As of June 2018, another school year has come to a close and "fun-in-the-sun" has been had by all students. With New York City students, specifically, it has been 9 months of accomplishments, breaking new barriers, overcoming obstacles and moments of positive self-discovery. Currently, however, it is a sunny July afternoon and if you are a teenager, you are possibly “beyond bored”. For parents and guardians though, watching said boredom arise is conflicting because while teenagers are deserving of a mental reprieve from rigorous academics, their rest and relaxation is costly. To elaborate further, a teenager’s funds have been earned by completing household chores, or have been bestowed by begging a parent or guardian, the fact remains that their funds have been depleted. As a result, funds need to be replenished as soon as possible. Thus, it is time to research summer employment opportunities.
Again, parents and guardians, as you grapple with the thought of your child maturing, which includes entering into the workforce, you are ever-cognizant in balancing assisting your teen in their research while allocating space independence. Thus, the first step in securing summer employment is to research the term working papers. Information regarding working papers (formally known as Employment Certificates and Permits) vary from state-to-state. Nevertheless, information for New York State residents can be found at www.labor.ny.gov. Moreover, for teenagers under the age of 18, working papers are crucial for it matches underage applicants with age-appropriate employment, as well as ensures employers are creating schedules consistent with child labor laws. Thus, whether early research has already been conducted and was subsequently successful, or research fell short due to obstacles, remember to not fret and stay the course! Frustrations when researching summer employment often include qualifications not yet met, such as: prior work experience(s), a high school diploma (or GED equivalent), or driver’s license. However, should your teenager possess two out of the three aforementioned qualifications, the search can be favorable. When looking beyond the obstacles of researching summer employment, one may discover that the benefits are favorable too. Favorable benefits include character building, developing diversity and cultural competency skills, and honing interpersonal and leadership development skills. Furthermore, when examining how your child can better develop these skills, it is imperative to research how indoor vs. outdoor summer employment opportunities can ultimately accompany this goal. Therefore, should your teen desperately want to work indoors during the summer, one of many summer jobs can be found within the fast food industry. Fast food restaurants are abundant in cities and throughout many suburbs and towns, which allows one to apply as a cashier, delivery personnel, or fry cook. Furthermore, these positions are beneficial to high school students as they frequently interact with colleagues and customers, which again fosters cultural competency and interpersonal skills. As such, if this sparks an interest with your teen, research which chains frequently hire, average hours worked by employees, and average rate of pay. Another indoor option for your teenager to explore is supermarket bagger/stocker. Although bagging groceries does not require an extraneous amount effort to be exerted, at the end of part-time or full-time shift however, one can expect to be exhausted. Nevertheless, your teenager will be provided an opportunity to not only bask in the in the comforts of central air conditioning but will also have an opportunity to engage colleagues and customers, ultimately honing previously mentioned skills. As such, these routine interactions provide spaces for shy teenagers to gain gradual confidence, as well as provide a floor for self-assured teenagers to thrive. If your teenager is still not sold on this prospect, research a final indoor summer employment option: becoming a movie theater attendant. Audiences flocking to the theaters to catch the latest summer blockbuster has become a cinematic tradition. Thus, as these large crowds look to escape the heat, your teenager can get "paid in the shade" as cashier at the ticket office or concession stand, or as an usher. Moreover, your teenager will be presented with an opportunity to develop and hone the similar skills found with working within the fast food industry and as a grocery bagger. However, if your teen longs to be outside begin researching available summer camp counselor positions. Many of the preferred qualities of a camp counselor include being creative, hands-on, desire to work with children and teens, effective communicator, enthusiastic, patient, and woodsy. If your teen possesses these qualities, and more, contact local elementary schools, kids’ summer programs, and YMCA/YWCA centers for more information. Another outdoor employment option for your teenager can be found within amusement parks. Such an opportunity requires one to have effective communication skills, enthusiasm, keen observation, and patience, especially as interactions between colleagues and patrons intensifies. As such, be sure to research the size of the amusement park and all available positions, which will ultimately be factors in your decision-making. Thus, as teenagers narrow down their options, ace their interviews, and proceed to work, anxiety, excitement, and stress re-emerge as they prepare to bid adieu to another summer. Therefore, as September preparations begin it is important that teens begin creating academic and financial checklists that highlight the educational feats soon to be accomplished, as well as the monetary goals yet to be achieved. For example: opening a bank account and purchasing back-to-school supplies are a great place to start!
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