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Benefits of Having a Job as a Teenager

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There are many benefits of having a job as a teenager. Teens will get money, independence, responsibility, and work experience. Read this post to find out more about the benefits of working as a teenager and the types of part-time jobs suitable for a teen whilst they are still studying in school.

Benefits of Having a Job as a Teenager

What are the benefits of getting a job as a teenager?

Being a teenager can be a challenging time in one's life, but did you know that getting a job during this phase can have numerous benefits? From gaining financial independence to building life skills and a strong work ethic, the advantages of having a job as a teenager are numerous. In this article, we will explore the top benefits of getting a job as a teenager and why it is a valuable experience that can shape one's future.

Getting a job as a teen is your first step into independence 

Getting a job as a teen is your first step into independence. It makes you feel like an adult and gives you valuable independence skills as well as personal responsibility And, of course, it means you will start to earn your own money independently of your parents. 

Teenagers with jobs will begin to appreciate the value of money 

Until they get their own job and realise the effort that goes into earning money, many teens will not appreciate the hard work their parents or carers put into providing for them.  They will soon begin to appreciate the value of money once they are earning themselves and realise what the working world is actually like. 

Teenagers with a job are in a great position to start maximising their savings for the future 

Teenagers should be able to save more money and spend less, making it easier for them to build up their savings for the future.  It’s highly likely parents will still be paying for the mortgage, bills and food, so a teen is in the prime position to earn money and save as much as possible.

Although, it means teens could help out more with finances in the home

If your family is not particularly well-off or monthly outgoings are a struggle for the parents, then getting a job as a teen means you can contribute to the cost of living for your parents, such as paying a nominal amount towards the rent or food shopping perhaps.

You can start taking responsibility for some of your own purchases 

For example, you may start buying your own clothing and shoes now you are older, especially in your late teens.  If you want to run a car then a part-time job is the ideal way to fund your car expenses and not expect your parents to fund this cost.  Car insurance for teens can be quite pricey so you’ll want to look into budget auto insurance to ensure you get the best value for your money.  Alternatively, there may be some companies specifically with cheap car insurance for teens to stop you from paying over the odds.

As an older teen, in particular, your living costs may start to increase as you want to have things like cars, the latest smartphone, more phone data, and a more independent social life with your friends.  A job means you can start taking responsibility for your own wanted and needs by funding your lifestyle yourself.

Getting a job as a teen provides a valuable step into work experience giving you an advantage for future roles

The earlier you start working, the better your chances are of getting a good job. Employers prefer to hire someone who has worked before because they have proven they are dependable and more likely to be successful in the workplace.  Once you have worked well in one employment, you can ask for a positive reference for the next job you apply for, giving you an edge over the competition as your previous employer can vouch for how hardworking and dependable you are.

Types of jobs you can get as a teenager whilst studying 

Different types of jobs you can get as a teenager (while studying)

Jobs for teens are not as easy to find, but they are out there. You just need to know how to find them. 

Summer jobs for teenagers are great because you don't have to commit to anything long-term. But there's still a downside: like many things, summer jobs for teens might be easier to find in some locations than others. Think of locations that might have a need for extra help in the summer such as theme parks, outdoor venues such as lidos, summer festivals and holiday camps.

Other jobs that often employ teens include paper rounds, catering (from pot-washing to serving) and some retailers as cashiers or shelf stockers.

You can also consider doing your own thing such as carwashing, babysitting or if you have digital skills then you could set up your own business selling your services online or to friends and family who need your skills - yes, even as a teenager, why not enter the entrepreneurship world at a young age and get a head start!  There are many opportunities and ways to make money online.

Getting a part-time or weekend job around your school or studies may seem like an impossible task, but there are many companies that employ teens, especially when aged 16+ for part-time roles.

In my own experience, I got a paper round at age14-15, babysat for local friends and family from age 14 and worked weekends and school holidays in a clothing store from age 16.

Benefits of Having a Job as a Teenager

10 benefits of having a job as a teenager (from an expert)

There are many pros and cons to teens working. If your kid wants to join the workforce, you should definitely be aware of the challenges that may arise. That being said, the benefits can far outweigh the costs. Teens earn more than just a paycheck from part-time work. When it comes to discussing work with your child, think about all the benefits they could be reaping.

