In my last post around this topic, Tips for Parents with Teens: How to Prepare for Their First Job, I shared some advice for my fellow parents out there on how to position that good old “you need a job” conversation. This post is for all my teens out there. It’s time to understand why you shouldn’t dread that conversation. Here are 5 tips on Why it’s Important to have a Job as a Teen.
Why it’s important to have a Job as a Teen
It’s the next step into adulthood: How many times have you thought about being an adult, probably more so on the money front. Well, getting a job is your chance to take the first step. Outside of the paycheck, it’s a great introduction to operating within the real world, outside of the classroom. You can learn how to work with a team or another individual to learn all those lessons that your parents have been talking about. Think about it — you’ll be able to get things done and answer questions before your parents have to bother you about them.
New friends with your interests: Many teens miss out on building new circles because they don’t venture outside their school friends. Getting a job is an easy way to find new friends who fit your own interests — and who enjoy making money like you. In the adult world, we call this growing our network. For you, just think of it as a way to find new potential friends. Another idea is to connect with your friends who are working is to apply for a job with them. Just imagine having more time with your friends and making money at the same time.
Set yourself up for success early: I know, I know. You may not be looking toward the future, but as your parents or guardians, we are. We learned early on how much getting into the workforce can push you toward great future opportunities. There are so many jobs now that can immediately put you on a manager’s track, get you set up for a 401(k) (that’s a retirement account), open up new scholarship opportunities (if not paying for your full tuition), and so many other advantages. The more you get out in the world, the better chances you have of getting all that you can dream of.
Manage your money into wealth: It’s true, money doesn’t grow on trees. Did you know that saving $50 a month could set you up to be a millionaire by 75? And just think about if you can save more! The great thing about getting a job when you’re a teen is that you don’t have to pay any major bills (outside of gas money and possibly car insurance), and you can put a lot away for future costs. You know, so you can buy the things your parents won’t. ☺
Become Independent – I hinted at this above, but aren’t you tired of your parents asking you about their money? Things like “do you have McDonald’s money?” Or maybe you want some extra ice cream and they ask you, “You got a job?” Having your own job is a way of exploring your independence. Your parents won’t be there to help you through every situation, and it will be up to you to keep your job and learn how to work with other people. You will control how your experience goes.
Life doesn’t care about what you want. No cap (Did I use that right?), but as parents, we’re here to help you learn how to survive off of what you need. Getting a job as a teen isn’t the end of your childhood. No. It’s like putting the training wheels on for adulthood. We believe in you so, let’s get you introduced to the world.
Have you already had this conversation with your parents? If so, how did it go? Tell me in the comments below.
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