Rahul's First Part-Time Job

During his summer break, Rahul takes up a part-time job at a local bookstore to earn some pocket money and gain work experience.

Meanings in Rahul, Store owner, Anita (mother)

Key words and phrases

part-time jobwork done for fewer hours than a full-time jobHe took up a part-time job during the summer break.

pocket moneya small amount of money given regularly, usually to a young personHe wanted to earn his own pocket money.

work experiencepractical knowledge gained by doing a jobThis job gave him valuable work experience.

shifta scheduled period of workHe worked the evening shift at the store.

customer servicethe assistance given to people buying goods or servicesGood customer service brings people back to the shop.

wagesmoney earned for work doneHe received his first wages at the end of the month.

responsibilitya duty one is expected to handleHandling the cash register was a big responsibility.

punctualarriving on timeHis employer appreciated that he was always punctual.

inventorythe list or stock of items in a shopHe helped organise the book inventory.

balanceto manage two or more things well togetherHe learned to balance his job and his studies.

supervisora person who oversees and guides workersHis supervisor showed him how to use the billing system.

cash registera machine used in shops to record sales and store moneyHe learned to operate the cash register on his first day.

break timea short rest period during working hoursHe had a fifteen-minute break time in the middle of his shift.

employera person or business that pays someone to work for themHis employer was pleased with his hard work.

application forma document filled in to apply for a jobHe filled out an application form to get the job.

colleaguea person one works withHe made a new friend among his colleagues.

overtimeextra time worked beyond the usual hoursHe earned extra money by working overtime.

deadlinea time by which a task must be completedHe finished organising the shelves before the deadline.

professionalismbehaving in a responsible and skilled manner at workHis supervisor praised his professionalism.

promotionbeing given a higher position or more responsibility at workHe was offered a small promotion after two months.

Useful sentences

Ask Can I take up a part-time job this summer?
Answer Sure, as long as it doesn't affect your studies.
Ask What are my working hours at the bookstore?
Answer You'll work the evening shift, four hours a day.
Ask When will I receive my wages?
Answer You'll be paid at the end of the month.
Ask Is customer service difficult to learn?
Answer Not really, just be polite and helpful.
Ask How do I balance the job with my studies?
Answer Make a schedule and stick to it.
Ask Did you have to fill out an application form?
Answer Yes, and the owner interviewed me the next day.
Ask Who is your supervisor at the bookstore?
Answer The store owner himself supervises the new staff.
Ask Have you learned to use the cash register yet?
Answer Yes, a colleague taught me on my first day.
Ask Do you get a break time during your shift?
Answer Yes, I get fifteen minutes to rest and eat something.
Ask Did your employer mention anything about a promotion?
Answer He said if I keep up my professionalism, I might get one.

Dialogue

RahulMom, can I take up a part-time job at the bookstore this summer?

AnitaAs long as you stay punctual and it doesn't affect your studies.

Store OwnerWelcome, Rahul. Your main job will be customer service and organising the inventory.

RahulI'll do my best. When do I get my wages?

Store OwnerAt the end of every month, along with a small bonus for good work.

RahulThank you, this is great work experience for me.

Store OwnerFirst, let's fill out your application form and get you started on the cash register.

Store OwnerYes, fifteen minutes. One of your colleagues will show you around.

AnitaRahul, remember to always show professionalism with your employer.

RahulI will, Mom. Maybe I'll even earn a promotion someday!

Common mistakes

Saying "I am doing part-time" instead of "I have a part-time job" or "I work part-time."
Saying "give me my wage" instead of "pay me my wages" — wages is usually treated as plural.
Saying "balance between job and study" instead of "balance the job and studies" or "balance work and studies."
Saying "my supervisor is teaching me" for a completed action instead of "my supervisor taught me."
Saying "I did overtime" instead of "I worked overtime" (use "work," not "do," with overtime).
Saying "He is my colleague of shop" instead of "He is my colleague at the shop."

Quick quiz

1. What is "pocket money"?

2. Money earned for work done is called ___.

3. Complete: "He learned to ___ his job and his studies."

4. A machine used to record sales and store money in a shop is called a ___.

5. A person who oversees and guides workers is called a ___.

6. What is "overtime"?

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