Many people remember their first job, whether it was serving burgers or washing cars. But is this rite of passage a good part of a growing teen’s life? For many young people, having a job can be a positive part of growing up. To get the best out of the experience, it’s important to know what teens can learn from having a job, and how to make it work with their lives.
IS WORKING A GOOD IDEA FOR TEENAGERS?
Each teenager is different, so it’s important to take their strengths and weaknesses into account. A young person who has ample free time and manages their schedule well would probably benefit from having a job. On the other hand, someone who is already overwhelmed by the demands of school isn’t likely to have the same experience.
Working can help teens learn a sense of responsibility and self-reliance. Getting a paycheck is a good way to start learning how to budget their earnings and set savings goals. Statistically, teens who work less than 15 hours a week tend to rise to the challenge and get better grades than their non-working peers.
BEST PART-TIME JOBS FOR TEENAGERS
Many businesses have seasonal work available during the summer break, making it a great time for teens to try their hand at joining the workforce. Some places for them to consider applying to include:
- Pools
- Amusement parks
- Movie theaters
- Ice cream shops
- Coffee shops
- Landscaping companies
It can also be a good idea to work for a neighbor as a babysitter, dog walker, or doing yard work.
HOW TO BALANCE WORK AND SCHOOL AS A TEENAGER
For teens to be successful, they have to find a balance between their time at work and the rest of their lives. It’s helpful to spend some time going over their schedule to see how much time they actually have available to devote to a job. They should take into account their extracurricular activities, such as sports, and social lives as well as their school work.
Going into the job-seeking process with a clear understanding of how much time they actually have will make it easier to find a job that fits into their life, instead of overwhelming them.
BENEFITS OF JOBS FOR TEENAGERS
On top of the previously mentioned ways that having a job can help a teen grow, there are some meaningful skills they can gain from the experience.
Helps Teens Gradually Step Into Adulthood
At some point, a teen is going to move out and live on their own. If that seems impossible, it’s because they still have some growing up to do. Adulthood doesn’t have to be a sink-or-swim experience, though, and working as a high school student is a great way for them to start learning the qualities they need to succeed on their own.
Develops Soft Skills in Teens
A teen’s first job might not have anything to do with their dream career. But they can learn soft skills that transfer to help them shine in many other positions. These include being able to deal with conflict, solving problems as they come up, communicating well, and listening and responding to unhappy customers.
Enforces the Value of Doing a Job Right
The kinds of jobs that are available to teens may seem simple, but achieving success at a simple job matters. For many, it’s their first taste of the satisfaction of a job well done.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY FOR TEENAGERS TO FIND GOOD JOBS?
The days of pounding the pavement and putting in applications in person are mostly gone. Today’s hiring process begins almost entirely online, so you’ll want to find job listing sites that have positions that meet your needs.
For people aged 17 to 24 who are seeking a way into the job market in Delaware County, Pennsylvania CareerLink® has a variety of programs to help prepare them for the workforce and connect them with jobs.
FIND & KEEP THE BEST JOB WITH HELP FROM PA CAREERLINK TODAY!
Finding the right job can be a struggle, whether you are a teenager or not. If you’re trying to find work in Delaware County, PA CareerLink® can help. We offer career planning, job training, and hiring events to help you move forward in your career.
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