Help a Teen Keep a Job While in School
As teens, we all want one thing: Money. When chores and babysitting don't cut it for us, we start to apply for real jobs. How can we keep these jobs and still keep our grades? With some effort, you may find it's easier than it seems!
Steps
- Make sure that you are eligible to get a job at the place you are interested in applying. In some places, you can get your working papers at 14 but, that doesn't mean you will be hired.
- Research! Make sure the job you're applying for is flexible and can fit to your schedule. Places like Stop & Shop and local stores are ideal for this kind of thing.
- When going in for your interview, make sure your employer knows that your hours are subject to change. (School-Summer)
- If you're having a problem with your hours, talk to your boss! Even if it means cutting back hours or pay, your grades should not be suffering due to your job!
Tips
- If any of your friends have jobs, ask them about their experience! Ask them about the dos and don'ts.
- Talk to your parents! They were kids once too! Also, make sure they're comfortable with your hours because they're affected just as much as you are. Especially if they're the ones driving you!# 3. If you apply for a job in the summer, make sure your employer is fully aware that your hours are subject to change once school starts.
- Always make sure you have transportation to and from a job before applying for it.
- DON'T TAKE ON TOO MANY HOURS! If you're a minor, your employer cannot make you work over a certain number of hours. Leave time for HOMEWORK & STUDYING!
- DON'T OVERBOOK YOUR WEEKENDS! As a teen, it's important to have a social life. Don't make work your only priority.
Warnings
- BEWARE of CALL-SHIFTS! Some jobs have things called "call-shifts" where they only call you when they need you. You call them on a Sunday and they tell you when they need you during that week. If you are not comfortable with this, DON'T TAKE THE JOB! Call-shifts are a huge part of places such as the movie theater. Make sure you're aware of this before you take on a job.
