Ideas for Keeping Yourself Busy in the Months Before BOLC

Cadet656889

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I commissioned as a 2 LT a little over a month ago (May 6th to be exact) - but my Active Duty report date is not until September 24th. I figured my inordinate amount of downtime would be best utilized getting a part-time summer job, preparing for BOLC, maybe taking up a new hobby, and/or doing some traveling. I'm currently living with my parents, since I obviously can't afford living expenses on my own without a job. Since graduation I have applied for 5 part-time (HS Diploma or GED level) jobs and they have all turned me down for either being overqualified or because they had a problem with me leaving in September. Because new hobbies and traveling aren't always cheap, the other plans I had for the Summer hinge upon getting a job to at least have some extra spending money (since I can only ask my parents for so much). However, because of my new "pedigree" on my resume if you will, it has been pretty difficult to find a place willing to hire me. At this point I'm going a little crazy from cabin fever. You can only watch Netflix for so long (lol). Is there anyone out there who can offer advice on finding temporary part-time positions that fit well with my situation? And if not, what else would you recommend doing with your time if there's no way to work? Just reaching out for some suggestions - thanks!

Also, as a side note, I tried to become the Active Duty Gold Bar Recruiter for my school but another girl requested it before me and got it. I may be able to step in and take over for her after she leaves for BOLC at the end of July, but that is still pending.

Sincerely,
an incredibly bored LT.
 
DS doesn't report to Benning until 22 Jan. He had no trouble finding a part time job and may knock off a semester towards a master's degree. I would think restaurant work this time of year would be an option...
 
DS doesn't report to Benning until 22 Jan. He had no trouble finding a part time job and may knock off a semester towards a master's degree. I would think restaurant work this time of year would be an option...

Thank you and good suggestion. I will keep that in mind.
 
@Cadet656889
First of all congratulations on becoming a commissioned officer of the U.S. Army!

Now for a PT summer job....this is not rocket science. It is simply a numbers game.
I have coached a number of my sons friends on how to get summer jobs and it is a lot of cold calling. Having four kids who all worked summers helped me gain some experience.
  • Your resume is obviously intimidating to many, but a simplified version may help.
  • Let everyone,(buddies, HS teachers, neighbors etc.) know that you are looking for a temp job.
  • Go door to door to the following "seasonal" type employers:
  • Face to face cold calls generally work better than phone calls, especially polite military officers with a neat and clean appearance.
  1. Restaurants / fast food (as Nofo suggested).
  2. The movie theaters (summer is a big hiring time) This is what my DS who is an MS II does right now. Free movies is nice perk!
  3. Construction /Contractors. If you are handy, see if there are projects that need help.
  4. Retail / the mall - less likely due to need for ongoing staff.
  5. Amusement parks - water slides, etc. Big summer staff needs!
  6. Gas stations - my sons Navy buddy needed a job last summer, and he cold-called a gas station/convenience store who was willing to hire him even though he shipped out in the Fall.
  7. Parks and Rec - Often need help with camps and lifeguard work in the summer.
  8. Pest control / Cable TV / Carpet cleaning - Often need door to door sales canvassers.
  9. Temp agencies. - Not as good as it used to be, but light industrial projects can still come up.
  10. Tutoring Summer school students. - Contact your HS and get referred to someone who can use your math or english skills.
I hope this helps!

Oh one more thing....if all else is not successful, find a volunteer position. It will gain additional networking help and make a difference for a non-profit org out there. Your leadership skills are needed by these entities.
 
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A September report date isn't great, but it beats January.

Restaurant work can suck, especially fast food, but we've all done it. Except for the time he got chewed out for delivering to the wrong address, my son actually enjoyed delivering pizza.
 
My two sons have each gone to neighbors, friends and relatives, and asked if they'd like their lawns mowed during the summer (which is weekly in South Florida), washed cars and cleaned pools. They were able to walk to each job (for the most part), earn a little money each day and stay in shape doing so. Also, you learn a bit about running a business, dealing with people, marketing, etc. They both made a good amount of money each summer.
 
Major and minor league sports currently in season often have seasonal jobs. Those guys who run out with the rain tarp?
 
Major and minor league sports currently in season often have seasonal jobs. Those guys who run out with the rain tarp?

Or sell peanuts and hot dogs. Argh. It's lunch time.

mlb-all-star-game.jpg
 
Don't overlook manufacturing facilities in your area. Many of them hire temporary summer help to fill in when all of their regular employees are taking vacation during the summer months. I work on software installations for a large manufacturer and most of the plants that I visit are hiring temps for the summer and the pay is well above what you could make in a service industry.

Stealth_81
 
Golf courses/driving ranges: Driving the cart that picks up balls on the range while balls ping off the cage. Refilling the buckets. Wiping down the golf carts, getting them charged, general chores. That was one of my high school summer jobs. Crazy early hours but off early enough to go sail the Hobie cat in the late afternoon, or else came in late, worked till summer sunset. Or worked a double and got an entire day off next day. Beat babysitting all to pieces. That was the first time I was ever out of the house on a regular basis before dawn, and I realized I liked it. Came in handy for a military career.
 
http://www.coolworks.com

Also, try the Indeed job app or online site, search on "seasonal jobs." You can add additional filters.

Ditto Glassdoor job app.

Assume Monster the same.
 
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A September report date isn't great, but it beats January.

Restaurant work can suck, especially fast food, but we've all done it. Except for the time he got chewed out for delivering to the wrong address, my son actually enjoyed delivering pizza.
Both my kids worked in restaurants through High School, and so did I, it's a good "skill" to have when you're in-between jobs. DS works in a fairly high end restaurant in DC and made $300 his first weekend...not too shabby.
 
