As my daughter approached her final semester of high school, after all her sports commitments and volunteer hours were completed, I decided it was time for a heart-to-heart. I looked her in the eyes and said, “It’s time for you to get a job.”
“What? Why?” she responded, clearly caught off guard. But with college on the horizon, it was essential for her to start earning some money before diving into her studies.
Throughout her busy high school years, taking on a part-time job wasn’t feasible. Her days were packed, and weekends were reserved for catching up on homework and spending time with family. Summers were filled with volunteer work, which, while fulfilling, didn’t carry the same weight as a traditional job. I knew she loved working with kids from challenging backgrounds, but I wanted her to experience the reality of a typical minimum-wage position—maybe even cleaning restrooms.
Recent discussions among college admissions officers have highlighted a troubling trend: many applicants lack real-world job experience. While some may boast internships in corporate environments, few have worked in service roles, and even fewer acknowledge those experiences. Yet, these jobs provide invaluable lessons for young people, especially those from comfortably middle-class backgrounds. Here are seven important lessons that can come from working in the service industry:
- People Can Be Unkind: Life lesson number one: It’s a tough world out there. People often expect immediate service without regard for the worker. Learning to maintain a smile, even when faced with rudeness, is crucial.
- Understanding Money’s Value: When your teen starts earning, they’ll quickly learn to equate the price of items with the hours they need to work to afford them. Suddenly, a new video game feels more like a three-hour job rather than just a fun purchase.
- Minimum Wage Isn’t Sustainable: My daughter was shocked to discover how hard it is to live on minimum wage. She learned that many people struggle to make ends meet, which made her appreciate the opportunity to attend college even more.
- Showing Up Matters: Consistency is key. Your employer won’t care if your alarm didn’t go off or if you’re feeling under the weather. In a world where workers are easily replaced, reliability becomes essential.
- Disconnect from Devices: Working an entire shift without checking your phone can feel liberating. It’s a great way to develop interpersonal skills and engage in face-to-face communication without digital distractions.
- Work Is About Responsibility, Not Selfies: The bosses don’t care about how stylish you look in your uniform; they want results. Taking pride in your work—regardless of the task—is what truly matters.
- Building Empathy: Working with diverse groups of people exposes your teen to various life challenges. This can foster gratitude and a deeper understanding of their own circumstances.
Ultimately, my daughter did secure a job in a fast-food restaurant before heading off to college, and she continued working during breaks. After just a few days, she came home, exhausted but enlightened, saying, “That job taught me more in three days than I think you and Dad have tried to teach me in 18 years. Thanks for pushing me to work, Mom. I understand now.”
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Summary
Securing a job can teach teens valuable life lessons, from understanding the value of hard work to developing empathy. With real-world experience, they gain insights that can shape their future and help them appreciate their opportunities.