Life Lessons
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I Never Realized How Much a Job Could Empower My Kids
The advantages extend far beyond the cash they earn — and that’s a nice bonus too.
By Emily Johnson
During the lockdowns of early 2020, I noticed my son had become quite withdrawn. He spent the majority of his time in his room, and while some of that was due to online schooling, much of it seemed to be his choice. I wasn’t sure if it was because his usual social activities were on hold or if something else was troubling him. However, everything shifted when he expressed interest in finding a job, which I thought was a brilliant idea.
To my surprise, the outcome was even more positive than I anticipated. It significantly enhanced his self-esteem. And it wasn’t just him — all of my children have gained valuable benefits from their part-time jobs, and not solely in a financial sense.
My eldest daughter has always been a diligent worker. At just twelve, she took on a summer job mowing lawns and saved enough to buy a new skateboard. The following year, she worked hard to save for a new phone. Now that she’s almost twenty, she works full-time and has accumulated more savings than many adults I know. Each day, she heads to work with enthusiasm and genuinely enjoys the structure and routine, which makes her feel alive.
My son’s journey to employment was a bit more challenging. Initially, he was apprehensive about interacting with the public and wanted a job that didn’t require him to deal with customers. I suggested he apply at a nearby café to see if they needed a dishwasher. He hesitated, so I encouraged him to reach out through Instagram — even if they weren’t currently hiring, they might keep him in mind.
After some reluctance, he took the plunge. The owner responded quickly, stating they weren’t hiring at that moment but would let him know if anything changed. That brief exchange gave him a significant confidence boost; he had faced his fears. He continued to inquire about job openings until the café finally needed staff and asked if he could start soon.
I’ll always remember waiting in the car with him on his first day. He looked at me and admitted how nervous he felt, saying, “I don’t know if I can get out of the car.” If you have a child who struggles with social anxiety, you understand the delicate balance of encouraging them without being overly forceful, as that often leads to them shutting down even more.
I reassured him that the hardest part would be stepping into the café. To my relief, he managed to get out of the car and began his shift. When I picked him up later, he radiated happiness, thrilled that everything went smoothly.
In the weeks that followed, I noticed a remarkable transformation in him. He exhibited a newfound enthusiasm and energy I hadn’t seen in ages. He spent less time isolated in his room and became excited about collecting his paychecks and tips. Watching his bank account grow was exhilarating for him. The added responsibility of a job significantly boosted his self-worth because it demonstrated that he could take on new challenges, even when uncertain.
Fast forward two years, and he now works at an assisted living facility where he serves food. He eagerly anticipates going in each day, and he’s saving up for his first car.
Having a job offers kids experiences and skills that school, extracurricular activities, and sports simply can’t provide. It allows them to engage with diverse personalities and presents immense opportunities for personal growth. I’m not just referring to the paycheck; I’ve witnessed them return home glowing after receiving a bonus, a compliment from a customer, or sharing a heartwarming experience from work. The pride they feel in those moments is unmatched.
They’ve also discovered more about themselves through work. They’ve held jobs they didn’t enjoy, quit, and ultimately found roles that they love. I cherish this aspect because if there’s one lesson I want to impart to my children, it’s that their quality of life will significantly improve when they find joy in their work. Experiencing jobs they didn’t like has encouraged them to recognize their worth and pursue what they genuinely enjoy.
I understand that every teen is unique and that we all draw energy from different sources. But for my kids, working has greatly enhanced their confidence. It instills a sense of purpose and the realization that they can make a difference. It’s been a fantastic experience for each of them — even during tough days — as it shows them their incredible capabilities.
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Summary
In conclusion, my teenagers’ part-time jobs have proven to be transformative experiences. They not only gained financial independence but also developed confidence, self-worth, and invaluable life skills. As they navigated their work journeys, they learned about responsibility, perseverance, and the importance of finding joy in what they do. These experiences have been essential in shaping their identities and futures.