To Work or Not to Work: A Teen’s Dilemma
Words of Wisdom from Jim & Jane, two local teens sharing their opinions on what matters. Have a question for Jim & Jane? Email it to
info@northtexaskids.com.
Jim: Teens always seem to struggle with the decision whether or not to have a job so they can have some extra spending cash. I personally have had at least one job since I was 12. I’ve done everything from baseball umpiring to camp counseling and almost everything in between. Many times I’ve had to juggle 2 jobs, sports, school, and being a kid (and I’m not the only one). Many of my friends who have jobs get frustrated when they cannot find time to be a kid and have fun. When they get stuck with a shift during a Friday night football game it can be really annoying. I’ve had friends that quit jobs just so they can have free time. Jobs are great but it can be a burden to some who want to just be kids.
Jane: Kids need to be kids and need to have the opportunity to have fun because you are only a kid once. However, jobs are a great opportunity for kids to understand the value of a dollar and how to be responsible. Parents should be a positive influence to their kids regarding a possible job. They should never force their child to get a job if they don’t want it. For one, the kid won’t enjoy it and will not execute his job to the best of his abilities. But if your teen decides to not have a job, you must make them realize that you are a parent and not an ATM machine.
Ever since I was a little girl, I can remember my parents saying that they would support me, no matter what. Of course you expect that as a kid, but with age and experience you realize financial support and loving support are two completely different things. As parents, I think it is important to impress upon your kids at a young age that no matter what, there will be loving support. Even if financial problems occur, and a nice house is not part of the picture, a loving home is.
That said, teens these days are becoming more and more extreme about acquiring a job. Some will legitimately do anything for a minimum wage payment. Many use this money to buy the necessities. Others, like me, just like having a little extra cash to spend out on the town with friends. My family has also always said that my job is school, I am a student. If I want another job for some extra spending money, I can do so, but otherwise, I
am not required to. With this in mind, I never intended to get a job.
Then high school happened. Having a job not only kept my bank account stable, but gave me responsibility and gave me focus! It also kept me out of trouble, which is always a plus! Of course there are cons to working on a normal basis, but they are outweighed by the pros. Some other advantages to keeping a job throughout high school: showing consistency to colleges, learning work ethic, interacting with professionals and opportunity. That is, by far, one of the most wonderful things about working as a high school student.
I was fortunate enough this year to snag an internship in the field I intend to study in college. By the end of it, not only will I have gained a real idea of the business, but I will be exposed to the industry as a whole. Ultimately, the exposure can help me decide what is right for me! Your kids could do the same. There are so many opportunities out there that your kids can take advantage of. Sometimes they are harder to find than others, but you can help them scope out these openings. Encourage your kids to be successful in whatever they do and help them as much as you can along the way. However, caution yourself. Do NOT be the parents who spit out money whenever asked. Like Jim said, you shouldn’t be an ATM to your children. However a little cash here and there is not a bad thing (it’s awesome, actually.) If you get your kids in the habit of spending money at their own leisure, the value of the dollar and realization of the real world will go right out the window. And you can thank yourself for that, when they come back after college begging for money and a lesson on the reality of life. Be generous, but don’t let them be greedy. Jim:Just like Jane said, it is all about the balance. Just like going on a diet, money should be used in small portions because too much at once can never lead to good things. Parents: if you need your kids to have a job to help out the family, don’t feel like a bad parent, times are tough! But don’t expect your kids to pay for everything, it is unrealistic and takes on toll on them. Kids need to be kids, but sometimes ‘ya gotta do what ya gotta do.’
North Texas Kids • July 2011 •
www.NorthTexasKids.com 49
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