Getting a first job feels like a huge milestone in a person’s life, it feels like it makes you an adult and you get your first “adult check”, which feels so fulfilling in a teenager’s life. Finding a job can be hard though, especially when in Florida you can start legally working at fourteen, but not many jobs are hiring at that young age. A lot of teenagers work at places like Publix or Chick-Fil-A, but what is the best first job for teenagers?
As mentioned above, getting a job is a huge deal in a teenager’s life. A teenager balances school, personal life, and now work. This can make a teenager feel a little bit stressed with how much they must balance, but work can be a fun thing if they get the right job. Jobs that allow flexibility are Chick-Fil-A, Publix, McDonalds, and so most jobs for teenagers. These can help students who are very busy with schoolwork for classes like AICE, AP, and classes who assign a lot of work.
Some students need jobs that pay a little more to match their needs. These jobs are most likely not going to be your traditional jobs, like working at a company, but instead “under the table” jobs, where it is all cash and not charged by the government. These jobs can be lawnmowing, tutor, pet-sitter/babysitter, and dog walker. These jobs are all jobs where your employer varies, but your pay rate stays the same, which means you get paid more, with no tax. A few traditional jobs that pay more are lifeguarding, landscaping, and Caddy.
An even easier way to get to work is working for your family’s business. This cancels all awkward greetings and “getting to know you’s”. This can also give you the experience you’re looking for and allows you to get more workplaces to put on your resume. A first job with a family member or family friend allows you to understand a working life and work ethics without the competition of other jobs.
There is no right or wrong answer to the “best first job” it all depends on the person’s need and schedule. There are so many options you can choose from, whether it is house sitting for your next-door neighbor, or working for Publix, you can also help a family member at their work. A first job can be simple, easy, but challenging so you can grow in a workplace and get experiences for your next job.
