With the school year coming to an end and the weather improving, many students are seeking jobs for the summer. There are a variety of options for students, with some of the most popular being lifeguarding, caddying, self-employment and working at restaurants. As people who have worked both inside and outside, we understand the drawbacks of each one, but there is a clear winner. To us, working outside is far better than working inside over summer break.
Throughout the school year, students spend eight hours a day inside the classroom under artificial lighting and away from fresh air. When summer finally rolls around and Michigan starts to warm up, it seems wasteful to trade one set of walls for another. Choosing an outdoor summer job as opposed to staying inside offers a refreshing break from the repetitive setting students find themselves in. Missing out on Michigan’s short but beautiful summer just to spend the rest of the year back in the classroom isn’t worth it.
Obviously, working outside is dependent on the weather, but Michigan has ideal summer temperatures with most days being between 70 and 90 degrees. Although these temperatures are great, Michigan summers are rain-heavy, with about 12 days a month having rain during the summer. Although you may lose out on a day to work, days off for bad weather allow you to take a much-needed break from the constant working and spend some time on other things that matter to you without having to find someone to cover your shift.
The daily grind is hard, but when it’s outside, it comes with a variety of health benefits from working outside that are just absent from indoor jobs. For starters, being out in the sun throughout the day produces vitamin D in your body, which is linked to immune health and maintaining general cellular function. Additionally, working outside can lower your body’s cortisol, the stress hormone. This is extremely important for high schoolers who have stressful lives outside of work. Being outside during the day also promotes better sleep and general health because of natural light and fresh air.
Summer break serves as a chance to generate wealth and be outside. Whether you’re working at a pool, a golf course, or anything else outdoors, working outside comes with the amazing benefits of getting a nice tan while making money, without having to spend time lying out in the sun for hours. If you choose to work inside all summer, you are missing out on the beautiful weather, the chance to tan, health benefits and free days off. Make the most of Michigan’s short, sunny season and let your skin soak in the warmth while you work.
