Job Ideas for Teenagers

Job Ideas

• The well-known first job for teenagers is usually flipping burgers at a fast-food restaurant or babysitting the neighbor's kids. But you do not have to take these jobs if you do not want to. Look for internships in your industry of choice or apply for a part-time job at your favorite shop. If you are ready for a real hands-on, active job, consider becoming a camp counselor or a nurse aide at a local hospital. Many teens with a more entrepreneurial spirit go into business for themselves. If you have a special talent, you can market yourself and sell your services around town. Running your own business teaches you responsibility, money management and discipline. Not only will you need to do the work you are selling, you will have to spend time marketing yourself, proving yourself to customers and managing how much money counts as profit and how much needs to be saved for supplies. Baking, babysitting, lawn care, car washing and tutoring are a few business ideas to get you started. Think of something special you can do that many people either don't want to do or cannot do.

Finding an Employer

• Finding a good employer that will be patient with you is essential to your success at your first job. Since this is your first job, you will need to broken into working life, but that doesn't mean you should have a boss that breaks your back. Check with your parents' friends and local employers to a find a job and a boss you can trust. Many teens get their first jobs through their parents' business or friends. Talk to your parents about your desire to get a job and ask them to help you. There may be a low-level position open at one of your parent's work that you could apply for. If your parents own their own business, consider asking them to put you to work as an intern. Spread the word to your friends and their parents that you are actively looking for work. Almost all businesses have administrative work that the full-time employees wish they did not have to do, such as filing, couriering and organizing. Approach employers around town about handling the undesirable office tasks.