If you are asking yourself if your teen should get a part-time job, then you’re not alone. As a parent, there are many reasons why you would encourage your teenager to find a part-time job. You may want them to learn basic life skills and responsibility. Your teen might want to earn money so that they can buy the things they want. Whatever the reason, here are a few aspects to consider.

What are some benefits of a part-time job for teens?

1. Teens can learn about finances

When your teen starts their job, they will need to open a bank account. This is a great opportunity to teach them how to create a budget, learn to spend wisely and save. At this age, all they can think about is buying that new smartphone. As much as you’d like to let them do that, it’s important to teach them about long-term saving goals. While you’re teaching your teen about finances, you can also show them how you handle your finances. This will give them first hand experience to see how it’s done. Money management skills are essential tools that they will take with them through life.

2. Gain valuable soft skills

A job will help your teen develop soft skills essential for their future career. These include time management, interpersonal, communication, troubleshooting and presentation skills, as well as many others. Soft skills are of vital importance. They are often the reason employers decide whether to hire or promote an employee.

“Try not to become a person of success, but rather try to become a person of value.”

Albert Einstein

3. Get some practical experience

Hard skills are different from soft skills in that they are directly relevant to the job to which you are doing. Hard skills are teachable skill sets that are learned on the job. One such skill for a retail assistant might be the ability to operate a cash register. Unlike soft skills, hard skills may not necessarily be transferable, but they will give your teen an idea of how things work in the real world.

4. Setting themselves up for the future

When your teen takes on a part-time job, they will meet people who could assist them in the future. A work reference goes a long way when applying for their first job. Many companies offer internship programmes for graduates. If your teen already has experience working for the company, they have a good chance of being selected.

“The future depends on what you do today.”

Mahatma Gandhi

The earlier teenagers are taught good financial management skills, the better their chance of becoming financially savvy.

5. Independence

Independence is essential for your teen's self-esteem. Teenagers who feel good about themselves often have more confidence to determine who they are and what they want to do with their lives. Part of helping your teen to become independent involves agreeing on boundaries around their part-time job and what’s expected of them. As a parent, you want your teen to grow into a confident and capable adult, so it's ok to let go.

What are some disadvantages of a part-time job for teens?

1. Time

If your teen has a part-time job, this will result in a reduced amount of time to study, do homework or participate in extramural activities. It could be challenging to participate in the entire school experience such as sports, art, choir or clubs.

2. Work can cause stress

While a job can provide many positive benefits, the anxiety of time constraints and expectations can prove to be too much for your teen to handle. If any of the above aren’t an issue, here are some jobs that could be suitable for your teen:

●     Retail shop assistant

●     Waitering Jobs

●     Lawn-mowing

●     Warehousing

●     Car Washing

●     Tutoring

●     Dog Walking

●     Au Pair

It is important for your teen to maintain good grades. Getting their education is their primary job and helping them do that is yours. If you are considering letting your teen work during the year, you will have to contemplate what their current schedule looks like and decide if there is room for part-time work. By figuring this out together, you will gain a better understanding of whether it is the right time for them.

At Trinityhouse, our aim is to help your teen reach their full potential.

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