The following post is by MPFJ staff writer Travis.ย Travis is a customer blogger for Care One Debt Relief Services, and also appears weekly at Enemy of Debt.ย Travis candidly shares his personal journey to pay off $109,000 of credit card debt and the tips heโs learned along the way. As a father and husband he provides a unique perspective on balancing debt, finances, and family.
Being the father of a fifteen and a half year old boy, thereโs a lot of talk at my house about driverโs licenses, cars, and part-time jobs.
My wife and I mutually decided that we would be supportive of, and even encourage both of our kids to get a part-time job once they reach the appropriate age.ย After all the financial lessons we have tried to teach them to this point, having a part time job and having to pay some actual bills such as their own car insurance as well as filling up the tank every now and then for the privilege of using a car just seems like the next natural progression in their financial education.
My son is becoming more and more interested in getting a job.ย As his social life expands, so does his need for monetary funds.ย While working out one day he started asking me questions about having a part time job as a high school student.ย I was impressed with his thought process, his questions including the following:
- How many hours a week would I expect to work?
- How much would I get paid?
- How often would I get paid?
- How much in taxes would be taken out?
As our conversation progressed, I realized that I had stumbled upon a whole new subject matter that required my parenting and educational skills.ย I answered all his questions as generically as I could, then I told him we needed to back up and start at the beginning.ย There were a few things I wanted him to think about:
Age Requirement
My son does not turn 16 until January.ย There are many businesses that will not hire someone until they are 16 years old.ย ย We have to decide whether he wants to attempt to get a job now, or wait until he turns sixteen and he has more options for potential employers.
Type of Work
I wanted him to think about what kind of work he would like to do.ย ย He has an interest in technology, so he expressed an interest in working at the Best Buy close by our house.ย ย ย He also stated that he would prefer not to work fast food,ย but would work at a Dairy Queen.ย I think that has more to do with the fact that some of his friends already work there.
The point I was trying to drive home was it is not a good idea to apply just because a business is hiring.ย If you don’t think you would enjoy the job, then he likely wouldn’t do his best and end up in a bad situation.
Shift Frequency
My son likes to hang out with his friends, and we also have very high expectations for his grades.ย I wanted him to think about how many days a week he would be willing to work that would allow him to maintain these other aspects of his life.
I emphasized that he should not only expect to, but he should want to pick up weekend shifts.ย It gives him the ability to get a long shift in without worrying about it conflicting with the school day and homework.
Shift Times
Some businesses open early, some are open late.ย I told him that as a restaurant cook in high school, sometimes I would open the kitchen early on weekend mornings, or be the closer at night.ย ย Again, being flexible and willing to work those extreme shifts on weekends would get him additional hours, and thus earn him additional money.
He did express an interest in late night shifts, but said he would prefer not to get up early on weekends.
โDad, do I really get a choice with all of these things?โ he asked.
I smiled as it was a perfect transition to what I wanted to about next.ย An interview is traditionally thought of as an employer questioning and evaluating a potential employee.ย However, it is important to remember that it is just as much an employee evaluating a potential employer.ย ย I told him that an interview is his opportunity to gather information to decide if the job he is interviewing for is a good match for him.
Other questions he may want to ask during an interview may include:
Time Off
Things will come up when he needs to ensure he has certain days off.ย ย He will need to find out the policy or procedure for employees to request time off.
Promotions / Pay Increases
When I was in high school I worked at a restaurant.ย I started as a dishwasher, but was asked to train as a cook.ย It was considered a promotion, and came with additional pay.ย ย High school students may not have much of an opportunity for promotions and pay raises, but it does happen and is a good questions to ask of any potential employer.
I felt it was also important to tell him that even if he is offered a job, he can turn it down if he determined during the interview that it just wasn’t a good fit.
I also wanted to make sure he understood that this same job hunting process applies to not only looking for a part time job in high school, but can also be used when he’s looking for a full time job to start or further his career.
He nodded his head in understanding and asked, โSo, can we pick up some applications?โ
How about you all? Did you have any jobs while you were a teenager? What were they?
Do you think you will (or are) encouraging your children to find part-time work while they are in junior high or high school? Why or why not?
Share your experiences by commenting below!ย
***Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
