feels rewarding at the end of the day, something that makes you feel good about yourself. For me, this is walking my neighbors’ dogs and being a camp counselor in the summertime. If you’re stuck in a job you hate as a teenager, switch it up. You can save the job drama for when you’re an adult. From spontaneous babysitting gigs to your own personal clothing brand, there’s a job out there for everyone.
-Bel Ejarque
Mouth of the River 
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