Some teenagers want to work, and some do not. Trying to force a teenager to work is only going to result in family meltdown, particularly if you are choosing the job for them. If your teenager wants to get a job however, then there are some important things for you and them to consider.
The first issue is their age and the legalities of how many hours and in what occupations they are permitted to work. Those under sixteen are often restricted in the kinds of jobs they can have, whether directly by legislation, or indirectly because of the inability of a potential employer to get insurance cover for any employee under eighteen. This can effect many different types of job, from kitchen work (where teens may not be allowed to use deep fat fryers for instance) or work with animals or machinery. For teens who are still at school, the hours that they are permitted to work may only be 2 or 3 in each 24 hour period. These rules are in place for good reasons. Teens should be focusing on their education rather than earning a full wage, and long nights working will quickly have an impact on their school work during the day.
Next to be considered is what kind of work your teen is suited to, and what they would like to do. This may not be the same as the work you would like or prefer your teen to do. Getting a job is one of the first steps in asserting independence. Many teens land their first job in a grocery store or at a car wash, with absolutely no intention of it being their life's career path. It is just a job, just a means to an end. The very fact that they manage to secure employment at all in today's volatile employment market is something to be applauded.
Some teenagers have ambitions beyond their immediate means or abilities as far as work is concerned. It is great to have a goal of a dream job, but teenagers have to understand that sometimes they will only be allowed to make the tea or sweep the floor for a while before they can answer the phone or pick up some scissors. But the search for the right job is a good way of exploring all the other avenues open to your teenager, and helping them work out a strategy to get where they want to be. If your teen loves cars, motorbikes and engines of any kind, then a few hours each Saturday at a local garage might encourage them to enroll on a college course once they finish school and get some certificated training alongside their part time job.
The first issue is their age and the legalities of how many hours and in what occupations they are permitted to work. Those under sixteen are often restricted in the kinds of jobs they can have, whether directly by legislation, or indirectly because of the inability of a potential employer to get insurance cover for any employee under eighteen. This can effect many different types of job, from kitchen work (where teens may not be allowed to use deep fat fryers for instance) or work with animals or machinery. For teens who are still at school, the hours that they are permitted to work may only be 2 or 3 in each 24 hour period. These rules are in place for good reasons. Teens should be focusing on their education rather than earning a full wage, and long nights working will quickly have an impact on their school work during the day.
Next to be considered is what kind of work your teen is suited to, and what they would like to do. This may not be the same as the work you would like or prefer your teen to do. Getting a job is one of the first steps in asserting independence. Many teens land their first job in a grocery store or at a car wash, with absolutely no intention of it being their life's career path. It is just a job, just a means to an end. The very fact that they manage to secure employment at all in today's volatile employment market is something to be applauded.
Some teenagers have ambitions beyond their immediate means or abilities as far as work is concerned. It is great to have a goal of a dream job, but teenagers have to understand that sometimes they will only be allowed to make the tea or sweep the floor for a while before they can answer the phone or pick up some scissors. But the search for the right job is a good way of exploring all the other avenues open to your teenager, and helping them work out a strategy to get where they want to be. If your teen loves cars, motorbikes and engines of any kind, then a few hours each Saturday at a local garage might encourage them to enroll on a college course once they finish school and get some certificated training alongside their part time job.