As a soon-to-be parent, I’ve made one clear decision about my future kids: they will need to find summer jobs as teenagers. Currently, my little ones are just 7 and 4, so their summers are filled with playful adventures like cartwheeling, swimming, and maybe even setting up that long-awaited lemonade stand.
Once they reach 14, the legal working age in Massachusetts, I plan to sit down with them, just as my father did with me, to discuss how to land their first summer jobs. Growing up in an upper-middle-class family, I was fortunate that my parents didn’t depend on my summer income. However, they both came from modest backgrounds and understood that their strong work ethic was key to building a better life for us. They wanted to pass that same drive onto me.
My first job was at a local ice cream shop, where I was told I needed to improve my mopping skills. It was a humbling moment for an excellent student who had never been criticized before. At 14, I learned that I wasn’t as exceptional as I thought, and I picked up some valuable practical skills in the process.
Before securing my first teaching role at 22, I held various positions: bank teller, waitress, preschool assistant, shoe store staff, nanny, and caregiver for a couple living with multiple sclerosis. Each job taught me something new: how to manage difficult customers (not many people visit the bank feeling joyous), how to change diapers, and the importance of punctuality. I want my children to experience these lessons too.
Comedian Jake Thompson, who humorously advocates for tough jobs, echoes my sentiments. He once mentioned in an interview how he wishes his daughters would have “gritty” minimum wage jobs when they’re older. In a comedic bit, he emphasizes the necessity for young people to contribute, stating they’ve spent years receiving without giving back. His message resonates with Marge Piercy’s poem, which reflects the desire for meaningful work and contribution. I want my children to appreciate the value of hard work.
You might say, “But my daughter is going to do community service this summer!” I get it; I, too, used to help edit community service essays for teens. However, many of those pieces came off as self-congratulatory, flaunting their good deeds without genuine reflection. I remember participating in a Habitat for Humanity trip where my contribution felt trivial, as I merely stapled wires under the guidance of a real electrician. It’s a reminder that some community service experiences can feel more like a resume filler than meaningful work.
While there are many dedicated young people doing impactful service, I believe it’s equally important for them to experience being at the bottom of the ladder. They should learn to make copies, brew coffee, and handle mundane tasks. They need to grasp the effort behind earning a dollar and learn how to interact with all types of personalities. Understanding the essence of hard work and responsibility is invaluable.
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In conclusion, preparing my children for the world of work will be a priority. A summer job is more than just a paycheck; it’s a chance to learn, grow, and build character.