Nearly every parent is eventually faced with the decision of whether or not to allow their teenager to obtain a job. A job can benefit a teenager in many ways such as enabling them to make some of their own purchases, helping them to learn new skills and helping them to further develop their work ethic. However, the downside is that a job may adversely affect their school work, reduce the amount of time they spend with their family, and reduce the amount of time available for sleep. Circumstances are different for each individual so families must weigh the pros and cons to determine if a job is the best situation for their teenager.
Fortunately for teenagers, the decision regarding how many hours can be worked and what type of job can be performed is regulated by the Federal Youth Employment Laws. This law applies to youth up to the age of 18. State laws may be stiffer and different rules apply to agricultural jobs.
If you are younger than 14 you can baby-sit, deliver newspapers, work as an actor or performer, work in a business solely owned or operated by your parents, or work on a farm solely owned or operated by your parents. You cannot work in a job declared hazardous.
If you are age 14 to 15 you can work:
• Outside school hours,
• After 7am and until 7pm (hours extended to 9pm from 6/1 to Labor Day),
• Up to 3 hours on a school day and up to 8 hours on a non-school day,
• Up to 18 hours in a school week and up to 40 hours in a non-school week,
• In a variety of jobs but are prohibited from working in jobs declared hazardous.
If you are 16 to 17 you can work:
• Any day, any time of day, and for any number of hours,
• In a variety of jobs but are prohibited from working in jobs declared hazardous.
Finding a job that works with school and extra-curricular activity schedules can be very difficult. The obvious approaches to finding a job are newspaper ads and word-of-mouth. Other methods include:
- Pounding the Pavement. Find businesses that are appealing and ask them if they have an opening.
- Create your own job. Mow lawns, walk and bathe dogs, do odd jobs for the elderly, make and sell crafts, or create an online web business. Promote your business by designing business cards and distributing them to friends, co-workers and neighbors.
- Search online. One of the most comprehensive sites designed to help teenagers find a job is: Quint Careers.
Once your teenager has found a job it is important for you to review the company, the paperwork, the job requirements and the hours. Make certain that the job is legitimate and the company is suitable. If the area where your teenager will be working is unfamiliar you should drive the route to-and-from home with your teenager and help familiarize them with the area prior to the first day of work. Once they begin their job, encourage them to talk about their job situation and help them work through any problems they might be experiencing. Remind them that the experience gained today will serve them well in their future.
What has been your experience with a teenager having a job? Have they had understanding and helpful supervisors? Was it a good experience? Was it a bad experience? Post your comments in the Home Finance forum today.
