As my daughter approached the final stretch of her high school career, with her sports commitments wrapped up and her volunteer hours completed, I decided it was time to have a heart-to-heart. I looked her in the eye and firmly said, “It’s time for you to find a job.”
“What? Why?” she replied, clearly taken aback. But honestly, it was high time she started earning some cash before heading off to college.
During her hectic high school years, the idea of a part-time gig was laughable. Her days were jam-packed, stretching up to 16 hours, and weekends were reserved for catching up on assignments, getting some sleep, and spending time with family. Summers were spent volunteering, and although she insisted she treated it like a real job, I knew better. She was spending her days mentoring kids, which, let’s be real, was far from the type of work I had in mind. What I wanted was for her to experience a basic, no-frills minimum wage job—preferably one that included scrubbing public restrooms.
College admissions officers have expressed concern over the lack of real-world job experience among applicants. Many boast impressive white-collar internships, while few have actually worked in service roles. However, it’s precisely these jobs that today’s youth—especially those from comfortable backgrounds—should experience. The lessons learned from flipping burgers or working the register are invaluable.
1. Expect Rudeness, and Keep Smiling
Life lesson #1: The world can be a harsh place, and customers can be demanding. Learn to smile, even when faced with difficult situations. It’s a reminder to be gracious in the face of adversity.
2. Understanding the Value of Money
Suddenly, the price of items translates into “how many hours do I need to work to afford that?” As her bank account grew, she began to reconsider her spending habits, realizing, “This would take me three hours of work.” Welcome to adulthood!
3. Minimum Wage Isn’t Sustainable
The reality of living on minimum wage baffled her. She realized some of her co-workers juggled two full-time jobs just to make ends meet. This lesson ignited her appreciation for the college opportunity ahead.
4. Show Up Ready to Work
Your boss won’t care if you didn’t get enough sleep or if you had a personal crisis. You’re replaceable in a heartbeat, not only in this job but in nearly every job you’ll have down the road.
5. Your Phone Can Wait
Going an entire shift without checking your phone is liberating. It’s a chance to develop face-to-face communication skills without emojis, Snap Chats, or character limits.
6. Work Isn’t Insta-Worthy
The investment group that owns the fast food chain doesn’t care how cute you look in your uniform. Take your work seriously and take pride in what you do. Whether you’re cleaning floors or running the show, character is key.
7. Cultivating Gratitude
Working in less-than-ideal conditions can quickly build empathy. Serving a diverse clientele and witnessing their struggles puts your own problems into perspective. You’ll start feeling grateful for the simple things in life.
My daughter eventually took a job in the fast food industry before heading off to college, and she even continued working during her short summer break. I knew it was worth it when, just a few days in, she came home exhausted and said, “In three days, I learned all the lessons you and Dad have been trying to teach me for 18 years. Thanks for pushing me to work, Mom. I finally get it.”
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Summary:
This article discusses the essential life lessons that teenagers can learn through part-time jobs. From understanding the value of money to developing empathy and strong work ethics, these experiences shape young individuals into responsible adults. The author shares personal anecdotes about their daughter’s journey into the workforce and highlights the importance of such experiences before entering college.