Some of you probably have a job, while others of you don’t due to your age, health, or other factors. Perhaps you’re able to get one now, or are just about to turn sixteen, but don’t want to have to work. I certainly can’t say that everyone has or will find a job they love, but I can definitely give you some reasons why it’s worth it to have a job, even if you don’t want to. So, whether you’re procrastinating finding work, or aren’t sure if you really need to, or don’t like your job, here are some of the benefits of having a job as a teen.
- Financial. Okay, this one is obvious, but I had to include it. Even if you don’t have immediate expenses – which some of us do – it’s a good idea to start saving up for when you DO need funds. You don’t want to wake up one morning and realize you need to have your own vehicle soon, only to have the follow-up realization that you’re broke. Plus, since you may not have to support yourself in terms of food and housing right now, your teen years are a fantastic opportunity to rack up lots of savings without having to spend it all on rent and bills.
- Life experience. You can’t help but learn things about the world when you have to get out of the house on a regular basis. If your job involves interacting with people (as many of them do), who knows what kinds of interesting conversations you might have. Also, if you drive yourself, even just a summer is a lot of driving experience gained.
- Job experience. You get practice interacting with co-workers, managers, and maybe the public, and figuring out what basic qualities employers want. Those lessons, and also having prior employment to list on your resume, are valuable when finding a job is more critical later on.
- Extracurricular activity lists. Having employment to list can be helpful when filling out college and scholarship applications, if college is in your plans. In fact, it’s required for some applications. Employers are also potential references not just for other employers/jobs, but for other applications, like college admission.
- A chance to help people. Even if you have or get a job that doesn’t involve a lot of social interaction, you have a chance to make people’s lives a little bit better by doing a good job and/or filling a role in society. If your job involves a lot of social interaction – I’ve worked as a cashier, for example – then you have dozens of opportunities every day to put a smile on someone’s face.
That, my friends, is my take on teen employment. If you’re on the fence about getting a job, I hope this post adds something to your pros-and-cons list. Once you’re old enough and if you’re able to, a job can benefit you in multiple ways, and give you a chance to make a little difference in people’s lives too.
Have any thoughts? Drop them in the comments!
It’s surprising how fast the expenses come when they do come, and how much they can be. Every paycheck helps!
I love the emphasis on making a difference in people’s lives. 🙂
Thanks!