HIGHLANDERS HUSTLE
Students work part-time around the community Max Irish & Madie Turley REPORTERS
max gold, Ultrazone laser tag game Master
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hen senior Max Gold decided he wanted to get a part-time job, he took on the duty of becoming a game master at Ultrazone Laser Tag. More commonly known as the pinnacle of elementary school birthday celebrations, Gold’s job can range from pizza parties to babysitting. “It’s a fun job, you just have to yell at people sometimes,” Gold said. “If you stay late, you get to play games with the regulars.” The occasional mopping duty is worth the perks of the job. “There are no custodians, so a lot of the cleaning falls on us after closing,” Gold said. “However, I do get free laser tag.” As a laser tag game master, Gold enjoys his job since he is able to have fun and make good money, including tips, and eat free pizza and cake.
libby salopek, Sweet Bites Employee
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ooking into the downtown McLean area, junior Libby Salopek set her sights on getting a job at local cafe Sweet Bites. As someone who loves to make sweet treats and drinks, Salopek chose the perfect job. “I work on Thursdays and Fridays, each three hours a day,” Salopek said. “It’s not too difficult and I get up to $25 a day in tips.” Salopek runs the cash register, sets up baked goods and washes dishes. Despite certain difficulties, such as dealing with the occasional unpleasant customer, there are many benefits Salopek enjoys. “The majority of people are kind and it makes my job more enjoyable,” Salopek said. “I also get to take home free treats every day.”
alex jolly, Power Washing Business
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enior Alex Jolly went with a more entrepreneurial approach, starting his own pressure washing business at the beginning of the pandemic. “I love being in control of my hours. I get to set my own standards,” Jolly said. “Most of the time it’s just me working, but if it’s a large job I’ll bring a friend along to help.” Without a set schedule, Jolly’s jobs and wages vary, with some paying more than others. His work often ranges between two- and four-hour jobs. “The pay is good but you also have to be liable for certain things,” Jolly said. His pressure washing business is relatively new, but it is already thriving. “Although it is a lot of physical labor, I recommend this job to other high schoolers who have a good work ethic,” Jolly said. “The beginning is always the hardest, but anyone can do it if they really want to.”
Photos courtesy of sources | Page design by Vanessa Popescu
FEBRUARY 2022 | FEATURES | 17
