Is It Advisable for Teenagers to Take on Part-Time Jobs During School?

Whether it’s packing groceries or blending smoothies, a teenager’s first job can foster a sense of independence and provide extra spending money for essentials like snacks, trendy footwear, and Fortnite cosmetics. Beyond the financial perks, securing and maintaining a job can equip teens with valuable skills and instill strong work ethics from a young age.

While the idea of a part-time job in high school may seem appealing, parents should carefully consider the advantages and potential downsides, such as reduced time for academics and extracurriculars, before making a decision. Establishing clear boundaries is crucial to ensure that studies remain the top priority.

Growing in Income and Maturity

Teen employment offers the clear advantage of generating income for spending and saving. Beyond the immediate financial gain, it teaches adolescents the significance of money and the effort behind earning it. Nashica McRath, a financial advisor at Edward Jones, highlights that working teens gain crucial insights into hourly earnings, taxation, and contributions to Social Security, fostering maturity and preparing them for adulthood.

Regardless of whether a high school student pursues further education or enters the workforce directly, having a job during these formative years equips them with essential financial literacy, budgeting skills, and money management capabilities.

"Gaining work experience helps teens develop time management and practical job skills that are invaluable in their daily lives, both during and after college," notes Brenda M. Brown, director of business development at College Aid Services, LLC.

Dr. Ciara Smalls Glover, an associate professor at Georgia State University, concurs, adding that employment can help teens uncover new passions and talents, potentially guiding them toward a fulfilling career. Her research focuses on family-youth dynamics and culturally unique experiences that promote positive development.

"Generally, we anticipate that adolescents will decide on their career paths during college by choosing a major," she states. "For many, this can be overwhelming. Engaging in work or volunteer activities offers students a chance to gain deeper self-awareness."

Juggling It All

While earning extra income and gaining financial maturity are clear benefits, holding a part-time job in high school also means less time for academics and extracurriculars. McRath emphasizes that without proper prioritization, some areas are bound to be neglected.

Balancing all these responsibilities can be overwhelming for many high school students. However, sports, social activities, and other extracurriculars provide essential life lessons and experiences, making it crucial to allocate time to each, even if it’s just spending time with friends.

"Excessive work hours can drain a teenager’s energy and reduce their focus on academics, impacting more than just grades and graduation," Glover explains. "Adolescence is a pivotal time for identity formation, and social interactions play a vital role in this process."

Work hours for minors are partially regulated by law. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), 14- and 15-year-olds can work up to 18 hours per school week and three hours per school day. Teens aged 16 and older face no federal restrictions, but state laws vary. For example, Georgia imposes no limits on 16- and 17-year-olds, while California labor laws do. During weekends, holidays, or school breaks, these restrictions often loosen, leaving teens with limited time to rest.

Teens and Pay

There are also minimum wage exceptions for workers under 20. The FLSA permits a $4.25 hourly rate for the first 90 days of employment. Additionally, full-time students and certain others may be paid below the minimum wage with special certificates from the Secretary of Labor, as stated on the U.S. Department of Labor website.

"Employers frequently bypass child labor and wage regulations, especially in seasonal or temporary roles," says Marni Lennon, an attorney and assistant dean for public interest and pro bono director at the HOPE Public Interest Resource Center, University of Miami School of Law. "Extended shifts without breaks, stipend-based pay, and consecutive work nights during school hours often violate state labor laws."

For students aiming to attend college, monitoring earnings and savings is crucial as it can affect future financial aid. Brown notes that student income must be reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and could influence eligibility for need-based aid.

"However, avoiding work isn’t the solution to securing financial aid," Brown clarifies. "Multiple factors determine aid eligibility, and the intrinsic value of work experience extends far beyond monetary gains."

Getting Support at Work

A supportive employer is key to a teenager’s success in a part-time job. McRath emphasizes that a boss who prioritizes the student’s education can make a significant difference. However, the teen must also take initiative by communicating their needs, such as requesting time off for studying and arranging shift coverage.

Workplace norms that adults take for granted are often unfamiliar to teenagers. Parents can guide their teens by teaching them to follow up on job applications, promptly provide their school schedules, and adhere to uniform policies. Encouraging teens to save a portion of their earnings is a lifelong skill.