When it comes to teaching kids about responsibility, nothing beats a part-time job.
When they work outside the home, teenagers and young adults have the opportunity to learn important skills that will help them succeed in their lives and careers.
Lessons learned
Whether they mow lawns for neighbors, update the database for a nonprofit organization or interact with customers in a retail store, jobs provide kids with critical life skills. They’ll learn how to earn and save money, get along with new people, achieve company objectives and solve problems in a professional setting.
They’ll also discover that reliability, timeliness and a positive attitude go a long way, and that there are real-world consequences for lateness and poor performance.
Early jobs also give kids a chance to know more about themselves and define their likes and dislikes. For instance, a child with a penchant for helping people and sick animals may or may not enjoy working for a veterinarian or health center.
A teenager with a passion for motorcycles and cars may thrive as a mechanic’s helper, but may dislike certain aspects of the position, and decide to focus on something else.
Many teenagers gain valuable experience in jobs that don’t match their interests or hobbies. Even the most routine positions will teach kids about finances, dependability and following directions.
How to help choose
To assist your teenager in selecting the right job, identify your needs and goals, as well as those of your child. Take a moment to answer the following questions:
* Is the income necessary for the family, or will it serve as the child’s spending money?
* Is the primary objective of the job to allow your child to explore a hobby in a more organized setting?
* Is your teenager trying to make an impact on college applications by landing an impressive internship or entry-level role?
* Are you simply looking for a seasonal or weekend diversion for your child that will provide him or her with a constructive way to spend time?
Once you determine the main purpose of the position, the next step is to balance your goals (or those of your child) with convenience for your family. For example, the company must be well-located and easily accessible by car or public transportation. Also, the hours shouldn’t overlap with school activities or other responsibilities. Help your child succeed by ensuring that he or she can arrive at work on time for every scheduled shift.
Kid-friendly positions
Encourage your teenager to seek employment through the newspaper or regional Internet job boards, or by contacting the business or organization directly. You may wish to supervise this part of the process, and use your judgment to guide your child in making sound decisions.
There are literally thousands of opportunities available to young job seekers, including retail shops, theaters, health centers, libraries, graphic design firms, legal offices, hospitals and information technology companies, to name a few. Motivate your child to be creative and brainstorm ideas that sound interesting and fun.
Even if your teenager can’t find work that perfectly aligns with his or her personality, a part-time job will likely be a rich source of education and a terrific use of time.
Send your job search questions to Eve.GetAJob@gmail.com.
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