Today, more high schoolers are finding jobs than when their parents were in high school. Teens want to find a way to earn an income, but this can prove difficult for younger students, considering that most places require a minimum age of 16 to apply. Getting from point A to point B for students without a driver’s license or car can also cause problems. Towne Lake is full of jobs within walking distance for younger teens. 

Most teens tend to gravitate towards employment in food service, considering it is fairly basic work. 

• Chick-fil-A: hires at 14 for a job at the counter collecting customer orders. Applications can be found in the store for applicants to fill out while there. 
• Bruster’s: one can begin work at age 14 to take orders and scoop ice cream. To apply, go to the location and ask for an application. 
• Taco Bell: hires at 14 for a counter clerk. Application information is available at any Taco Bell location. 

If one does not want to work in food service, fortunately there are other options to choose from. 

• Kroger: hires at age 14 as a bagger or even a stocker. Click the link to fill out an application.

• Publix: hires at 14 to be a bagger or to help with the floral department. Applications are filled out at the location on an in-store computer. 
• Great Clips: this location hires at 15 to be a receptionist for the salon but apply quickly due to limited positions. To apply, go to Great Clips and ask staff for an application. 
• Lifeguarding: companies like Nautix and Dynamo hire at 15 if applicants have a lifeguarding certification. Attached to the link is the certification class needed to pursue lifeguarding.

“The summer after freshman year, I took the training course for lifeguarding and ended up working at the Towne Lake Hills South pool. The pay was pretty great, and it was really close to my house, so it was easy to get to work and get home after,” Ethan Cintron, junior, said. 

Other jobs that do not require an application are babysitting, pet-sitting, tutoring, or service work like mowing lawns. However, with these jobs it could be difficult to find clients, but a job is still a job. 

“My neighbors have asked me to pet sit for them before, and the job was pretty simple. I would go in the mornings and later at night to feed, water, and check on their two dogs and cat. It was really easy, and I got a good bit of cash doing it,” Duke Jenkins, sophomore, said. 

Finding a job at a young age can seem like a hard task, but look at the bigger picture and realize there are many options to choose from. Just do not forget the Georgia Work Permit for those under 16 at Etowah in the counselor’s office by the main cafeteria.