Summer Jobs for Teens: A Foundation for Smart Money Habits

April might seem early to talk about summer jobs, but trust me - it’s not. I’ve watched my own kids get behind the eight ball. If you wait until June, the best gigs will be gone! Whether you’re a teen looking to make some cash or a parent hoping to teach financial responsibility, now is the time to get started.

A summer job isn’t just about making money; it’s a chance to build valuable skills, gain independence, and set yourself up for future success. But before you start filling out applications, let’s talk about the roadblocks that might be standing in your way and how to overcome them.

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Teens: What’s Holding You Back?

Is there a gnawing feeling keeping you from launching out? Here are some common concerns and ways to tackle them:

• Feeling Overwhelmed: Finding a job can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re juggling school, sports, and other activities. Look for jobs that align with your availability. Employers are looking for young people who are reliable and take initiative. Push yourself. I believe you are capable of more than you think.

• Lack of Motivation: Maybe you’re looking forward to downtime, spending time with friends, and having a break from the doldrums of school. But imagine how it would feel to buy something or plan an excursion for the day with money you earned yourself. It’s an awesome feeling!

• Bad Past Job Experience: Have you had bad experiences with jobs and co-workers in the past, and are worried about getting stuck in a job that you’ll hate? Not every job (or boss) is the same. Give it another shot and realize this is not your forever job. Seasonal transitions, like the start of the next school year or the end of a holiday rush, are good times to exit gracefully.

These and others are all real barriers. Talk to a parent or mentor about what’s holding you back. They can offer advice and support, and maybe even help you find job leads that fit your strengths and interests.

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The Value of Earning Your Own Money

A summer job isn’t just about what you buy; it’s about what you learn.

• Building a Work Ethic: Showing up on time, working hard, and being reliable will serve you well in life. You’ll appreciate the effort that goes into every dollar earned. You’ll look back later and realize what you gained through committing to work and having responsibility.

• Gaining Independence: Teens often say they want more independence in making their own decisions. One of the best ways to prove you’re ready for more is by excelling at a summer job. As you show responsibility, you’ll gain more freedom, not just because you have money, but because you’ve built trust. Over time, that can mean more say in things like going to concerts, driving, and making bigger life choices.

• Creating Confidence: A summer job can be just the antidote if you struggle with trying new things. I’m confident that you’re capable of more than you think. As you take on responsibilities and complete tasks, you’ll start to see your own potential. Your confidence will grow with each success, leading to even bigger achievements.

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Job Ideas to Get You Started

Not sure where to look? Here are some great options:

• Lifeguard

• Babysitter/Nanny

• Tutor

• Dog Walker/Pet Sitter

• Camp Counselor

• Golf Caddy

• Retail Sales Associate

• Barista

• Restaurant Host/Hostess

• Warehouse Worker

• Freelance Writer

• Content Creator

• Farmers’ Market Assistant

• Landscaping/Gardening

• House Cleaner

• Social Media Manager

• Pool Cleaner

• Movie Theater Attendant

• Theme Park Worker

• Tech Support Assistant

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Where to Look (and Where Not To)

✔ Do:

• Drive around the area near your home or walk around the mall to see who’s hiring. Walk in during the week and ask to talk to the manager (Managers like weekends off). Be bold. Dress the part.

• Visit local job fairs. For example, our local Park District holds an annual event where every department sets up an info table where you can talk to a hiring manager. These events allow you to explore your interests and for them to see if you’re a good fit.

• Ask family, friends, or neighbors if they know of any job openings. There might be someone in your circle with a business or who is looking for help with daily household tasks like dog walking, lawn mowing, car detailing, etc.

✖ Don’t:

• Forget blasting your resume out on popular job search sites. You’re likely to get no response because of the sea of applicants they have to sift through. When you put in a lot of effort but get no feedback, you might face discouragement, which is not your friend.

• Parents: resist the temptation to do the work for your teens. Job hunting is within their capability, and when they do the work themselves, it will boost their self-image.

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You Landed a Job: What You Should Do Next

After getting a job, here’s how to manage your earnings wisely:

• Open a Bank Account: Not only will you need a checking account to deposit money, but it’s a great first step toward financial independence. Many banks offer an account for teens that parents can help manage.

• Create a Budget: Learn to spend less than you make. Create a simple budget to track income, expenses, and savings. This is a tool to intentionally make your money behave and spend according to your values. You’ll learn how to tell the difference between needs and wants and avoid impulse purchases that can derail you. Don’t forget that taxes will be taken out of your check, so plan accordingly.

• Start Saving: You might decide to open separate savings accounts for your financial goals. Start by setting aside $500 for unexpected, necessary, and urgent expenses in an emergency fund. Then, plan for short, medium, and long-term goals such as movie tickets next month, a car next year, or school in four years. Parents: consider offering to match a percentage to incentivize long-term savings.

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Parents: When to Push and When to Step Back

Encouraging your teens to get a job is a balancing act. Some teens may need a significant kick in the pants, and others need space to figure it out. Parents need wisdom and discernment to know where to push by adding boundaries and requirements, and when to back off and give their teens space. I needed to listen and demonstrate empathy, but not always give in to what my teens suggested or demanded. Here are some helpful principles:

• Set expectations: Make what you expect clear. If you leave it too loosey goosy, that will contribute to your reluctant teen’s inaction. By what date do they need to have a job in hand? How many hours do you expect them to work? What expenses are you going to stop covering?

• Be supportive: Offer guidance, but don’t micromanage their job search. Encourage discussion by sharing your own early job history (The “worst” job I had was testing fishing waders for leaks for 6 weeks!), highlighting the good parts while not hiding the challenges you encountered and the way to overcome them. Be a listener!

• Follow through: If you set a requirement, make sure it is enforceable and that you complete the follow-through. Otherwise, your teens may not respect when you set boundaries in the future.

Trust the process and be ready to step in with advice and direction when needed.

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Final Thoughts

A summer job is a great way to gain experience, build confidence, and develop smart money habits that will last a lifetime. Parents and teens: work together on this journey. The right job is out there - start looking now and make this summer one for the books!