Who Said Working With Your Friends Can't Be Fun?

During your teenage years, you envision life after Year 12 to be smooth sailing - in every aspect. You promise yourself you WILL go on that trip, you WILL get that sentimental inside joke tattoo, you WILL do everything before the new year comes around. Whether you plan on studying, working or travelling, you’re scared your friendships will inevitably expire once high school ends.

Sure - people choose different paths and go on different endeavours. Even though we grew up together, we’re now at the stage of growing up–going for professional job interviews, focusing on our career and leaving the antics and trouble of high school behind.

But who said growing up meant leaving your friendships behind? Who said memories needed to stop being created after graduating? We’ve all seen those memes of not being able to catch up with friends and family because life gets too busy but that’s exactly what life is all about - the relationships you have, fill your cup.

Whether you listened to pop punk too much growing up and wanted to escape your home town in or wanted something more than the typical high school, to uni, to work transition then Summer Skills has got you covered. From fee-free short courses to an array of stunning destinations across Australia needing a hand this year, work with mates over this summer in coastal locations or inland to beautiful country towns. Here’s why living it up with your mates outside of school is a good idea:

You don’t go through that awkward icebreaker session with them

We spend most of our waking hours at work, so we better love it. Naturally, we get to know our work colleagues better than we know ourselves–so why not work alongside your long-term mates? Work prioritises anything, so as long as you can work as a team and support each other, godspeed.

They’ll have your best interests in mind

Don’t we always need someone to tell us right from wrong sometimes?  Knowing you have someone that will keep you in check and support you is great in the workplace but remember, boundaries are important too.

A good friendship will spread good vibes

You will feel enriched and it’ll rub off onto the people around you - no matter the work environment. You’re creating a friendly, engaged environment with a great, inclusive culture that people will be excited to come to work in!

They’ll cheer you up on stressful days

Work can be stressful at times but to cut through the tension, you need someone to be there for you that’ll crack you up and to not take things so seriously.

It’s time well spent

Working with friends can sometimes act as a distraction but the giggles and occasional jokes weigh largely over everything else. With the amount of hours you’re at work, you need someone to let off some steam with, someone to confide in and have a yarn with. Better headspace = high productivity levels.

A friendship that goes further than the bond, such as professional, is one of the most fulfilling friendships possible. You always have someone to look forward to seeing everyday–not just on your days off. There’s also nothing wrong with being undecided about uni - take it easy, take your time, vibe with your mates and start your post-school journey with Summer Skills this summer.