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Mary Ann’s Answer
Hello Winfred,
As you are asking about what age to start working, I recommend you check with your state to learn about rules related to youth employment. I believe most states in the U.S. require kids to be 16 before they can be employed by a company in a job where taxes are taken out of your paycheck. If you are under the required age, there are likely some things you can do to get permission to get a job earlier. If you have a guidance counselor at your school, check with that person. They will likely know.
If you meet the age requirement for being employed, think about how many hours each week you want to work and what time of day/night you are available to work. And, think about how you will get to and from work. Do you drive? Will you take a bus? Will someone else need to drive you? Do you need to dress a certain way for the job? Do you have those clothes or will you need to buy new clothes for your job? Does the job require you to wear a uniform and will they give you the uniform?
Once you are sure you meet the age requirement, know how many hours you want to work, how you will get to/from work, and you have the clothing you need for the job, go get a job. It's never to early to start getting job experience.
As an example, I started babysitting kids in my neighborhood when I was 13 yrs old. That taught me responsibility, helped me to strengthen my own creativity as I had to keep the kids entertained, and it helped me to build my skills as a leader because when I was babysitting, I was in charge. When I was 17 and a Senior in high school, I had my first job that came with a paycheck and they took taxes out of my paycheck. I was a children's photographer at my local mall. I worked 2 nights during the week and on the weekends. Keep in mind, I was also going to school during the day. When summer came around, I worked more hours as I didn't need to go to class or do homework. Working and going to school at the same time taught me to plan my time to make sure I was able to do everything I needed to do for school and work AND still have time to see my friends.
Talk with your parents to see what they think and come up with a plan that works for you.
As you are asking about what age to start working, I recommend you check with your state to learn about rules related to youth employment. I believe most states in the U.S. require kids to be 16 before they can be employed by a company in a job where taxes are taken out of your paycheck. If you are under the required age, there are likely some things you can do to get permission to get a job earlier. If you have a guidance counselor at your school, check with that person. They will likely know.
If you meet the age requirement for being employed, think about how many hours each week you want to work and what time of day/night you are available to work. And, think about how you will get to and from work. Do you drive? Will you take a bus? Will someone else need to drive you? Do you need to dress a certain way for the job? Do you have those clothes or will you need to buy new clothes for your job? Does the job require you to wear a uniform and will they give you the uniform?
Once you are sure you meet the age requirement, know how many hours you want to work, how you will get to/from work, and you have the clothing you need for the job, go get a job. It's never to early to start getting job experience.
As an example, I started babysitting kids in my neighborhood when I was 13 yrs old. That taught me responsibility, helped me to strengthen my own creativity as I had to keep the kids entertained, and it helped me to build my skills as a leader because when I was babysitting, I was in charge. When I was 17 and a Senior in high school, I had my first job that came with a paycheck and they took taxes out of my paycheck. I was a children's photographer at my local mall. I worked 2 nights during the week and on the weekends. Keep in mind, I was also going to school during the day. When summer came around, I worked more hours as I didn't need to go to class or do homework. Working and going to school at the same time taught me to plan my time to make sure I was able to do everything I needed to do for school and work AND still have time to see my friends.
Talk with your parents to see what they think and come up with a plan that works for you.
Updated
A.’s Answer
I always inspire young people to dive into the workforce right after high school. This isn't just about earning money, but it's a valuable opportunity to grasp the concept of taxes, learn how to manage them, and understand the dynamics of a professional setting. It's crucial to start mingling with the public, mastering the art of handling situations, accomplishing tasks, being punctual, and overall, evolving into a more accountable person. This hands-on experience will pave the way for more significant opportunities in the future. It's a great way to instill discipline and provide a practical guide to adulthood. Here's to your success!
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