Here are 10 benefits of working as a teenager by Ron Stefanski from JobsForTeensHQ.com:

1.     Confidence

Landing that first job can give your teenager a huge boost of confidence, but part-time work can also build confidence over time. Providing valuable service helps kids feel capable and skilled. It teaches them that they can contribute to society in a tangible way.

2.     Responsibility

Teens who work are given many new responsibilities. Simply maintaining a work schedule makes teens more responsible for their own time. On top of that, many jobs available to young people require handling funds, supplies, or goods. They may even be given the responsibility of opening or closing a store on their own. When given more responsibilities, most kids will step up to the task.

3.     Collaboration

Kids learn to cooperate early in their development, but collaboration is a more elusive social skill. Being able to contribute to a group effort with the group’s benefit in mind is challenging. Work can be a low risk environment to learn collaborative skills first hand. In order to be successful in a job, your child must learn to balance their own needs and ideas with those of the company. They also develop the confidence to speak up and share their ideas! A part-time job is a valuable environment for these lessons.

4.     Balance

Work/Life balance is a challenge for most adults. We struggle to establish boundaries and set priorities. Balance isn’t a magical destination that you reach after years of working, it’s a skill that you must learn and practice. Teens who work get early lessons in balance. It’s important to remember that school is already a full-time commitment for most kids. Add the extra time and effort of homework, extracurricular activities, and a social life; it seems impossible that a teenager would have time in their schedule to work. A job helps teens develop their ability to balance commitments. They learn how to say no to overtaxing requests, and how to plan ahead for busy times.

5.     Priorities

As they work on balancing school, work, and life, teens will start to develop their own priorities. Those difficult conflicts between commitments and desires teach teens to reflect and consider before making choices. Important decision-making skills are developed by making these choices, like picking up an extra shift rather than studying for a test. Or vice versa.

6.     Financial Education

With a job comes money! With money comes bank accounts, college savings, expenses, and so much more. The financial world is not an easy one to navigate. A part-time job allows kids to learn about money. As soon as your teen gets paid, take them to the bank to start their financial master class. Encourage them to set big spending goals for things they want, and help teenagers save money.

7.     College

There are many ways that a part-time job can help your child with college. The most obvious way is saving money. College is expensive. Having a part-time job in high school may not earn your kid enough to pay for four years of school, but it will help contribute. Incentivize saving by matching what’s in their college account.

Work isn’t just a source of money, it’s also a resource for college application time. Working helps to round out your child’s application, and may even lead to recommendations or scholarship opportunities. Some companies even pay tuition for workers who are in school!

8.     Professional Connections

Networking is a valuable part of developing a career path. As a teenager, professional networking can open doors. Professional relationships formed in early work experiences can be called upon decades later. Teens may call on their former employers and colleagues for recommendation letters, job leads, or business tips. The earlier that young people can create these connections, the more benefits they will see at the beginning of their careers.

9.     Explore Careers

When your kids are little, they know what they want to be when they grow up. Firefighter, vet, dancer; the scope of professions is pretty narrow. As they get older, they will need to draw on more than that narrow list to find a good fit. The best way to know if a career field is right for them is to spend some time working in that field. The job market for teenagers is much broader than it used to be, thanks to technology and new markets. Kids as young as 15 years old can explore nearly any career that interests them. Even in part-time positions, teens gain valuable experience in a variety of fields. 

10.Transition to Adulthood

Perhaps the most valuable benefit of working is the smooth transition from adolescence to adulthood. Working teens are treated more like adults, have more responsibilities, and considerably more freedoms then their peers. Part time work and learning to work alongside colleagues and potentially a tyrannical boss, can act as a simulation of the real world, giving teens life experiences while still in the safe environment of your home. These experiences help transition teens from high school to college, and on to adult life. The culture shock of being out on their own is lessened, and they are more confident and capable.

Final word

Working teens face unique challenges, but also gain unique benefits for their efforts. The key is to support their journey and help them gain the most from their experiences. Talk to your teenager about work. Help them look for the right positions that will support their goals or a step in a career that will be rewarding. Let them reflect on work experiences to develop social and professional skills. Working will help your kids grow into capable adults.

The 3 main benefits of getting a job as a teenager are: 1) having an extra income, 2) getting work experience which is beneficial for future employment opportunities and 3) gaining independence and responsibility.  Teenagers will also learn important skills such as how to manage money, responsibilities and time.

Before you go...

Getting and having a job is one thing, but first there's the interview process!  Here are some tips on what to wear to an interview as a school leaver