14 is the youngest possible age one can start working in the United States, according to, The U.S Department of Labor. If your teenager wants to start working it is important to consider the pros and cons to this. Firstly, a teenager expressing his or her desire to work is a good thing because it shows that they want to become independent, but should children really get jobs or should they wait until they are 18? Jobs can teach children many things that a classroom cannot:
Responsibility
The younger a child learns to be responsible the better, jobs will teach children self-discipline and management. It will teach them balance and multitasking which are all great qualities to have as an adult.
Money Management
Your child will likely get a bank account, learn to save money, budget, etc. They will hopefully learn not to spend recklessly, and will learn to spend their money more wisely; these skills are extremely important as they will prepare them for adulthood. They can also save up for college.
Time Management
Your child will have to balance school and work; they will have to wake up at a certain time, get to work at a certain time, get dressed at a certain time, etc. Time management is crucial because employers don’t want a tardy person.
Professionalism
Your child will likely go on interviews and learn how to dress up for one as well as how to polish up their resumes. They will also learn how to address their coworkers, bosses, and customers/guests in a polite and professional manner.
Opportunities
Jobs, extracurricular activities, sports, and volunteer work looks amazing on a resume! Employers love a hard-working person who’s been at a company for a long time no matter what industry they’re in. Your child can also move up the ranks, and become a manager when they get older. They can make connections, and maybe meet a coworker’s uncle or brother who works in the industry they want to get into when they are older. Jobs open up so many doors.
Adulting
The earlier a teen can get a job the sooner they can build credit, pay bills, and do their own taxes. Now we don’t want them to grow up too fast, but we always want them to prepare for their future, we always want to make a bright future for our children no matter what.
These are all amazing perks to consider, but balancing school and work is not for the faint-hearted. Teens must be able to juggle school work and a job. It may sound like not the hardest thing in the world, but believe me it is challenging especially if your child is struggling in a particular subject or wants to start playing sports and pursuing other hobbies/interests. They may also not have too much time for a social life as it’s hard to manage school, work, and hanging out with your friends outside of school.
Whichever decision you end up making for your child it’s important to recognize that all in all getting a job is an essential and amazing first step to growing up and gaining independence!
