We ran a poll recently asking – do you think it’s important for teenagers to have a part-time job? 91% of respondents answered yes. We took a look at why that is.
Benefits of part-time work as a teenager
Financial Independence
Perhaps the most obvious benefit of part-time work is the income it provides. Earning a wage can help teens pay for personal expenses such as eating out with friends or buying clothes. A part-time job can also teach them the value of money and how to manage finances effectively.
Work Experience
Part-time work can also provide invaluable work experience, which can offer teenagers opportunities to learn new skills and develop professional behaviours that will benefit them both during their teenage years and well into adulthood. Teens can learn valuable job transferable skills such as time management, customer service, working in a team, and problem-solving. As recruiters, we often observe that candidates who have balanced part-time work with study are at a greater advantage due to these transferable skills.
Increased Confidence
Working in a job can also help to build self-esteem and self-confidence as teens gain independence and develop new skills. The feeling of accomplishment gradually builds up in them as they regularly receive feedback on their work, enabling them to learn and improve.
Time Management
One of the significant challenges of juggling school, extracurricular activities, and other responsibilities is time management. A part-time job can help a teenager learn how to manage their time more effectively. It can teach them how to prioritise tasks and manage their schedules, enabling them to better balance work, school and personal life.
Developing Skills and Talents
Part-time work can help Australian teens enhance and develop their skills and talents while exploring their personal interests. They can explore their interests and potential fields they would like to pursue as a profession. A part-time job can provide exposure to different industries and careers and can help them decide on the best path for them to take.
Learn Real-Life Lessons
Gaining real-world experiences is one of the essential benefits of a part-time job. Teenagers can observe how adults handle complex tasks and situations, allowing them to recognise how their actions can affect customers and co-workers. It shows them how to handle criticism, follow customer feedback and learn from their mistakes.
There are many advantages to teens having a part-time job. It can provide an opportunity for financial independence, teach valuable employment skills and confidence, facilitate time management, encourage professional networking opportunities and provide exposure to different industries and careers.