@Cadet656889
First of all congratulations on becoming a commissioned officer of the U.S. Army!

Now for a PT summer job....this is not rocket science. It is simply a numbers game.
I have coached a number of my sons friends on how to get summer jobs and it is a lot of cold calling. Having four kids who all worked summers helped me gain some experience.
  • Your resume is obviously intimidating to many, but a simplified version may help.
  • Let everyone,(buddies, HS teachers, neighbors etc.) know that you are looking for a temp job.
  • Go door to door to the following "seasonal" type employers:
  • Face to face cold calls generally work better than phone calls, especially polite military officers with a neat and clean appearance.
  1. Restaurants / fast food (as Nofo suggested).
  2. The movie theaters (summer is a big hiring time) This is what my DS who is an MS II does right now. Free movies is nice perk!
  3. Construction /Contractors. If you are handy, see if there are projects that need help.
  4. Retail / the mall - less likely due to need for ongoing staff.
  5. Amusement parks - water slides, etc. Big summer staff needs!
  6. Gas stations - my sons Navy buddy needed a job last summer, and he cold-called a gas station/convenience store who was willing to hire him even though he shipped out in the Fall.
  7. Parks and Rec - Often need help with camps and lifeguard work in the summer.
  8. Pest control / Cable TV / Carpet cleaning - Often need door to door sales canvassers.
  9. Temp agencies. - Not as good as it used to be, but light industrial projects can still come up.
  10. Tutoring Summer school students. - Contact your HS and get referred to someone who can use your math or english skills.
I hope this helps!

Oh one more thing....if all else is not successful, find a volunteer position. It will gain additional networking help and make a difference for a non-profit org out there. Your leadership skills are needed by these entities.

This is VERY helpful. Great ideas. I actually haven't tried any restaurants yet, just because I don't have any experience waiting tables and have heard horror stories from friends who have done it, but I think it would be worth a try. Thank you very much!
 
A September report date isn't great, but it beats January.

Restaurant work can suck, especially fast food, but we've all done it. Except for the time he got chewed out for delivering to the wrong address, my son actually enjoyed delivering pizza.

Never thought about that one either. Good idea. Seems pretty simple!
 
My two sons have each gone to neighbors, friends and relatives, and asked if they'd like their lawns mowed during the summer (which is weekly in South Florida), washed cars and cleaned pools. They were able to walk to each job (for the most part), earn a little money each day and stay in shape doing so. Also, you learn a bit about running a business, dealing with people, marketing, etc. They both made a good amount of money each summer.

Love this idea. I can definitely mow a good lawn, but I have questionable edging skills (growing up my dad always took care of that part lol). Maybe I'll be bold and try this though lol.
 
Major and minor league sports currently in season often have seasonal jobs. Those guys who run out with the rain tarp?

Now this is something I would've never thought of - which makes me glad I posted here lol. I'll check this out.
 
Don't overlook manufacturing facilities in your area. Many of them hire temporary summer help to fill in when all of their regular employees are taking vacation during the summer months. I work on software installations for a large manufacturer and most of the plants that I visit are hiring temps for the summer and the pay is well above what you could make in a service industry.

Stealth_81

Great idea! I'm all about finding something that not only suits me but also pays well. I'll look into it.
 
Golf courses/driving ranges: Driving the cart that picks up balls on the range while balls ping off the cage. Refilling the buckets. Wiping down the golf carts, getting them charged, general chores. That was one of my high school summer jobs. Crazy early hours but off early enough to go sail the Hobie cat in the late afternoon, or else came in late, worked till summer sunset. Or worked a double and got an entire day off next day. Beat babysitting all to pieces. That was the first time I was ever out of the house on a regular basis before dawn, and I realized I liked it. Came in handy for a military career.

Great idea. Always thought it would be fun to work on a golf course. Also it sounds like my kind of schedule lol.
 
Both my kids worked in restaurants through High School, and so did I, it's a good "skill" to have when you're in-between jobs. DS works in a fairly high end restaurant in DC and made $300 his first weekend...not too shabby.

Not too shabby at all!
 
I commissioned as a 2 LT a little over a month ago (May 6th to be exact) - but my Active Duty report date is not until September 24th. I figured my inordinate amount of downtime would be best utilized getting a part-time summer job, preparing for BOLC, maybe taking up a new hobby, and/or doing some traveling. I'm currently living with my parents, since I obviously can't afford living expenses on my own without a job. Since graduation I have applied for 5 part-time (HS Diploma or GED level) jobs and they have all turned me down for either being overqualified or because they had a problem with me leaving in September. Because new hobbies and traveling aren't always cheap, the other plans I had for the Summer hinge upon getting a job to at least have some extra spending money (since I can only ask my parents for so much). However, because of my new "pedigree" on my resume if you will, it has been pretty difficult to find a place willing to hire me. At this point I'm going a little crazy from cabin fever. You can only watch Netflix for so long (lol). Is there anyone out there who can offer advice on finding temporary part-time positions that fit well with my situation? And if not, what else would you recommend doing with your time if there's no way to work? Just reaching out for some suggestions - thanks!

Also, as a side note, I tried to become the Active Duty Gold Bar Recruiter for my school but another girl requested it before me and got it. I may be able to step in and take over for her after she leaves for BOLC at the end of July, but that is still pending.

Sincerely,
an incredibly bored LT.

Read doctrine and do PT. What's your branch?
 
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