5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Summer Job
1. Treat it Like a Permanent Job
One way to make the most of a summer job is to treat it like a full-time or permanent job. This means showing up to work on time (or even early) every day. Showing up promptly and consistently tells your manager and coworkers you are reliable. If you’re sick or have an emergency, be sure to contact your manager.
How will a Summer Job Affect Your SSI?
If you’re a student exploring work, there are some special rules in place if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If you’re under age 22, Social Security counts your earnings from work differently when determining your SSI payment.
In 2025, Social Security will exclude $2,350 monthly up to a maximum of $9,460 per year if you are regularly attending school.
Visit Social Security’s Redbook to learn more about this provision.
Remember to act professionally and respect your employer and any customers. Take your summer job seriously and look at it as an opportunity to earn some money and gain experience that can help you in the future.
2. Look for Ways to Help
Once you complete all your assigned tasks, it’s not time to wait around. Looking for other ways to help shows that you are a reliable team member who cares about helping others. It also demonstrates that you are willing to go above and beyond to help the organization.
3. Make Connections
As with any job, it is important to network and interact with your coworkers and managers. It makes work more enjoyable, and it will also help in the future when you may need references or are looking for other job opportunities. Former coworkers can become friends who lead to connections with even more people.
4. Do Your Best
In addition to showing up on time and completing your tasks, make sure you put your best effort forward. Some tasks can be completed easily or quickly, but it takes effort to get them done correctly and efficiently. If you have difficulty understanding a task, remember to ask questions. Your coworker or manager will likely be happy to help.
5. Have a Positive Attitude
In any situation, things can go wrong. Someone may not have shown up to work, a machine may be broken, or an order may be late. No matter what happens, keep a positive attitude. Your ability to handle change and adapt quickly are assets that employers respect. Your attitude can be contagious and help the people around you work with you to find solutions.
How Can Ticket to Work Help
Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) and want to work. Through this free and voluntary program, eligible participants can work with service providers to receive the services and supports they need to find and maintain employment as they move toward financial independence through work.
The Ticket Program can support you with different forms of employment, including part time, seasonal and full time. Through the Ticket Program, a service provider such as an Employment Network (EN) can help you understand available Social Security Work Incentives, like the Student Earned Income Exclusion, and give you tips for getting the most out of your summer work experience.
Learn More
To learn more about the Ticket to Work Program, call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842. For callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, call 1-866-833-2967 (TTY). Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.- 8 p.m.; or visit https://choosework.ssa.gov/
