Thursday, October 2, 2014

The Part Time Job Decision: Should Teens Have Part Time Jobs?



Having part-time jobs can present wonderful experiences for teens. Thus, when one asks, should teens work part-time jobs, one must respond in the affirmative. Teens should work part-time jobs, but again, that is their decision, individually and collectively.

Most teenagers are excited about having part time jobs because by working, they are able to do something positive and constructive for themselves, their families and others. This is a crucial time for teens, as many of them need and want directives. Most are seeking employment guidance with an eye to the future. Full-time jobs may not be appropriate at this time in their lives.

Teens are often able to supplement their incomes by finding part-time jobs, if necessary. When parents cannot afford to send their teens to college or university, teens may still be able to pursue higher education by obtaining part-time jobs. Not every teen has to work, but many will opt to find part-time employment, if given the choice.   

Parents, teachers and others, often show a more positive attitude and increased respect for teens that work or are ambitious enough to start their lifetime careers early, with a part-time job. Many teens are happier when they work part-time. It gives them a sense of identity, fulfillment, accomplishment and achievement. They may also find inner satisfaction, as they learn different values. Being with others often draws teens up to a higher peer level.

Working gives teens something to do with their spare time. Those who might get into trouble early in their teen years, usually find part-time employment is more socially acceptable, as well as profitable. Of course, there are no hard and fast rules for teens who work part-time jobs. Every teen is unique with respect to what he or she can do in terms of employment. This has to do with his or her age, academic status and other activities, but most teens really do want part-time jobs.

Some teens prefer full-time jobs and are able to obtain them during the summer, because they have had part-time employment at other times of the year. Finding part-time work is not always easy for teens, as job placement and the availability of work on different levels, can vary considerably.

The number of hours a teen should work may differ, often depending upon his or her health status, ability to cope and responsibilities at home. Transportation and mileage may be other important factors to consider.  
Parental approval is important with regard to teens and their part-time jobs. Parents, who are ambitious or have entrepreneurial spirits themselves, are more likely to want their teens to have part-time employment. If they worked as teens, they are likely to want their own teens to do the same, particularly if it was a good experience for them.

Some parents insist their teens have part-time jobs, while others prefer their teens spend all of their time in goal-oriented, academic pursuits. At times, teens can find employment in their academic areas of preference, but not always.

Generally, teens will benefit in many ways from experience gained through part-time jobs. They can encounter a wide variety of opportunities to learn new ideas and concepts. Teens begin to accept different responsibilities and are often able to develop more advanced skill sets. They can be in contact with others from different communities and cultural backgrounds. Teens begin to see and understand how the corporate world functions, depending upon the kind of work they obtain. They may find opportunities to travel.
Teens with part-time jobs at an early age often become leaders at home, in college or university and in their communities. They can develop mentoring skills and then move on to greater achievements at an earlier age, than those who choose not to have part-time jobs. They are more likely to be hired than students who have never had part-time employment experience.

Should teens work part-time jobs? Doing so can be a lot of fun for them and a profitable experience, at the same time.


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