6 answers
Will
Student
Auburn, Alabama
2
Questions
Asked
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What are the best jobs for a 15 year old?
What are the best jobs for a 9th grade 15 year old who is looking for work? I am currently employed by a real estate company, but i want more in a job than the dreary day to day cleaning, and all that stuff.
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6 answers
Elyse Brogdon
Director of People + Processes
19
Answers
Ypsilanti, Michigan
Updated
Elyse’s Answer
Hi Will,
Great question! I would suggest that the best job for anyone - regardless of age - is the job that combines their strengths + interests with work that is meaningful for yourself, your community, or the world at large. This doesn't always mean that every piece of a job will be your favorite thing in the world, but I do believe that there is meaningful work out there for everyone.
A few questions to ask yourself:
- What am I good at? These are your strengths. Exercising our strengths helps aid our sense of accomplishment at work.
- What do I enjoy doing? These are your interests. Exercising our interests adds to our sense of enjoyment at work.
- What does my family/community/world need? Solving problems + serving others creates meaning in our lives.
Now, you may be limited at this point in your life, since you still have school and might not have a lot of work experience yet, but if answering these questions helps you identify some longer-term career goals, that might point you towards a job that you can do now to move yourself in that direction. It is also ok to try different jobs now to find out what you don't like doing. Weeding out our "no's" is sometimes just as important as determining our "yes's."
Best of luck!
Great question! I would suggest that the best job for anyone - regardless of age - is the job that combines their strengths + interests with work that is meaningful for yourself, your community, or the world at large. This doesn't always mean that every piece of a job will be your favorite thing in the world, but I do believe that there is meaningful work out there for everyone.
A few questions to ask yourself:
- What am I good at? These are your strengths. Exercising our strengths helps aid our sense of accomplishment at work.
- What do I enjoy doing? These are your interests. Exercising our interests adds to our sense of enjoyment at work.
- What does my family/community/world need? Solving problems + serving others creates meaning in our lives.
Now, you may be limited at this point in your life, since you still have school and might not have a lot of work experience yet, but if answering these questions helps you identify some longer-term career goals, that might point you towards a job that you can do now to move yourself in that direction. It is also ok to try different jobs now to find out what you don't like doing. Weeding out our "no's" is sometimes just as important as determining our "yes's."
Best of luck!
Thank you so much for this answer! I love the constructive feedback, I will truly consider all of these as I go into my next job or two. Thanks sincerely, -Will
Will
Julia Reynolds
Supplier Diversity Program Manager
4
Answers
Granite Bay, California
Updated
Julia’s Answer
Coffee shops are the best, you learn customer service, work in a fast-paced environment and learn skills in coffee and tea artistry that you can take with you for life. Food prep or cashier, waiting tables, anything in front of a customer is of value - you will be 16 soon enough!
Thank you, Julia for the advice.
Will
Adrian Santos
Marine Security Guard
161
Answers
Lome, Maritime Region, Togo
Updated
Adrian’s Answer
Depends on the time of year but I think door knocking with information could be a great opportunity for you to grow.
Thank you so much
Will
Eric Becera
System Administrator
15
Answers
Mililani, Hawaii
Updated
Eric’s Answer
There are two paths you can choose to secure a job:
1) Perform a self assessment on what you are good at and find a job related to your skill(s)
- Look for a job that will improve and enhance your skills
- You can then leverage that job to find a better one while completing high school
- Invest the money earned for college, for investment opportunities, or yourself (college courses)
2) Perform a self assessment on a skill that you would like to try or need improvement on
- For example, if you need work on your negotiation and communication skills, find a sales job in retail
- If you would like to work on social skills, try a job as a waiter
- If you would like to work on resolving issues, find a job as a customer service representative
Working on either path will increase your skills to give you greater experience and help prepare you for college and beyond.
I wish you well in finding a job.
1) Perform a self assessment on what you are good at and find a job related to your skill(s)
- Look for a job that will improve and enhance your skills
- You can then leverage that job to find a better one while completing high school
- Invest the money earned for college, for investment opportunities, or yourself (college courses)
2) Perform a self assessment on a skill that you would like to try or need improvement on
- For example, if you need work on your negotiation and communication skills, find a sales job in retail
- If you would like to work on social skills, try a job as a waiter
- If you would like to work on resolving issues, find a job as a customer service representative
Working on either path will increase your skills to give you greater experience and help prepare you for college and beyond.
I wish you well in finding a job.
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Will
Robert Butler
Project Manager
44
Answers
Lone Tree, Colorado
Updated
Robert’s Answer
I would do jobs around the neighborhood - babysitting, lawn mowing, etc. That will get your name out there and you will be able to meet people. Try to apply for jobs for 16+ year olds as getting one of those as young as you can helps.
That sounds like advice i will take. Thanks so much
Will
Doug Luehrs
Consulting
3
Answers
Cherry Hill, New Jersey
Updated
Doug’s Answer
For a 15 year old, I have 2 recommendations that may be worth considering:
1. Soccer referee. It's challenging, teaches you leadership skills, builds your self confidence, and pay is really great. Where I live in NJ, certified refs can do 2-3 games in a day and likely can be done all year. It requires a certification which entails a full day class, half day of field training, a background check which may not be necessary at 15, and a fee. Here is the link for Alabama. http://www.alasoccerref.com/becomeref.htm In Alabama it looks like you need to be 14 so you'd qualify. It's not dreary ;)
2. Lifeguard. Also challenging, teaches you leadership skills, builds your self confidence, pay is usually good, and it teaches you life saving skills in the water and CPR. You also need a lifeguard certification and you need to know how to swim. It may be a summer job, but there are indoor facilities that need guards as well all year. This job is not dreary either.
Good luck!
1. Soccer referee. It's challenging, teaches you leadership skills, builds your self confidence, and pay is really great. Where I live in NJ, certified refs can do 2-3 games in a day and likely can be done all year. It requires a certification which entails a full day class, half day of field training, a background check which may not be necessary at 15, and a fee. Here is the link for Alabama. http://www.alasoccerref.com/becomeref.htm In Alabama it looks like you need to be 14 so you'd qualify. It's not dreary ;)
2. Lifeguard. Also challenging, teaches you leadership skills, builds your self confidence, pay is usually good, and it teaches you life saving skills in the water and CPR. You also need a lifeguard certification and you need to know how to swim. It may be a summer job, but there are indoor facilities that need guards as well all year. This job is not dreary either.
Good luck!