For many, if not all, teenagers, high school is a full time job. Between homework and extracurriculars, students endure a heavy workload nearly all day, for nearly every day of the week. The only thing that sets the job of a student apart from that of an adult? To state the obvious, highschoolers are not paid to sit through hours of classes or studying, and would have to look elsewhere in order to make their own money. For the average teenager in Town & Country, this is quite the dilemma. Without cash they would not be able to partake in the fun and exciting things that they enjoy doing in their free time.

In response to this problem, students who are interested in making their own money adapt something that is called a side-hustle, any type of employment that allows them to make money outside of their “day job.” Typically, a side-hustle gives students a loose and flexible schedule to work with, making it less stressful and more pleasant to do. The possibilities are endless, and students can all find ways to make their side-hustles their own.

“It is important for me to make money outside of school because it teaches me the value of the dollar and it gives me extra spending money for when I go out with my friends,” said Hayley Adair, senior.

Hayley works at Silky’s, a well known and loved frozen custard stand. While, at first, her job might sound easy, Hayley is constantly busy at work.

“I scoop ice cream, make concretes, and also shakes. Sometimes, I work at the register, to check people out or to hand out orders. And when it’s closing time I sweep, mop, and help close up the store.”

Even though Hayley’s shifts at Silky’s might require more focus and effort than that of other jobs, it still is enjoyable and a great way to spend time.

“It can get stressful, but most of the time I have a lot of fun. I’m always getting to know new people, and the relaxed environment makes it really enjoyable to go to work.”

Another side-hustle, quite unlike that of working at an ice cream stand, is babysitting. Dozens of students in each grade often watch younger kids as a way of making money. Specifically, Lucy Wood, senior, has been doing so for close friends of her family for the past couple of years.

“I nanny for a family with four kids,” said Wood. “Depending on the day, I drive them to appointments and practices, or even just go to their house to watch them while their parents are away,” said Wood.

Lucy’s side-hustle is definitely more laid back and easy going. Because she has a tight bond with the family she babysits for, Wood absolutely loves her job, and hardly does it for the money.

“These kids have become super important to me, too. I love taking care of them, and it even feels like they’ve made me a part of their family,” said Wood.

A side-hustle on the more unique side of the spectrum is one done by Victoria Smith, who is also a part of the class of 2020. Smith makes her earnings by taking colorful and artsy photos of her clients all around the city of St. Louis. Furthermore, Smith is self-employed. What started out as an entertaining past-time to do with her friends quickly turned into a growing business by advertising and sharing her talent on social media.

“I had no idea my photography was going to blow up like it did once I started to post the pictures I’ve taken on Instagram and VSCO,” said Smith. “Once I saw how people were responding and taking an interest to it, I knew I could turn it into something bigger than it was.”

Like many, Victoria has been able to incorporate her passion into her side-hustle. Her art and photography not only bring joy to others, but also to herself, as she is able to make money for simply doing what she loves.

“That’s the great thing about it,” Smith added. “The last thing it feels like is a job because I love to do it.”