Summer jobs have long been a rite of passage for young people, offering them their first taste of independence and responsibility. However, as the Loose Women panel recently discussed, the tradition of summer jobs is under threat, with opportunities at a seven-year low. Reflecting on their own experiences working during the summer, the panelists shared amusing and sometimes shocking stories—none more surprising than Janet Street-Porter’s.
Katie’s Humble Beginnings
Katie started young, even before she had her National Insurance number. At just 14, she and her sister launched a mobile car washing business, armed only with buckets and sponges. "Looking back, quality control wasn’t high," Katie admitted with a laugh, recalling how soap suds likely remained on many of their clients' cars. The entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there—they also sold apples from their garden and old toys at tabletop sales. Once she was legally able to work, Katie took her first official job at Tesco, climbing the ranks from checkout assistant to the customer service desk and eventually the tobacco kiosk. For Katie, these early jobs taught her the value of earning her own money and laid the foundation for her work ethic.
From Sonic the Hedgehog to Sega World
Another panelist reminisced about her time working at the iconic Trocadero in London’s Leicester Square. A hotspot for young people in its heyday, the Trocadero provided her with unforgettable memories—and one unusual role. "I used to dress as Sonic the Hedgehog and hand out flyers for Sega World," she revealed, laughing. It was a job that came with its own quirks, but for a teenager, working in a lively environment filled with arcade games and young love felt like a dream.
Janet's Shocking Summer Job
While most of the panelists’ jobs were fairly traditional, Janet Street-Porter’s summer work took a more unexpected turn. Her first job was at a tax office, temporarily filling in for her mother while she was on holiday. Janet humorously recounted how she struggled with tasks like operating the switchboard and eventually ended up handling the mail, which gave her the chance to sneak a peek at famous people's tax files.
But it was her next summer job that left the panel in stitches. During her college years in the late 1960s, Janet landed a role as a non-speaking extra in an adult film. “I played a receptionist in a saucy movie about swinging London,” she confessed, describing her character’s white nylon uniform, silver false eyelashes, and clipboard. While she couldn’t see much of the action due to her missing glasses, Janet assured the audience she held her clipboard high and remained professional throughout the experience.
The Changing Landscape of Summer Jobs
The discussion also touched on how summer jobs have evolved over the years. With fewer opportunities available today, many young people are turning to unconventional ways to earn money, from freelancing to starting their own businesses online. However, the panel agreed that having a summer job—whether it’s washing cars, working in retail, or even playing Sonic the Hedgehog—is a valuable experience that helps build character, independence, and a strong work ethic.
A Hair-Raising Finale
The segment wrapped up with a lighthearted discussion about hair disasters, sparked by David Beckham’s recent haircut mishap. Janet, known for her bold opinions, shared her own hair horror stories, while the panel reflected on how a bad haircut can feel like the end of the world—though they agreed that men tend to have it easier than women in these situations.
From washing cars to acting in adult films, the Loose Women panel’s summer job stories showcased a mix of humor, nostalgia, and life lessons. While the landscape of summer work may be changing, the impact of those first jobs remains timeless.
