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Darya’s Answer
Hi, Junyi! Getting a part-time job, especially for a teenager, will help a lot in the future. It is not necessary to get a job in the profession that you have chosen for your future. It may be a work as a service staff in fast food restaurants, but a teenager will get a lot of useful experience there. There are arguments both for and against a teenager getting a job, especially when employment happens DURING THE SCHOOL YEAR. Jobs can teach teenagers life-long work skills such as how to fill out an application, how to interview well, how to work responsibly and get along with co-workers and superiors, and can help develop excellent customer service skills. However, extra responsibilities can put stress on academics and cause strain on important relationships and take away from family time. Weighing the following options should be done with open conversation and thoughtful consideration of the pros and cons.
PROS:
-Jobs can help teens feel more confident and independent.
-Jobs help teens develop a sense of responsibility.
-Some studies show that students who work 10 to 15 hours a week during the school year earn higher grades than students who do not work at all.
-Jobs help teens learn to manage their money.
-Jobs can help teens explore potential career paths.
CONS:
-Studies show that teens who work more than 15 hours a week receive lower grades than students who work less or do not work at all.
-Teens who work may find it difficult to keep up extracurricular activities and friendships.
-Some studies show that teens who work are more likely to use illegal drugs or alcohol.
-Many overworked teens sleep and exercise less, and spend less time with their families.
IS THE TEENAGER READY FOR WORK?
To help you decide if a teenager is ready for responsible work, ask yourself the following questions:
-Will I get out of bed in the morning without being prodded?
-Am I making the right choice?
-Will I be able to take responsibility for mistakes?
-Will I be able to get along with other teenagers and adults?
-Can I handle the criticism?
If you find yourself answering “no” to many of these questions, think about the possible outcome of adding work to your schedule.
You can also try yourself in permanent VOLUNTEER WORK. Volunteering is a great way to see how you will handle responsibilities at work without requiring the same long-term commitment.
If you think you are ready for the job, then you should think about why you want to get this job and what you expect from things like:
-Evaluations
-Extracurricular activities
-Friends and family
-Income (how much to save and how much to spend)
Ultimately, whether you find a job first or choose your major will depend on what feels right for you. Both paths have their benefits, and the important part is to remain open to experiences and learning. Good luck! With love, Darya
PROS:
-Jobs can help teens feel more confident and independent.
-Jobs help teens develop a sense of responsibility.
-Some studies show that students who work 10 to 15 hours a week during the school year earn higher grades than students who do not work at all.
-Jobs help teens learn to manage their money.
-Jobs can help teens explore potential career paths.
CONS:
-Studies show that teens who work more than 15 hours a week receive lower grades than students who work less or do not work at all.
-Teens who work may find it difficult to keep up extracurricular activities and friendships.
-Some studies show that teens who work are more likely to use illegal drugs or alcohol.
-Many overworked teens sleep and exercise less, and spend less time with their families.
IS THE TEENAGER READY FOR WORK?
To help you decide if a teenager is ready for responsible work, ask yourself the following questions:
-Will I get out of bed in the morning without being prodded?
-Am I making the right choice?
-Will I be able to take responsibility for mistakes?
-Will I be able to get along with other teenagers and adults?
-Can I handle the criticism?
If you find yourself answering “no” to many of these questions, think about the possible outcome of adding work to your schedule.
You can also try yourself in permanent VOLUNTEER WORK. Volunteering is a great way to see how you will handle responsibilities at work without requiring the same long-term commitment.
If you think you are ready for the job, then you should think about why you want to get this job and what you expect from things like:
-Evaluations
-Extracurricular activities
-Friends and family
-Income (how much to save and how much to spend)
Ultimately, whether you find a job first or choose your major will depend on what feels right for you. Both paths have their benefits, and the important part is to remain open to experiences and learning. Good luck! With love, Darya