Teenage Workers Deserve Our Respect

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Do you recall the thrill of landing your first job? It was your opportunity to earn your own money—maybe you were saving up for a car, college, or simply wanted to treat yourself to coffee and movie tickets. That initial taste of financial independence was thrilling, until, of course, you had to face customers.

I remember working as a waitress during my teenage years. One time, I mistakenly served a table a Sprite instead of a pink lemonade. It was a genuine error, not intentional at all. However, the customer confronted me while I was taking another order, shouting, “You messed up my drink, you dumbass!” before tossing the drink at me. I was mortified, standing there in front of everyone.

In an instant, half the kitchen staff rushed out, ready to defend me. The rude customer narrowly escaped a serious confrontation and was promptly kicked out of the restaurant. That incident was 24 years ago, yet it’s etched in my memory. I vowed never to treat anyone in the service industry with such disrespect again, and I’ve kept that promise.

Unfortunately, adults can be particularly harsh. It’s one thing to be frustrated when your order at a burger joint is wrong, but it’s entirely another to belittle a teenager—often working for minimum wage—over a simple mistake. Absolutely not!

Believe it or not, teenagers are human too. They make mistakes, just like everyone else, but they also accomplish remarkable things. Think back to a time when a young employee at a store helped you find what you were looking for. They were pleasant, right? You appreciated their help, didn’t you? The next time you’re tempted to unleash your frustration on a young employee, remember those moments.

Just because they’re teens doesn’t mean they lack intelligence. In fact, if you need help with technology or video games, you might find that younger employees are far more knowledgeable than their older counterparts. They understand the latest trends and styles—so why not ask for their assistance?

When you allow a teenage employee to assist you, you’re helping to foster their self-esteem. They feel accomplished when they can make a customer happy and validated when their contributions are recognized. If an employee goes above and beyond, take a moment to express your gratitude. During their formative years, positive reinforcement can significantly impact their self-image.

Today, countless job openings exist, and teens, including those as young as 14 and 15, are stepping into these roles. These early jobs are crucial in shaping their work ethic. If they are met with negativity and disrespect from adults, they may develop a dislike for customer service roles, which could affect their future career choices.

If you’re in a bad mood, just stay home. With delivery services readily available, there’s no reason to take your frustrations out on those who are simply trying to do their jobs. No one needs that negativity.

Teenage employees deserve understanding, not humiliation. The next time you’re tempted to lash out at a young worker, think back to your own first job experiences. Remember how much it meant to be treated with respect by adults; it made you feel valued.

And remember, that teenager you’re directing your anger toward is someone’s child—they could be a sibling, a niece or nephew, or a beloved student. How would you react if someone treated your child that way? You’d likely defend them fiercely. Keep that in mind and approach young employees with kindness.

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Summary

Teenage workers are often disrespected in the workplace, but they deserve our understanding and kindness. Their first jobs are vital for building self-esteem and work ethic. Adults need to remember their own experiences and treat young employees with respect, as they are also someone’s child.