Pedestrians in Florida, watch out. Crossing the street or walking alongside a busy road is more dangerous than you may realize. In the United States, 12% of traffic fatalities come from Florida alone.

Nowhere is the tragedy of a traffic accident more apparent than when it affects our schoolchildren. Fortunately, you can make a difference and prevent these saddening traffic accidents–all while getting paid. And the way you can do that is by becoming a crossing guard.

With a few exceptions, none of the South Florida careers help keep children directly safe as much as being a crossing guard. Follow along as we discuss how you benefit from working as a South Florida crossing guard.

Being a Crossing Guard Allows You to Actually Protect Children

No one in our society is as vulnerable as children. They say that it takes a village to raise one, and many would agree that protecting little ones is one of our society’s most important duties.

When you work as a crossing guard, you are making a real, tangible effort to protect children. Many people in search of South Florida jobs want an actual career of passion that helps them build and protect the community. This is an excellent choice.

Kids have brains that are still in development. Biologically speaking, their ability to make good, reasonable judgments is still improving with time. They need an adult to tell them when it’s safe to cross the street, among other things.

It may seem like a small thing, but you are giving kids a pinch of experience in decision-making. They’re learning hands-on how to safely cross roads. This experience can aid them in other areas of their lives as well.

You Can Supplement Your Income

Obviously, becoming a crossing guard could never translate into a full-time career. You work for an hour or two in the morning before classes, then again when school gets out. Only in schools where there is an off-campus lunch release or a half day would you work more than that.

That said, it is a wonderful way to supplement your income. School is in session most of the year, and only stops for holidays. Since you’re living in South Florida Florida’s heat, there will never be snow days, so your work will be consistent.

And since a crossing guard often works earlier, many people can fit it into an existing work schedule. If you already work from home and set your own schedule, this is a great way to start the day.

Seniors Get Something to Do

Retired folk often discover that retirement is a lot more boring than they initially anticipated. Sure, there’s bingo night and aerobic exercises at the pool. But many wish for additional, meaningful activities to add to their schedule.

Serving as a South Florida crossing guard might just be the ticket. It’s a very minimal commitment; you’ll be working part-time, and the low end of part-time at that.

Plus, part-time South Florida careers give you some supplemental income as we mentioned earlier. So you could be enjoying retirement while living in South Florida, and making enough to cover some groceries and gas.

Seniors make up a large percentage of the volunteer community. Becoming a crossing guard is something of a halfway between normal South Florida careers and volunteering. So you get paid, and you get a sense of satisfaction for helping, too.

You Get Out of the House

Too many jobs cram us into cubicles with poor lumbar support for 8 hours per day. This makes our lives more sedentary than they are already. It contributes to worsening lower back pain, and the permanent nerve damage associated with long-term sitting.

A crossing guard is one of those South Florida jobs where you won’t be sitting one bit. You’re up on your feet, walking back and forth across the crosswalk each morning and afternoon. For seniors, that’s usually manageable and keeps you active.

Sure, it’s not exactly an exercise. But we’d wager it’s ten times better than sitting in a cheap office chair or risking an RSI by typing all day.

Plus, who doesn’t love a fresh, beautiful morning? A South Florida crossing guard gets to take in the sunrise five days a week. When you return in the afternoon, the hottest part of the day is practically over.

You Get to Work With Children

For many, working with children is a joy. Kids have tons of energy and optimism that you won’t readily find in adults. Even if it is early, they have a spring in their step heading to classes.

Working with people of your own age can sometimes be depressing. Folks are stressed out, overworked, and tired.

Kids? They sleep ten hours a day and spend the rest of the time daydreaming and imagining. The choice of “co-workers” is easy enough to make.

Best of all, you aren’t getting most of the stress that comes with handling kids. They’re headed off to their teachers, who will have to keep them from bouncing off the walls instead of you. You just make sure they make it safely across the zebra crossing.

Find South Florida Jobs With Nextaff

A crossing guard position is an excellent job option for people who need minimal commitment and a sense of satisfaction. It works great to supplement your income, or else give seniors something to do during retirement. Whatever your reasons for becoming a crossing guard, you know you’re helping the community and secondary education.

Nextaff connects you with the best options for South Florida careers. Start here by searching for available job listings in your area.