Preparing for Adult Life

Most parents and primary caregivers agree that one of the primary goals of raising a child is preparing him or her for life out in the real world. Every family has its own set of values: some value empathy, some value respect, and some value strength. Regardless of what the family’s moral and ethical code is, after these fundamental building blocks, almost all parents and primary caregivers strive to instill some sort of work ethic into their children. After all, just about everyone on earth has to work for a living, and no one wants this to come as a total surprise to their children.

So, the question is: how do you teach your children about work and instill a solid work ethic? There are many answers to this question and there are many paths to personal responsibility. Once kids are old enough, one way to teach them about what working is like is to let them really do it: allow them to get out there and get a job. There are pros and cons of teenage jobs, but many teens thrive as young employees.

As teenagers get older and start to take on more responsibility, many want to get a job to start earning their own money. You may be thrilled since teenagers can be expensive. If your teenager is driving, costs for a car, insurance, and gas can add up quickly. While many teenagers work at some point during high school, you may also be wondering if it’s a good idea for your teenager to work.

Also Read: UNEMPLOYMENT PROBLEM IN INDIA

There are definite benefits to teens holding down a job, including:

Earning money. This is usually the most obvious benefit, especially from your teen’s perspective. Having their own money to spend offers teenagers a tangible reward for their effort. From earning to spending to saving, they’ll learn important lessons in money management. They will also feel more independent and empowered. Working part-time is a great way for your child to transition into making their own money and learning to manage it effectively.

Learning important skills. High school students who work learn good time-management skills and organization. They learn important communication skills and how to work on a team. They develop a work history and can take those skills with them to the adult working world.

Building character. Working teaching kids responsibility and accountability. They can also learn to take initiative, function independently, and keep commitments.

Also Read: Unemployment rate in India

What Jobs Are Good for Teenagers?

It’s not easy to find a job as a teenager. Many jobs have age or experience requirements that you might not meet.

On top of that, you need to juggle schoolwork, extracurriculars, and your social life. Finding a position that fits into your schedule and pays decently is challenging.

Fortunately, there are still plenty of opportunities for teens to make some extra money and gain valuable experience, both in-person and online.

Here are a few ideas for interesting and easy-to-get jobs for teenagers in India:

1. Customer service representative: Many companies in India hire teenagers to work in their customer service departments, either in-person or over the phone.
2. Sales associate: Retail stores often hire teenagers to work as sales associates, helping customers find products and making sales.
3. Delivery person: Food delivery and package delivery companies often hire teenagers to deliver orders to customers.
4. Tutor: If you excel in a particular subject, you could consider offering tutoring services to other students in your area.
5. Babysitter: Parents are always in need of reliable babysitters, so this can be a great job option for teenagers who enjoy working with children.
6. Pet sitter: If you love animals, you could offer pet sitting or dog walking services to busy pet owners in your community.
7. Lawn care worker: Many homeowners are willing to pay someone to mow their lawns, rake leaves, and perform other yard maintenance tasks.
8. Lifeguard: If you are a strong swimmer and have completed a lifeguard training program, you could work as a lifeguard at a local pool or beach.
9. Freelance writer: If you enjoy writing, you could offer your services as a freelance writer, creating content for websites, blogs, and other online platforms.
10. Photographer: If you have a good eye and a passion for photography, you could offer your services as a photographer, capturing events, portraits, and other types of photographs.

Also Read: Government Jobs Craze In India. How it is affecting Indian Youth

The Pros and Cons of Allowing a Teenager to Work

Every teenager is different and will respond to new and unique life experiences in their own way. When considering whether or not to allow your teenager to get a job, the main thing to think about is whether or not the job will negatively affect academic performance. If the answer is no and you feel your child can handle it, the next step is to talk it over, check the laws of your state, and let your teenager go see what’s out there.

Also Read: Do you have a job that the average person doesn’t even know exists?

The following list of the pros and cons of teenage jobs is meant to help both parents and teenagers start thinking seriously about the reality of teenage jobs:

Pros

Jobs help kids develop a sense of responsibility.
Jobs help kids develop a greater sense of self.
Teens that work a reasonable amount of hours—less than 15 hours a week—get better grades than teens who don’t work.
Jobs help kids learn to manage money and understand personal finance.
Jobs help kids transition from youth to adulthood.

Cons

Jobs can add stress to a child’s life.
Jobs can expose kids to people and situations they might not be ready for.
A teen working a job might feel like childhood is ending too soon.
Teens who work too much—more than 15 hours a week—get lower grades than kids who don’t work at all.
Teenagers who work have money that could possibly be spent on things that aren’t good for them, such as alcohol or tobacco.

Also Read: Why You Should Start Working Young