Beyond the Paper Route: Helping Your Teen Get Their First Job

Encouraging your teen to get a their first job might start out a little rocky, but they will be thankful in the long run! It is so important to teach our children the importance of working hard for what they want in life. In fact, there are many benefits your teen can experience by having a job.

A job, whether paid or volunteer work, can instill many positive traits. Teenagers can begin to feel a new sense

of responsibility while developing time-management skills that will prove invaluable throughout life. While working, your teenager will learn skills that will help him or her become a better communicator, especially with adults.

Receiving a paycheck on a consistent basis will help teens grow a foundation of financial independence and teach them to save and spend wisely. Even more important, they may gain a new level of self-confidence.

The first step in attaining these important benefits is actually getting through the interview process. Generally, teenagers are insecure and quite nervous about an interview. In many cases, this will be their first one.

“Finding and obtaining your first real job is a rite of passage for most teens. It’ s an exciting and scary experience, but one that will serve you well — both for the money you earn and for the lessons you learn,” explains Randall S. Hansen, CEO of Quintessential Careers.

As parents, it is our job to help guide our children to be their best selves.

Occasionally, this can include letting go, at least a little bit. Teenagers typically feel as though they are caught between childhood and adulthood. Getting a job can enable your teen to feel more independent and more grown up.

There is no doubt that your teenager is a busy one, however, making space for a part-time job can definitely be a positive addition to his or her life.

To help your teen make a good first impression: