Teenagers should be employed during high school so they can make a living, be financially stable, and prepare for their future. Teenagers need to acknowledge the benefits of working in high school.
When should you start?
Students attend four years of high school. Each year, there is a new opportunity to build character, meet new friends, volunteer, and most importantly, work. A student should start working freshman year of high school to begin a new journey. This prepares you to afford life’s needs properly and be financially stable. Teenager needs to manage their time effectively and manage their responsibility. In New Jersey, the age requirement to work a job that is legalized is 14 years old. Being a part-time/full-time job at fourteen or older in high school is beneficial and will prepare the younger generation for what is to come.
Once the students find a job they are interested in, they should remain there for 1-2 years to gain experience for the next job. People will work and explore new paths for the rest of their lives. Having a job in high school can teach you responsibility, balance, life skills, saving skills, communication skills, etc…
Job Options for Teenagers
There are many job options for teenagers in high school. Many teenagers start their careers at pizzerias, retail stores, restaurants (servers), baristas, babysitters, etc… Majority of jobs that hire younger individuals in high school, services usually have them work after school hours. On weekends, job hours may vary. 12.1 percent of teenagers from the age of 16-19 are currently working. 17.5-59 percent of 15-year-olds are working. To learn more about job options available to teens, click here.
How can students have time management/Responsibility?
To have a job in high school, time management is something that everyone needs to have. Coming home from school, doing homework, and working, are all time management-associated. To have time management, here are a few skills: limit distractions, avoid procrastination, set goals, organize, establish a routine, and prioritize. Having these skills can better prepare you for the workforce and a day in life as a teenager.
How to manage money/savings
Working in the workforce means that it is time to manage money. Every teenager should learn how to properly manage their money. Here are some tips for managing money and your savings.
- Budget with your savings
- Set financial goals
- Save the majority of your money and spend the rest wisely
- Invest
- Track spending
- Create emergency savings
For more information, read here.
High school students’ opinions
A Colonia High School student, Emily Rodriguez, says, “I think it’s very beneficial for students to gain work experience in high school. In real life, students should get a preview of life, get their feet wet for college which they should be able to pay for, teach responsibility, manage money, and save.” Rodriguez works at American Eagle, a retail store at Menlo Park Mall, Edison NJ, and has gained experience.
Another student, Sophia Montesinos says, “I don’t think you have to work every day, but if you work a summer job it’s a good idea. You are gaining independence and learning the value of a dollar even if you aren’t working every day. You should get some work experience before going off to college.” Montesinos worked a summer job at Smile Bright Dental in Edison NJ and she found it very beneficial.
Overall
High school students should work in high school. Everyone should become mature and learn what the real world is like. Providing for themselves and transitioning into an adult is very important.
