Whether weekends or summers are on your mind, the thought of you or your teen sleeping in until the afternoon only to wake and then chat online, text friends or game until nightfall may rate youth employment more than a passing interest.
Questions of when, what kind, and for what purpose young people take their first employment are common. Benefits of learning responsibility and gaining more adult perspectives are certainly possible when first engaging in the work force. They are not, however, guaranteed. Looking past the dollar signs a job promises, one must also consider down time needed to rest, recharge and to "be a kid" after competitive academics, sports, activities, and earlier-than-ever pressures to choose a direction for life.
What questions do you and your child both need to answer when considering employment?
- is a job wanted or dreaded?
- is there time in the schedule for a job?
- what type of work would be interesting?
- how will transportation for a job be managed?
- what are your concerns about a job?
- what are the realistic benefits of working?
- how will you handle things like rejection, fatigue, and anger in the workplace?
- are you ready for work?
- what will you have to give up taking on a job?
- will work cause conflicts at home?
What are some important reminders for a teen entering the working world?
Employers do not always fully appreciate their role as mentor to young workers and wind up damaging a worker's self esteem instead of building it up. Sadly, some also sidestep employment laws and overdo what is healthy and legal for the young worker. Loss of down time can create a strain that may show up as lower grades, emotional upset, sleeplessness, or obvious exhaustion. For more information on the legalities and guidelines for youth employment, visit the U.S. Department of Labor YouthRules! Home Page.
Communicate fully and honestly at every turn. If you plan to not work as much or not at all during the school year, say so. If it is not working out, request a change of some sort that may help or politely relate that you must give the notice and will need to leave that job for a better fit. Never assume that a first job, or any job, is insignificant just because it isn’t a career track position. Making good impressions when coming into, engaging in and leaving every employment situation is important. Certain careers with the Federal Government require that ALL past employers be interviewed by an FBI agent. Extensive employment background checks can also be triggered when a member of the military is considered for a higher security rating.
Having some experience will definitely increase the chances of stepping up into jobs with more responsibility and ultimately the dream job. Be sure to create a resume at the time you take the first job and keep it updated with each successive position you take. Record all duties performed and responsibilities you have - especially things like "scheduling, inventory, managing displays, auditing the day's receipts, supervising staff in the owner's absence" and any other items that are highly transferable and that highlight your trustworthiness. Constructing a good working resume in the moment will prove handy for seeking the next job and for wording scholarship and college applications.
Learning money management is no longer optional. With the first paycheck comes the need to understand a W-2, payroll deductions, budgeting for your expenses, savings (recommend 10% from each paycheck automatically deposited to savings), and tax filing obligations. An excellent resource for teens to learn the larger context of managing money is NEFE® High School Financial Planning Program NEFE® Students Home Page.
While accepting minimum wage is the norm and this may not be a job that relates to your future goals very directly, consider also volunteering in jobs that may not pay at all, but that tap into a passion or a future career intention. One can build important experience and an impressive resume with volunteer experiences as well as paying jobs.
This article is adapted from one written by Megan O’Neil-Haight, The University of Maryland Extension, and originally published as "Is a Summer Job the Right Thing for My Child?" in Delmarva Youth Magazine, May/June 2006.
