Should Your Teen Get A Job? I was surprised to recently learn that when my oldest son turns 14 in a few months, he can legally get a job. I always thought you had to be 16 to get a job, but 14- and 15-year-olds can work as long as they work no more than three hours a day and 18 hours a week during the school year. They also can’t work past 7:00 p.m. during the school year.
I don’t think Kegan is going to run out and start looking for a job when he turns 14, but it did start me thinking. In a couple years, he may want to get a job – should I let him? And if he doesn’t want one, should I make him get one anyway (if only to help pay for the increased car insurance costs when he turns 16)?
There are arguments both for and against a teenager getting a job, especially during the school year.
The question may come down to your individual child: Is my child ready for a job? Can my child handle working and still maintain good grades? Why does my child want to work?
Is My Child Ready for a Job?
Does my teen get out of bed in the morning without prodding?
Does my teen shower and have good hygiene?
Does my teen make good choices?
Does my teen take responsibility for mistakes?
Does my teen get along with other teens and with adults?
Does my teen handle criticism?
Does my teen have good time management skills?
If you still aren’t sure, consider letting your child work on a trial basis just to see how it goes. You could also let him or her try out regular volunteer work too. Last summer, Kegan was a Teen Volunteer at our local library. Not only did he have to fill out an application and go through an interview, but he also had regular job responsibilities and a time sheet to fill out. He received many of the benefits of a paying job but on a limited basis appropriate for his age.
School Guidance Counselor. He or she may know about local businesses that hire teens.
Coaches, teachers, parents, and friends. Let everyone know you are job-hunting – you never know who might have a lead on the perfect job for you.
Organizations you have volunteered for. Maybe someday Kegan can parlay his summer volunteer time at the library into a part-time job.
Once your teen does find a job, monitor how it’s going and whether your teen seems able to handle the work along with everything else in his or her life. Is homework getting done and grades staying high? Is she enjoying the job? Does he have time for friends and family? If the job is too much, see if your teen can work fewer hours or cut back to a summer job only. A summer job can provide all the benefits of a year-round job without interfering with your child’s full-time job: school.
This is a very good resource, thanks!
Many teenagers have lost jobs since the recession happened and there are numerous of college graduates who couldn’t get a job either. Creativity, personality and skill seems to be the main factor for teenagers to get a job in a very tough competition.
Now days it is not easy for teens to get a job easily unless they have special talents and beat others in the competitive world and earn the job.
This is really helpful… Thanks! A lot!
Another great place for teens to find a job is at their local library. Not only does the library sometimes have job openings but they also list job opportunities from community employers.