Are part time jobs for teens really a good idea?
The answer is without a doubt – yes!
Part time jobs for teens help them develop life skills, learn responsibility and accountability, and the value of a dollar. These are all critical elements of becoming a successful adult.
Plus, one of the biggest things that both college admissions officers and employers say is sorely lacking in our teenagers today is work ethic, so a part time job can help get your child into a right-fit college. It is a great addition to an admissions resume, as work shows a level of maturity that may not be reflected in a “typical” high-school application.
The problem, however, often lies in how can a teen fit it into their already-busy life. Our kids are often so hyper-scheduled with academics, sports, volunteering, and social outings that it can be tough to fit it all in. Also, don’t underestimate the power of a summer job for your teenager if you don’t feel like they can manage working during the school year.
You may also like to read: How To NOT Raise an Entitled Teen (parentingteensandtweens.com)
So, how do we find part time jobs for teens?
First, there are a few things we should help our teenagers consider before they seek employment. For example:
- Location: does your teen have transportation to get to and from the job or will someone else be giving them a ride? It’s important to consider where the job is at before committing.
- Experience: Most retail stores and restaurants are willing to train first-time employees, but some part-time jobs require specific skills, such as a lifeguard or babysitter who needs to know CPR or a referee that needs to be certified. Also, keep in mind that some employers have a minimum age requirement (in most states it is 16 years of age.
- Schedule: Most employers hiring high school students understand that they need to have a flexible schedule, but your teen should be open and honest about how much they think they can work each week.
- Pay: Let’s be honest, most teens don’t have a skill set that is deserving of a high-paying part time job, but that doesn’t mean that there aren’t positions available in today’s market that pay more than minimum wage. Depending on what is most important to you and your teen (pay, location, flexibility, etc.) ask around and scope out the market before taking the first position out there.
- What does your teen want out of a part time job? Honestly, for most kids it’s money, but sometimes your teen can find a job that provides valuable work experience that they can apply to their future (like a future doctor working at a hospital) or it could be something that fuels your teen’s passions (such as working at a pet rescue facility or a trade position that can lead to a full-time gig after graduation. You don’t want them diving into a position they’ll hate or something that will be short-lived.
Next, using the above, lend your help by guiding them through the complicated process of finding the right job.
To narrow things down for you, we’ve pulled together a list of part-time jobs for teens that should fit kits who have all sorts of interests
Ten Part Time Jobs for Teens To Help Them Learn To Adult
Babysitting
Care.com– If your teen loves kids or already has younger siblings that they have experience caring for, this may be the perfect part-time job for them! Care.com helps those looking for babysitting jobs by matching them with the right family.
Also, encourage your teen to develop some marketing skills of their own by producing flyers they can put in neighbors’ mailboxes to advertise their services. Make sure they highlight any special skills (i.e., they took a babysitting class, CPR/first aid certified, have their own transportation, etc.)
Do you have an industrious teen and a group of reliable friends? Consider encouraging them to host a summer camp for a few hours a day in order to give parents a break.
Animal shelter/dog walker/pet sitting
Petfinder.com– Animal shelters are always looking for new and passionate help. Animal caregiving is an excellent opportunity for any teen who loves animals or is planning to go into a veterinary field. Your teen can easily find work with animals by checking this website.
Just like babysitting, a younger teen can earn some regular cash by dog walking, scooping poop, or checking in on pets. Older teens can do long-term care of a pet when families go on vacation, etc.
Grocery/Retail Store
A grocery store or retail outlet can be a great job for a teen just starting out in the working world. It teaches mathematics, customer service, and fundamental responsibility, but oftentimes they also can offer a flexible schedule. Both grocery stores and retail outlets offer upward mobility as well. A bagger at a grocery store can move up to a cashier or manager, or a retail sales associate can become a floor manager in a short amount of time. Here are some fantastic reasons to work at a grocery store.
Lawn care
Lawn care takes strength and determination and is the perfect first job for any teen. or tween. It’s important to keep in mind that it’s not always just mowing lawns. Many of your neighbors are probably looking for someone to rake leaves, pull weeds, shovel snow, or do other general landscaping duties. Your teen will get a great workout to keep them healthy while also making money! Plus, it’s a great chance to teach them about entrepreneurship and running your own business!
Here’s how your teen can start their own lawn care business.
Packing and moving
This part-time job teaches the importance of being gentle and respecting other people’s possessions, as well as the importance of strong customer service and interpersonal skills These are the top moving services where you’re teen might look for work.
You might also like to read: 9 Essential Soft Skills Every Teen Needs to Succeed in Today’s World (parentingteensandtweens.com)
Movie theatre
Movie theatres can be one of the most fun jobs for your teen! If they are interested in films at all, they will love being in this kind of atmosphere! Here is an excellent article about why working at a movie theatre is a great gig!
Tutor
Tutor.com is the perfect place to look for part-time tutoring jobs for your teen. Not only will they have to keep up with their studies to teach others, but they can also save money for college in the process!
Also, keep in mind that there are a range of subjects that your teen can use for tutoring depending upon their passion Many parents may not be able to afford professional lessons, so they may want a high school tutor for a particular instrument or maybe even some support for their child who wants to improve their skills in a sport.
Crafts and DIY products
Is your teen crafty? Etsy is a great way for your teen to express themselves and make some money in the process. Many teens utilize their social media accounts to build a budding business.
Social media
Chances are, your teen already knows everything there is to know about social media. Why not put their skills to good use as a virtual assistant and help other individuals and companies on their social media sites? There are some fantastic Facebook pages that are dedicated to helping people find jobs in social media. This is the kind of job that teens can often do around their schedule as well, and can also lead to internships at bigger companies down the road.
Food Service/Waiter
There is no better way to improve work ethic than getting a job in food service. In our opinion, everyone should work in food service at some point in their lives to really appreciate what all goes into getting food to table. There are so many options as well: working the cash register at fast food restaurants, working as a host/hostess, bussing tables, or where a lot of chefs start out, taking the job of a dishwasher. Here’s a great article that mentions some great reasons to work as a waiter or waitress at a restaurant.
Raising teens is hard, but you don’t have to do it alone. Here are some other good articles you may enjoy:
20 Fun and Heartwarming Modern Teen Movies on Netflix
Forty of the Most Inspiring, Heartfelt Quotes About Raising Teens
Colleen says
The YMCA. It was my first job as a teen and my daughters. She refs basketball, volleyball and flag football. She lifeguards in the summer at the YMCA’s outdoor pool. She also works the childcare room. They are very flexible around her busy HS sports schedule.
Heather Hebert says
Unfortunately as of April 2023, Care.com closed all minor accounts and you have to be at least 18 years old to be a member because of the background checks that are required to obtain any work through their site.