Some kids can’t wait to get their first summer job. Others would much rather laze around all summer and let Mom and Dad take care of them. But with very few exceptions, summer jobs are good for young people. They help kids learn how to manage money and give them a sense of responsibility.
If your child is old enough to get a summer job but hasn’t mentioned it, try bringing it up in conversation. Find out what their thoughts on the subject are, and let them know what will happen if they don’t get a job. Will you cut off their allowance or require them to do extra chores around the house to earn money?
If your teen decides that a summer job is in their best interest, here is some advice to help prepare them for it.
Take your child to work with you one day. Getting a feel for the dynamics of the workplace will be quite helpful when they lands their first job. Have your spouse and some relatives take them to their jobs as well if possible, and they’ll get to see multiple occupations firsthand. This will help them decide what kinds of jobs interest them the most.
Talk to your child about their skills and interests and how they can help them get a job. Those who are good with younger kids could parlay that into a babysitting job. Teens who like working on cars might do well as mechanic’s helpers or working in an auto parts store.
Discuss ways your child can find a job. They could check the classified section of the local newspaper, keep their eyes open for “Help Wanted” signs around town, ask friends and family members for referrals, or simply go into various businesses and ask if they’re hiring. Give some pointers on proper job search etiquette, but let them do the actual searching themselves. This is an important skill to develop.
Encourage them to make a budget for their earnings and stick with it. They should list their expenses, put a certain amount out of each check into savings, and set aside some money for discretionary spending. It’s also a good idea to have them set up a checking account to help them manage their money.
Let them get a job on their own. You’ve done your job by preparing them for employment, now let them seek and obtain it themselves. You might have the connections to get them a job, but it’s best if they secures their first job through their own efforts. It will give them valuable job seeking skills that they can use in the future, as well as a sense of accomplishment.
Summer jobs offer a wealth of learning opportunities. They teach kids how to get and keep a job. They help them learn how to properly manage money. And they give them work experience that could help them get into college and lead to other opportunities down the road. By taking the time to prepare your child for their first job, you’ll help them make a smooth transition into employment.
Tags: Banking Advice, first job, summer job, teen job
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Some kids can’t wait to get their first summer job. Others would much rather laze around all summer and let Mom and Dad take care of them. But with very few exceptions, summer jobs are good for young people. They help kids learn how to manage money and give them a sense of responsibility.
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