Four things to tell your boss to help you keep your schedule balanced
If you’re working while going to high school, you’re not alone. Statistics show that around 75 percent of teens (3 out of every 4) have student jobs. But it’s tough to work nonstop while keeping your grades up, and everyone needs time off every once and a while. Here are four quick tips to help you be the teacher’s pet and keep your boss happy at the same time.
1. Tell the truth: No one likes to be lied to. When you’re interviewing for the job, don’t over-promise the amount you’ll be able to work. If your availability only allows for a weekend job, tell the hiring manager that. If you’ll never be able to work Tuesdays, be up front. If the job allows for it, the manager will usually be able to accommodate your schedule. Saying you can work when you can’t will only put you and your manager in a bad spot.
2. Tell them early: Things come up. In the fall there will be homecoming. In the spring there will be prom. If you play sports, there will be games. Even summer jobs will almost always be interrupted with a vacation. The best thing to do is tell your manager as early as possible so he can make the appropriate schedule arrangements. Give him enough notice to generate the schedule without you on it.
3. Tell them again: If you’ve given your manager lots of notice, it’s always nice to remind her of whatever event you have taking place. Your manager may have 10 or even 20 people’s schedules to keep track of, so a friendly reminder never hurts.
4. Tell them thank you: When a manager accommodates your scheduling needs, say thank you with your words and your actions. There’s nothing worse than doing a favor for someone and getting no gratitude for what you’ve done. Show your manager how much you appreciate him by going into work, doing a great job at work and maybe even writing him a thank you note.