I’ve been in summertime mode lately. I just graduated college recently, and summer starts pretty early for college kids. I graduated early May, so I’ve been in the “adult world” as they say for a month now. It’s been fun.

As an adult, I’ve been working my usual summer jobs, and applying to tons of actual jobs. So yeah, damn near nothing has changed.

Only thing that’s different is I won’t be going back to college this fall.

Some of my friends who are younger than me are though, and a lot of them find themselves struggling to pass the time.

I’ve been in this before, so I got some tips for you young kids out there (I’m probably three years older than you).

One thing you can do, obviously, is get a job.

I remember when I was in high school, I would work all the summer. I would constantly be working part time jobs during the summer. I’ve worked at bakeries, liquor stores, sports bars, camps, and many more.

Yeah, it can be tough to have a job that’s pretty crummy.

Most of the time, part time jobs don’t pay that well, and depending on the setting, they don’t treat you too well either. I was always the youngest at my jobs, so sometimes people would look down on me or not treat me too well. It’s unfortunate, but that shouldn’t sway you away from a job.

I’ve also had some jobs where it’s the opposite.

I feel like working at a camp is probably the most obvious choice here, especially as a young student in high school or college. It’s also nice because most of the time, you’re going to be with people around your age.

This is a great way to make new friends, and also make some money while you’re at it. I’d say working at a camp is a great gig. 

Something else you can do is go on trips with friends and family.

This is one of those things that might be tougher if you’re on the younger side. Maybe because you and your friends don’t have the funds, or can’t drive yet, or maybe a combination of both.

But if you’re lucky enough to be able to go on trips and vacations, now’s the time to do it. Get your passports and luggage packed. It can be a trip to another country, or even something a little more lowkey, like a trip to another state, or a road trip.

If the money isn’t all there, you can just have a day trip, like to a beach for instance. I went to the beach in Long Island with my friends a couple of weeks ago, it was a great time.

I got cooked like a salmon, but still, great time.

Lastly, putting yourself out there and just trying to make new experiences.

If you have friends, consider yourself lucky. You should be hanging out with friends often, either having them over and relaxing with them, or just going out and chilling, getting food, and going to new areas.

If you don’t have any friends, put yourself out there and try to meet new people.

I make a ton of new friends at the gym, at the library, or even at the grocery store. Go to various places. Become a regular. And wherever there are people at these places, go with them and hang out with them. 

As you become more and more acclimated to these places, you’ll feel more comfortable and confident.

People will start to talk to you, or let you talk to them. Lately, I’ve been visiting my local library a lot, and I talk to whoever is at the front desk whenever I go.

I made a friend with the manager at the time, and I gave him my contact information to establish a future connection. I also wanted him to reach out because the library will be having future events for people to hang out at.

See? That’s all it takes.

I just made small talk with him and asked him “what’s a good place to meet young people in their 20s around my age?”. 

That’s all it ever takes. It doesn’t have to be a big gesture. It doesn’t have to be scary. Just put yourself out there. I hope young kids are reading this, because that’s my best advice for you guys.

Put yourselves out there. It can only help you.

You guys are young.

You have the whole world at your fingertips. Enjoy it while your youth lasts!

Nick is an accomplished writer with over 60 articles in Binghamton University’s Pipe Dream newspaper.