Money Making Teens
March 8, 2023
A lot of students here at MCHS have jobs and some do not. Depending on how you’ve grown up, you may not need or want a job. Some people get jobs for spending money, and others have them so they can survive. Is it healthy to have a job so young? Does it benefit you long-term? Let’s take a look at what others have to say.
As a student with a job, I can say that sometimes it is difficult, but I enjoy having a job. It allows me to have financial freedom. Our parents work hard, and we love to spend money in useless places, so why not make our own money for those unneeded purchases? When you become an adult, you have to pay for crucial things such as clothing, food, running water, electricity, and all of the things that come with being an adult/parent. Or maybe you are in a situation where your money has to go to important things like a car, insurance, clothing, etc. If you haven’t ever had a job, I personally recommend getting one unless you have sports or clubs you’re committed to that take up more than 20 hours in your regular week. In the article, The Benefits and Risks of Adolescent Employment, by Professor Jeylan T. Mortimer, they say, “Youth themselves think that employment helps them to develop a wide range of beneficial attributes, such as the capacity to take responsibility, develop time-management skills, overcome shyness with adults, and handle money. Furthermore, at least while they are in the work setting, employment makes them feel more like an adult. Employed teens have high rates of job satisfaction.” (Mortimer 6).
Grace Samples, a junior at MCHS, works at Dunkin’ Donuts. When asked if she enjoys having a job, she says absolutely. “I love having one because it makes me feel accomplished and older. I also need it so I can have a car and other important things in my life. If you don’t have a job, you’re lame,” she says. Samples is a perfect example of someone who makes the best out of a must-have job. She is now more responsible than the average teenager since she has to be on time and make her own money.
One of our very beloved teachers, Mr. Jones, was asked about his adolescent jobs, and here’s what he has to say: “I see both sides of the fence when it comes to teens having jobs. If you have a sport you play all year round, you probably won’t have time to work. But I was an athlete making minimum wage, and it taught me two things: self-discipline and how to be a likable person.” So even though Jones didn’t make a pit of money at his job, it taught him something much more lasting than a check ever could.
If you are considering getting a job but don’t know where to start, visit indeed.com to start. It will show current openings in your area, and once you complete your profile, it will be easier to submit applications to any available business. I was hired at my current job because of indeed, and it was very helpful in the application process.
