If you’re anything like me, your summer plans A through C are all out the window due to the coronavirus. Internships, travel opportunities, exciting jobs—most everything in the near future is being cancelled or postponed. It’s just the reality of now. But again, if you are like me, one of your first concerns for the summer is making some extra cash––even if that means risking the outside world. While still staying safe, of course.

Not to worry—there are still plenty of summer jobs available. Restaurants, grocery stores, delivery services—they’re all still active and hiring more than ever. And if you cannot afford to go without work, there are options.

I’ve consistently had some job or another since I was 16. Many of those jobs are in fields that happen to still be open or reopening soon. Of course, every person is different and I’m biased. These are based on my still-limited experience. Also, some of these jobs will look different because of the coronavirus. All I can offer is my experience in several of them. 

1. Barista. I have worked as a barista at both Common Grounds and at a drive-thru coffee shop in my Kansas hometown. Making coffee is a fun and satisfying process, and I loved the friendly banter with customers. Of course, there is always some not-so-friendly feedback, too. The only other downside I ever found from this job was the cleaning up. If you’re a barista, you can expect to do a variety of downtime and end-of-shift cleaning jobs, but this may not even be a con if you enjoy cleaning. Baristas often also have really, really dead shifts, and some really, really, busy ones. Spills are inevitable, and rushing around because you’ve only made one of five drinks for your next customer and there are three more in line is too. And some days, you just have to hang out. It has variety, and I appreciated that.
2. Server. I spent the majority of 2018 as a server. I firmly believe that everyone needs to work in food service at least once in their lives—it is an experience like no other. I worked for a while in a family-owned Mexican Restaurant, also in my hometown. There were some really great things about waitressing. I loved earning my money on tips. If you choose the restaurant wisely, your serving job will pay more than most other summer jobs. I also loved the interaction with customers and the fast-paced nature of the job. Again, there is cleaning after. Another downside is that serving can get very tiring. Your feet will hurt. And like being a barista, you may have some days that are totally dead. But that’s what keeps it interesting.
3. Front Desk Worker/Receptionist. If you are uncomfortable talking to strangers, then this is not the job for you. If you are good at memorizing information, then it is. I loved feeling helpful and official when I worked at the Harrisonburg community center’s desk. Days can be long and slow, but if you are allowed to work on other things then you’ll be set. I got close to my coworkers at our long desk shifts. It also feels incredible to be able to use the system to register someone for an access card, or answer a really tough question. 
4. Farm Worker. If you don’t mind a bit of manual labor and long work days, I recommend this job wholeheartedly. The pay is great and the scenery is better. Plus, it’s a good change of pace from the relentless assignment-based work of college. It can get tiring, and a bit monotonous at times, but there are always different jobs to be done requiring different levels of concentration. Of course, it will look different in every state, but in my case, we were paid $10/hour for 11-12 hour days. You do the math… 
5. Childcare Worker. For not wanting to be a teacher, I have spent an inordinate amount of my young adult life working in childcare: A preschool and two different after-school programs. This job may be more scarce, since group gatherings are limited. However, babysitting/nannying jobs often are not hard to find. Childcare is simultaneously one of the most difficult and rewarding jobs out there, in my experience. It’s loud, it’s messy, and there are often tears. However, it is also fun, meaningful, enlightening, and usually pays pretty well too.
6. Cook. This one actually comes from the experience of my co-editor, senior Amanda Hergenrather, who probably knows more about food than anyone I know. She worked as a cook at the Harrisonburg staple, Food.Bar.Food. According to Amanda, one of the cons of working as a cook is that you do not get tips, and cuts and burns are common if you aren’t careful, and sometimes even if you are. As with other restaurant work, there is a fair deal of side-work and cleaning involved as well. Between learning new recipes and how to make them quickly and uniformly, it was difficult when Amanda started––even as someone who has been cooking her whole life––and for about a month she thought she couldn’t do it. But once she settled in and learned the dishes, it was super fun. Along with being incredibly rewarding, pros include learning more about food than you knew was possible, getting to try a variety of dishes, and the freedom (and lack of contact with customers) that comes from working in a kitchen.

And now, for a few jobs that I have personally never worked but are currently or soon will be hiring:

1. Whole Foods Shopper. Due to the coronavirus, Whole Foods is offering jobs starting at $15/hour shopping in store for online orders people have placed. Their application is adamant about their core values and worker benefits. Plus likely discounts on great food? What’s not to love. I have a feeling this position is available at other stores too, but this was the specific one I found.
2. Newspaper Delivery Person. This is looking better and better by the minute. Driving or biking in solitude in the early mornings, listening to your favorite music, and exploring random neighborhoods? Sure thing. And little-to-no human interaction.
3. Pizza Delivery Driver. This is basically the same thing as the last job but with a uniform and less… throwing? Plus tips!
4. Cashier/Clerk. If you have a Kroger store or a Walmart in your town, chances are they’re probably hiring. This job would require a bit more human interaction, but between scanning, bagging, and stocking shelves, there would be nice variety. 

And remember: Above all, stay safe and enjoy your summer!