As my son approached the finish line of high school, after the final whistle of his sports and the completion of volunteer hours, I decided it was high time to have a chat with my newly complacent college-bound kid. I looked him squarely in the eye and said, “Time to go get a job.”
“Huh?” he replied, seemingly confused. Yes, it was about time he started earning some cash before heading off to college.
During his busy high school years, juggling sports and a mountain of homework left no room for part-time work. His weekends were reserved for catching up on sleep and family time, while summers were spent volunteering. Although he claimed to treat his volunteer work like a job, I couldn’t help but chuckle. Spending days playing games with at-risk kids certainly didn’t equate to real work in my book. What I really wanted was for him to experience a low-wage, less-than-glamorous job—preferably one that included cleaning public restrooms.
Recently, college admissions officers have expressed concern over applicants lacking real job experience. While many have cushy internships at relatives’ offices, few have clocked hours in the service sector. Yet, these are precisely the jobs that today’s young adults—especially those from comfortable middle-class backgrounds—must take on. The lessons learned from flipping burgers are invaluable.
1. People Can Be Rude
Expect to encounter folks who treat you poorly without a second thought. Your job? Keep smiling regardless. It’s a harsh world out there, and learning to smile through it is a vital life skill.
2. Understanding Money
Suddenly, the price of things translates to “how many hours do I need to work to buy that?” Once my son started saving, his spending habits changed dramatically. He learned to associate expenses with effort—quite the revelation!
3. Minimum Wage Realities
The math of living on minimum wage shocked him. He met coworkers juggling two full-time jobs just to get by. This realization fueled his excitement about pursuing higher education.
4. Be Replaceable
Show up ready to work hard, or risk being immediately replaced. Your boss has zero sympathy for alarm failures or personal drama. In less than five minutes, they’ll find someone who can do the job.
5. Disconnect to Connect
An eight-hour shift without your phone? Priceless! It’s an opportunity to engage in genuine conversations without the distraction of screens.
6. It’s All About Work, Not Selfies
Your appearance in a visor and apron won’t earn you any points with your future employers. Take pride in your work, whether mopping floors or managing the place; character matters in every role.
7. Cultivating Gratitude
Working in less-than-ideal conditions teaches empathy. Interacting with a diverse range of people reveals the struggles others face, making you grateful for your own life.
My son ended up working in fast food before heading off to college and continued through the brief summer break. After just a few days on the job, he came home exhausted yet enlightened, saying, “That place taught me more in three days than I think you and Dad have in 18 years. Thanks for pushing me to work, Mom. I finally get it.”
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Summary
In conclusion, working a part-time job can teach your teen invaluable lessons about life, responsibility, and gratitude. From understanding the value of hard-earned money to learning to interact face-to-face without digital distractions, these experiences shape their character and prepare them for the future.