Working in high school has numerous personal and practical benefits for teens. Part-time jobs can provide experience, knowledge, and skills that other extracurricular activities may not.
Here are some of the biggest benefits to working for teens:
- Allows for the gradual growing up that teens can do to successfully “launch” as adults. A part-time job can help teens learn the qualities necessary to make it as an adult, and it provides them with another environment in which they can practice adult behaviors, attitudes, and actions.
- Typical teen jobs often don’t have anything to do with whatever future career they want, although they could. But those different work experiences help teens develop the “soft” skills (dealing with conflict, solving problems, etc.) needed to be successful in any field.
- Following the directions of someone other than a parent or teacher provides valuable perspective about adult expectations and responsibilities.
- Students who work less than 15 hours per week often improve their grades. Teen workers quickly learn to effectively manage their time and to take advantage of smaller increments to complete assignments or study.
- Teen workers have the opportunity to learn how to budget their money, save for important purchases or college, and invest. With their own money, learning the basics of financial literacy becomes more meaningful.
If your teen is looking for a job, consider the KidsMatter and Naperville Park District Community Job Fair on Saturday, January 4, 2025. Held in partnership with the Naperville Park District, the Community Job Fair will be held from 10AM to 1PM at the Fort Hill Activity Center, located at 20 Fort Hill Drive, Naperville.
The Fair hosts dozens of companies with employment opportunities and the chance to improve job-hunting skills with mock interviews and resume assistance, as well as information on financial literacy.
For more information, visit KidsMatter at www.kidsmatter2us.org/events/community-job-fair.
