How Can a Job Teach a Teen Some of Life's Lessons?

By Levi Holden

What kind of money making ideas do young children think of? Many kids start out by selling lemonade or something else at a table outside their house. The neighbors probably don't really want what they are selling but everyone buys it anyway so they will have fun and not get discouraged.

When that child turns 13, however, they will find that their options for making money are extremely limited. Most of the time the only types of jobs they can get involve babysitting or something similar; companies are not going to hire a teenager that young. The other main options seem to be paper routes, walking dogs, or doing yard work for neighbors and family.

If you are too young for a business to employ you but you need to make money, it would be a good idea to find a job you will enjoy. After all, you will have lots of years to spend working in serious occupations.

Babysitting and newspaper routes are still the favorites among older teens. There are those who try to branch out into selling baked goods that they have made and similar ventures. You can expect to have better success if you use your imagination to fuel your employment ideas and your drive to actually perform the job. With encouragement and a bit of guidance, there are practically unlimited ways for motivated kids to make their own money.

Once a child becomes about 15 years old, they will want extra cash and may consider looking for a job in the summer. And since they will turn 16 in the near future, many of them will want to put aside money for getting a driver's license. With today's economic troubles causing a continual loss of jobs, what options will teenagers have? That is a vulnerable time, and working can help teenagers mature and develop better self-esteem. These important life lessons will have to wait if part time and summer jobs disappear. - 30544

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