As my daughter approached the end of her high school journey, with sports behind her and volunteer commitments fulfilled, I decided it was time for a heart-to-heart. I gently took her aside and said, “You need to find a job.”
“Wait, what?” she replied, surprised. Yes, it was time for her to start earning some money before heading off to college.
Throughout her high school years, a part-time job was simply not feasible. Her days were packed, stretching over 16 hours, while weekends were reserved for catching up on assignments and spending time with family. During her summers, she dedicated herself to volunteering, and though she considered it a job, I knew it was far from a typical work experience. I wanted her to have an honest, albeit unglamorous, minimum wage job—something that would teach her the realities of life, possibly even cleaning public restrooms.
College admissions committees have expressed concern over the lack of real-world work experience among applicants. While many students boast impressive internships, few have held jobs in the service industry, and even fewer are willing to admit it. Yet, it’s precisely these types of jobs that today’s youth—especially those from comfortable backgrounds—should tackle. The life lessons learned from working in fast food or retail can be invaluable.
1. People Can Be Rude, So Keep Smiling
Life lesson #1: The world can be unkind, and customers often expect instant service. Learning to smile, even when faced with difficult people, is essential.
2. Understanding the Value of Money
When your teen starts earning, they begin to see prices through the lens of how many hours they need to work to afford something. Suddenly, that new gadget becomes “three hours of work,” making them appreciate the worth of every dollar.
3. Minimum Wage Isn’t Enough to Live On
Working at a minimum wage job opened my daughter’s eyes to the harsh realities many face. She realized how challenging it is for some to make ends meet on such wages, deepening her gratitude for the opportunity to attend college.
4. Reliability is Key
Your employer won’t care if your alarm didn’t go off or if you had a bad day. If you don’t show up ready to work, you can be replaced in no time. It’s a tough lesson, but one that will serve her well throughout her career.
5. Put Down the Phone
An eight-hour shift without distractions from a phone can be refreshing. It’s a chance to develop interpersonal skills and learn the art of conversation face-to-face, an invaluable ability in today’s digital world.
6. Work is Not for Selfies
No one cares how you look in your uniform. Take pride in your job, no matter how menial it may seem. The same dedication is required whether you’re mopping floors or running the company.
7. Cultivating Gratitude
Working in less-than-ideal conditions while serving diverse customers fosters empathy. What once felt like a stressful life can be seen in a new light, leading to a deeper appreciation for one’s circumstances.
My daughter ended up working in a fast-food establishment before heading to college. Shortly after starting, she came home one evening, exhausted but enlightened, exclaiming, “Those few days taught me more than I ever learned at home!” It was a moment of pride for me as a parent.
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Summary:
Getting a job can provide teenagers with essential life lessons, from understanding the value of money to cultivating resilience and empathy. These experiences are invaluable as they prepare for adulthood and college life.