In a town with hundreds of businesses and teens’ hunger for money, many HHS students have been on the hunt for a job. Many will take what they can get, while others are more particular with job benefits, environment, and pay.

Junior Shannon Kizner had to pick over her favorite hobby and sport since age 4, and getting a job.

“I [decided I] wanted my own money so my parents would give me more independence,” Kizner explains. “I really like the people I work with and I get paid every week.”

Kizner works at Texas Roadhouse, a restaurant that uses a system called tip share.

“On slow nights it sucks and on busy nights you make bank but have to split all tips with the hostesses, bus boys, and bar tenders,” Kizner said.

Junior Lexi Biller has had some experience in the restaurant industry. She first worked at Jess’, Ham’s and is currently working at Outback Steakhouse.

“We get paid tip share and they’re really lenient in letting you take off. We get half off our food for working there,” Biller said.

For many employees whether high school students or not, benefits are a big aspect of having a job. Biller looks for nice people to work with, good pay, opportunities to get promotions, benefits, and one that can work around your schedule.

Many high school students have worked in JMU dining services, local restaurants, fast food restaurants, and at the mall.