The Benefits of Summer Jobs for Teens
The arrival of summer means that teens have a lot of free time. For some, it’s the perfect time to have their first professional experiences and start to earn their own income. Today, we’ll take a look at some of the advantages of summer jobs for teenagers.
Of course, not every teen wants to miss out on the sun and beach because they have to go to work. However, there are many who do want to take their first steps and take on the responsibilities that working involves.
In this sense, many studies have confirmed that having a job helps youth develop a wide range of positive characteristics. For example, they learn to assume responsibilities, develop time management skills, overcome their inhibitions about talking to adults, and administer their money.
The benefits of summer jobs for teens
If your adolescent son or daughter has expressed their desire to work this summer, you should consider the advantages. To help you, we’ve prepared a list of some of the most important benefits of summer jobs for teens:
1. Responsibility
In first place, one of the most important benefits of summer jobs for teens is the increase in responsibility.
Unlike with household chores, teens will have to take orders from an unknown authority figure. Furthermore, they’ll have to learn to manage their priorities in accordance with their established work schedule.
At the same time, youth quickly comprehend the consequences of ignoring or challenging their superiors. These tend to be much more severe and less forgiving.
Of course, working teens will likely have to turn down more attractive offers of hanging out with friends, etc. But this experience adds to their sense of responsibility and commitment.
2. The possibility of earning money
Only the parents of adolescent children know how expensive this phase can be. Some families can afford to cover these costs, but not all parents can – or even wish to. In these cases, getting a summer job is almost a necessity for their teens.
This first professional experience will allow children to value the money their parents invest in them. At the same time, it gives them the possibility of contributing to the household economy. Or, they may use it to finance their own personal spending.
3. Their first network of contacts
By having a summer job, teens learn to develop positive relations with a wide variety of people. In the same way, these experiences offer them the possibility of working with coworkers who have much more experience.
This initial experience in the working world could even become a full-time job once teens finish their higher education. There’s no denying that having a strong network of professional contacts is an advantage when it comes to getting a good job.
“Adolescence is a new birth, for the higher and more completely human traits are now born”
—G. Stanley Hall—
4. Improved time management
Working during the summer can be an excellent way to contribute to the development of time management skills. This is a skill that will help adolescents both during this formative stage of life, as well as in adulthood.
In fact, managing their time well means they’ll learn to decide what things are important. This means prioritizing, planning and learning how to divide their time, keeping in mind the importance of each priority.
5. Self-esteem
Adolescents that have professional experience increase their self-esteem and self-confidence. This occurs as the result of being a good worker, earning money and fulfilling their responsibilities.
At the same time, having a seasonal job can provide them with a sense of independence and confidence that contributes positively in other aspects of life.
6. Skill development
Lastly, you shouldn’t forget that your teen’s first job will help him or her develop skills that will be useful in the future. Versatile skills like customer service, basic information technology and handling money are all common components of a teen’s first employment experience.
In fact, one study affirms that working a summer job has a positive effect on teens , as it actually improves their academic performance.
Based on all of the above, we can easily conclude that the benefits of summer jobs for teens are countless .
However, we recommend you don’t force your teen, and find out his or her intentions. At the same time, it’s important to provide guidance and help your teen look for the best fit when looking for summer work.
