TEEN’S FIRST SUMMER JOB
Summertime is the perfect time to introduce your older teens into the workforce and teach them about financial responsibility.
While the unemployment rate for teens ages 16-19 in our country stands at 19.2% in the month of May compared to the national rate of 6.3%, your teen should not be discouraged. There are jobs in the Tampa Bay community and it’s going to take some work. By the end of summer break your teen will not only have gained extra income, but valuable life lessons.
Here are five reasons to look for a summer job:
1. Develop interview skills. As they say, practice makes perfect. The more interviews your teen goes on, the better he or she will become at the interview process. This will not only help them in the short term, but in the long term as they interview for college admission or full-time work in the future. Prepare your teen by sharing your own interview experiences. Remind your child to dress the part and bring a smile.
2. Better cope with rejection. No one likes to be turned down, but it’s a part of life.Your teen may not get the job. We’ve all been there. This is a valuable life lesson for you teen as they learn to cope with the rejection and learn to move on.
3. Learn something new about yourself. From new skills to new interests, your teen will LEARN! Encourage them to set a goal, whether it’s learning a new skill or setting a financial goal for college or a new car. This will give them a sense of accomplishment and boost self-esteem. Maybe your teen will discover starting his or her OWN business is more suited for them.
4. Push the limits of your comfort zone. It’s not always easy, no matter how old you are, to put yourself out there and push for the job you want. It’s a competitive world out there. Encourage your teen to approach the manager at their favorite store or theme park and inquire about employment opportunities. The more they do it, the easier it will become. Talk about a confidence booster!
5. You’ll face less competition as your resume grows. It’s not always going to be easy to find that first job. Many teens may give up on trying to find a job, which will only help your teen if they keep on searching. If they cannot find a paying job, encourage your child to volunteer with a favorite charity organization. Volunteering is another great way to gain valuable work experience and it’s practically a must on a college application nowadays.
Teens can also be their own boss and offer skills like babysitting, dog walking, tutoring or get creative and start your own etsy store, or a magic show!