Should My Teen Get a Summer Job?

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By Haley Overland

Should your child get a summer job?

School’s almost finished for another year. What will your kids do with all their newfound freedom? They may be too old for summer programs, or perhaps they’ve had enough of camp. Or maybe they have their hearts set on a brand-new gadget that you don’t feel like emptying your wallet for. Perhaps it’s time for a summer job!

We asked parenting expert Alyson Schafer about the pros, cons and need-to-knows about kids and summer jobs, and here’s what she had to share with us.

The pros

•    Kids will be earning their own money and begin to fulfill their own financial goals and independence.
•    Their self-esteem will improve as they become more capable, learn new skills and take another step toward seeing themselves as productive, contributing human beings.
•    They will develop friendships with a variety of people to whom they may not have been exposed before.
•    They will build relationships with bosses who may mentor them and become positive role models for them.
•    Their job will pull them away from thoughts of dropping out of school or getting into mischief in their free time.
•    They will get inspired to stay in school and do a different type of work when they are older.
•    They will build their resumés and start paving the way for better and better jobs.
•    They will get their first letter of reference.  

The cons

•    Some students work so hard all year round that they really need the downtime ― as it is, we are an overworked, stressed society.
•    Children need family time, and parents often slow down and are more present and available, or even on holiday, during the summer. Maximize that!
•    Students who do year-round schooling may not want the added pressure of working.
•    Some casual part-time jobs for students can still be pay-under-the-table or involve abusive types of arrangements. Make sure the job is legit.

What age?

•    Labour boards and regulations control the type of work kids can do.   
•    By the age of 16, kids can work almost anywhere ― unless they need to drive, handle equipment or serve liquor.  
•    Jobs like dog-walking and babysitting can start as early as 13.
•    Most kids should have had their first job by the age of 16.

Although the pros of getting a summer job outweigh the cons, Schafer points out that the workforce is a tough place for youth workers these days. So, by all means, if your kids can’t find a job, go easy on them.

Has your teen ever had a summer job? What was the experience like for them?