Working summer jobs has made me happier and more relaxed.

This summer, some Gen Zers and millennials are working additional jobs alongside their regular employment.

Due to inflation and low wages, many Americans are resorting to part-time jobs and side hustles to survive financially.

Second and seasonal jobs are viewed as a fun way for 20- and 30-somethings to earn money doing something they love or add to their savings account with extra spending money.

DON'T MISS: How to be more successful with your money

'It's more than a job, it's where I grew up'

For 12 summers, Anna Laquintano has been working at Rita's in Rockledge, Pennsylvania, scooping frozen custard and Italian ice.

Laquintano, 28, began working alongside her older sister at the age of 16 as a way to pass the time while she was out of school.

She works full-time as a marketing coordinator at the American Heritage Federal Credit Union in Philadelphia, but during the summer months, she also manages Rita's three nights a week, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

"Laquintano tells CNBC Make It that while she loves the job's additional source of income, it's more than just that. "Rita's has been a part of me for so long that I could never imagine letting it go ... it's more than a job, it's where I grew up.""

She reveals that some of her happiest memories have been at the shop, even during long lines that wrapped around the corner for hours.

Laquintano, who works at Rita's with her younger brother Andrew, says that she has made some of her best friends while working there and it has given them an opportunity to spend more time together.

Laquintano manages to avoid burnout by ensuring her weekends are entirely work-free and assertively communicating her need for breaks to her bosses at Rita's.

I may only work one shift during some weeks, but I strive to avoid overworking myself. Drinking a lot of caffeine helps me get through the week.

According to Glassdoor, Rita's managers earn an average of $19 per hour. Laquintano plans to use her extra income to leave her parents' home and purchase a house in the next year.

'Everyone's happier at the beach'

Over the past few summers, Pat Fullerton became a frequent visitor to Bird & Betty's, a well-known waterfront bar and restaurant in Beach Haven, New Jersey. He spent so much time and money there that he considered the possibility of earning a living by working there.

He has a part-time job as a server at Bird & Betty's during the summer, in addition to his full-time job as an account executive at a software development firm.

Bird & Betty's has always been one of his favorite places to grab dinner or go dancing on Long Beach Island, where he spent most summers vacationing as a child.

From June to September, the 29-year-old works 40 hours a week at his sales job and three nights a week at the restaurant, from 5 p.m. until midnight.

Despite residing in Hoboken, New Jersey, which is approximately a two-hour drive from the restaurant, Fullerton's sales job is entirely remote, allowing him to spend half the week, typically Thursdays through Sundays, living and working from his aunt's beach house on the island.

"Fullerton says, "I love my job and look forward to it after work and on weekends. The beach is a great place to relax, and the restaurant's rooftop allows me to watch the sunset while getting some exercise.""

Working at Bird & Betty's has given Fullerton a much-needed social outlet as a remote employee. Despite spending days without seeing anyone in person, he gets to interact with his colleagues and customers during his shifts at the restaurant. Interestingly, Fullerton has found that working more has made him feel happier and more relaxed.

He expects to earn between $6,000 and $8,000 by the end of summer, based on tips and any extra shifts he takes on. Fullerton states that this money will be used for their upcoming wedding.

A surprising antidote to job stress

Despite having summers off, Krystal Alvarado has been working in the middle of the woods in central Texas for the past six weeks.

She says it's been the highlight of her summer.

A family services coordinator for the Hidalgo County Head Start Program, Alvarado, 25, assists students from low-income families in school districts across South Texas.

During the summer months, from June to August, she works as a counselor at the Kickapoo Kamp for Girls in Kerrville, Texas, earning approximately $1,500 for her six weeks of service.

Alvarado has been a counselor at Kickapoo for five years, but this is the first summer since 2019 that she has been able to return to her favorite overnight camp due to her busy schedule.

"She recalls how she stumbled upon an ad for camp on Facebook and applied because she loves working with kids. "But camp is a magical place," she says, "I've been scheming to come back ever since.""

She organizes activities for girls aged seven to 15, including archery and swimming lessons, dance parties, and s'mores by the fire, among other outdoor excursions.

"Alvarado says that while she loves her day job, it can negatively impact her mental health because the families she works with face numerous challenges, and she is restricted in the ways she can assist them. However, working at Kickapoo gives her the opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of young girls and help them create happy memories, which serves as a welcome contrast to the stresses of her job."

To become more successful and confident with your money, enroll in CNBC Make It's online course. Our expert instructors will guide you in mastering your finances and implementing practical strategies to increase savings, reduce debt, and grow wealth. Start your journey to financial freedom today with a 30% discount using the coupon code EARLYBIRD until September 2, 2024.

Sign up for CNBC Make It's newsletter to receive tips and tricks for success at work, with money and in life.