You best bet is ask your parents, relatives or friends that are working already and see if they can help you find a decent afternoon job. Its very hard to do working from 3pm – closing, since not many stores will want someone like that.

What I did in high school was I waited tables at a local sushi restaurant that opens at 5, so plenty of time for me to get there. The tips are nice and you average about $12/hour (after taxes, which is equivilent to a $18/hr job anywhere else). The work is tough and tiring. You have to deal with mean customers, but who cares, you are just there for the money.

Based on your personal description, you seem to be a hard worker and would be a good asset to any employer, unfortunately your age seems to be your only roadblock. Depending on Federal, state, local laws, and even company policy, the number of hours that you can work or what time to what time you can work can limit you. You may find that you have a $7.00/hour job and work only 15-20 hours a week.

For the recommendation of working at a restaurant (meaning not fast food), you may find yourself limited as well, especially if the restaurant serves alcohol beverages. Depending on state and local laws, you have to be a certain age to serve alcohol (usually 18 in most states, can be 21 in certain areas or states).

Finally, you have to be 18 in order to operate any machinery that is used, for instance, forklifts, balers, compactors, etc.

But, do not let get your hopes down, just be aware of the limits that your age puts you at. I highly recommend working in retail which usually offer the greatest flexibility in hours.