There are many benefits to having teenagers work in the summer. It is not only a question of economics, the fundamental thing is that young people learn values and responsibilities useful for their future life.
Teens working in the summer is not a reprehensible action. If they are under 16 years old, they will not be able to do it formally, because the laws do not allow it. But there are simple tasks that will allow them to earn some money while also acquiring independence and a sense of responsibility.
Vacations represent a long period of leisure that can be used to mature and grow. Outside the classroom and the walls of the home, there is a wide range of opportunities for those who wish to start working. Students will also be able to afford to buy term papers if they earn enough money.
If parents agree, the first thing to do is to focus on the options by putting the child’s interests and affinities first. If the child likes what he/she is going to do, the experience will be a pleasant one and will be geared toward success.
Tips for teens to work in the summer
There is nothing wrong with teens working in the summer. However, if it is their first time doing so, they should be prepared to face the selection phase.
When the employer asks them, “Why do you want the position?”, perhaps the first thing that jumps to their mind is money. However, there are other reasons to argue that will give you an edge over the rest. Before bowing to any offer, they need to understand that, with the job, they will get multiple advantages. Here are some of them:
1. Personal growth
In a summer job, the young person will learn to socialize, and will reinforce their security and self-esteem; in short, they will understand that they can be free and independent from their parents. They will begin to value their own and others’ efforts and will replace leisure time with productive activities.
2. Work experience
Summer jobs help you clarify what you want for the future, and having teenagers work in the summer gives them their first glimpse into the workplace. They may have more flexible hours or less responsibility than adults, but they will gain commitment and discipline.
3. Resume
The adolescent will learn new skills and pursue a trade that can be used for professional development. Many jobs have a training and certification phase built into them. And even if it is a temporary assignment, a letter of reference can be requested upon completion and attached to their résumé.
4. Monetary reward
Aside from avoiding boredom and unhealthy activities, summer jobs offer financial benefits and teach financial literacy. Young people will be aware of what it costs to earn money and make sure they don’t waste it. Some teenagers apply for jobs to support their whims and also to contribute to their studies, for example, to buy a college essay.
How to find a job for the vacation months?
Although it is said that summer is for resting from schoolwork or having fun, none of this is incompatible with employment. It is a matter of knowing how to look for and organize oneself; the decision to work should be voluntary and the work to be performed should be in accordance with the teenager’s vocation.
The most common and most recommended jobs are babysitting, dog walking, teaching English or math classes, washing cars, cleaning gardens, and so on. Generally, they are offered in the immediate home environment and with people you know; you could also work as a receptionist or file clerk in an office.
Other options, such as pool lifeguards or camp counselors, require more responsibility. But as long as there is a willingness on the part of the adolescent and the parents, the challenges can be met. It may require specialized training, but it will be worth it. Handing out flyers or shopping on-demand are other viable alternatives.
Do summer jobs interfere with development?
As the adolescent acquires his own criteria for work and the benefits it brings, they will aspire to more and more: more work, higher income. This is where the parents’ main fear lies when it comes to granting permission; however, they are the ones who must remind them of their obligation to their studies.
A recurring fear of parents is that their child will become so independent that he or she will consider leaving home or leaving school. However, statistics assure us that they will certainly not do so.
At this stage, the young person has only just begun to see how much life costs and cannot yet undertake it alone. With all this in mind, it is worth giving him or her the chance to have such a rewarding experience.