Many teenagers spend multiple hours each week working at a part time job. But why do they do this? With school and extracurricular activities, having a part time job is very hard for some teenagers. Some are very excited to get a job, because it means they are able to have their own money to spend on whatever they want.

Many parents encourage their teenagers to get a part time job. Parents think that it’s important to teach their children responsibility, before entering adulthood. On the other hand, some teenagers may have to work in order to support themselves, and also their families. Having a job as a teenager can give life skills that will be important in the future, such as kindness, responsibility, respect, and much more.

There are many different opportunities and types of jobs offered. Some include restaurants, amusement parks, grocery stores, retail stores, babysitting, and tutoring. In the past, many students have at least held a job during the summer, but it has since declined. The amount of teenagers who now have jobs is pretty low. The chart shows the percentage of teenagers employed each year, both during the summer and the school year.

Having a job as a teenager can be very stressful, especially during senior year, with college applications. Balancing school and work is a hard task. Studies show that students who work greater than fifteen hours a week receive lower grades than those who don’t work.  With having a job, students can be exposed to things that they wouldn’t be exposed to elsewhere, and situations that they may not be capable of handling.

Although having a job as a teenager is very challenging, there are a few benefits. With the responsibility of a job comes the responsibility of handling money. With the money, teens are able to purchase whatever they want, good or bad. You’re also able to save the money that you make, and use it towards future goals and commitments, such a college education.

While interviewing Emily Hatt, she was able to explain the struggles of maintaining a social life, while also working part time at a local restaurant. She states “I wanted to get a job once I turned sixteen, and thought that it would be a good opportunity to gain some experience and responsibility. I didn’t realize how hard it would be to maintain my grades in school, while also playing volleyball, and having a job. It has been very challenging, but I feel like it has helped me become who I am today”. As you can see, she doesn’t always enjoy working, but she is happy with the skills that it has provided her with.

Although having a job as a teenager is very challenging, there are a few benefits. With the responsibility of a job comes the responsibility of handling money. With the money, teens are able to purchase whatever they want, good or bad. You’re also able to save the money that you make, and use it towards future goals and commitments, such a college education.