How Working Teens Can Find a Job They Love!

By Gina Roberts-Grey LCSW

Most teens are anxious to jump into the workforce because they appreciate the tremendous feeling of empowerment that finding a job and earning their own money brings. Eagerly anticipating the demonstration of responsibility and maturity, teens often fail to realize that these initial steps into the world of the gainfully employed are the first of many they will spend working. A teen’s enthusiasm and anticipation can be easily squashed by the reality of on the job pressures and difficult co-workers.

While the pressures of dependability and budgeting are common to experienced working adults, too many young people find themselves discouraged when their first job isn’t glamorous or exciting. Knowing how to avoid some common pitfalls that most working teens face, and how to find on-the-job satisfaction, will assist in making your teen’s first job memorable and productive.

Safety First
Obviously, preserving the safety and well being of a working teen is essential. Arm your teen with concise knowledge of his rights as an employee and an individual. Make sure that you review basic safety precautions and potential health and safety risks with your teen before he starts his job, and periodically during the term of his employment. Although it may be uncomfortable, you should also review the boundaries and definitions of harassment and discrimination to ensure your teen is comfortable with and informed of his rights and personal limits.

Make sure that your teen owns or has access to all necessary protective equipment. In case of an accident or emergency, your teen may require medical attention. If he does require medical treatment, he should also have basic knowledge of any allergies or pre- existing conditions he may have in order to ensure he receives proper and effective care.

The Self-Employed Teen
If your teen or tween is looking beyond babysitting to gain experience and earn money, suggest he consider a few options in addition to working at a local fast food restaurant or chain discount center. A foray into self employment is usually quite appealing with teens that are searching for a productive yet creative outlet. If your child isn’t quite ready for the stress of punching a time clock, having his own business may be a great alternative that also provides some lessons in self-discipline and time management.

Encourage your child to look to his hobbies and interests to find a suitable business. Animal lovers might thrive with a dog walking or pet washing service provided to the pets of busy families in the neighborhood. Traveling friends and neighbors might prefer having someone ‘mail box and newspaper sit’ instead of having to forward mail or place a vacation hold at the post office. Teens that have an interest in the outdoors can have a lawn service that goes beyond merely pushing a lawnmower around the yard. Spreading mulch, planting annuals and seasonal yard clean-up services create the opportunity for a larger clientele base and on the job variety.

Whatever his passion, talking with your teen about what his ideal job would be will give him direction to begin searching for employment. Knowing what he expects to achieve on the job, and what his time restraints are will be helpful for a teen who is venturing into self employment.

Organization and Professionalism
Whatever type of employment path he chooses to follow, being perceived as a reliable and serious business owner or individual will be one of the keys to his success. Because marketing and promotion requires stamina and working capital, your self-employed teen can advertise his business with flyers and business cards printed on your home computer. Teens who find employment at an established business should take note of the difference between school clothes and business attire and remember to speak respectfully and intelligently. With a mature attitude and a professional image, he’ll be recognized as a serious professional with a genuine service to sell.

Teens need to be aware that the responsibility of working brings the need for financial responsibility as well. A teen’s first job is also the perfect time to consider opening his own banking account. The chance to be a part of his banking transactions will generate interest and enthusiasm for fiscal solvency. Make sure that he keeps accurate records of expenses and income for filing income taxes and determining profitability.

Pitfalls of Punching a Time Clock
If working for an established business is more suitable for your teen, it is important he know some on the job survival tips that help make working more enjoyable. In addition to preserving his overall health and safety, your teen will find being prepared for a few situations that working teens encounter valuable. One of the top complaints of teens who opt for employment in the hospitality industry is gaining weight.

A weight conscious teen working in the food industry should eat before going to work and bring healthy snacks from home for break periods or his lunch. Talking with your child about proper nutrition and hydration will help preserve his current weight and appearance. His budget will also benefit from preplanning on the job snacks and meals instead of relying on paying for food at work.

Working teens need to be prepared to know how to get along with a stubborn co-worker. Understanding that he can’t choose his co-workers the way he can select his friends is the first step to dealing with controversy on the job. Encourage your teen to find a common on the job denominator with his co-worker to promote a harmonious environment.

Scams and Schemes
Flyers posted on grocery store bulletin boards, signs along the side of the road and ads in the classified section often carry flashy messages touting the ability to earn amazing wages effortlessly and virtually instantaneously. Unfortunately, a teen’s naiveté can make them easy prey to get-rich-quick or work-at-home scams. Making sure your teen realizes that earning significant amounts of money is the result of patient work and dedication, and not a few phones calls will help protect him from get rich quick scams

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