ALT-2 Is it right for Teenagers to get Jobs
Many parents encourage their teenagers to work for extra spending money, but caution them against work getting in the way of school. For some teenagers, there is no choice but to work to help their families get by, or to save for secondary education. According to the U.S. Department of Education, a study of working teens in California revealed that about one-fifth do so to contribute to their families, while almost half of working teens are putting the money towards college (http://socrates.berkeley.edu/~safejobs/tc/index.html).
Considering these statistics, it isn't fair to say that teenagers shouldn't work. Some don't have a choice, whether it be to gain daily necessities or to progress towards a better future. In my case, I was fortunate enough that my mother could provide food and shelter, and that I was on my way to obtaining a partial tuition scholarship. However, I found that having a part-time job would help me buy a car and save up for other things I would need in college, so I wouldn't have to take out a $40,000 loan to pay for it.
One thing I didn't expect was how my experience working part-time would help me grow personally. Although I always considered myself to be more mature than other kids my age, working with people of all ages helped me gain interpersonal skills and gave me a better insight on society outside of high school. I also gained a lot more confidence. Always being on the more shy side, I was forced to talk to strangers and people I barely knew, since I was now dealing with the public. That is one of the best things that I could have done for myself; working really brought me out of my shell! And to think I was really just in it for the money!
While working, I continued to take Advanced Placement courses and did dual enrollment my senior year, where I went to college and gained credits while still taking my last AP classes in high school. I have to admit that there were a few times when I would work extra hours a couple of weeks to earn extra money, and it resulted in my slacking in school. Luckily, I would realize this and prioritize my time once more so that I still exceeded in school and saved money. This is the true key to being a teenage worker.
In addition to real-life skills, money-management can be learned from having a part-time job. Most teenagers who earn their own money open up their own bank accounts, and in many cases, start paying their own bills. This is a great way to get started before being thrown out in the real world and living on your own. That way, you aren't shocked all at once!
Also, for parents who are fed up with forking out their money to their kids for mere spending money, a job is a great way for teenagers to put their spending habits into perspective. They may find that those $200 pair of shoes aren't worth it after all.
Parents, if your teenager really wants to work, but you don't feel it necessary, consider the benefits before rejecting them! Also, help them keep their priorities in check when they take on this added responsibility. This way they can make a better life for themselves but don't have to lose out on anything while they are doing so!
