Do you remember getting your very first job? I remember getting my very first job when I was 16 and now days it seems like it is so much harder for teenagers to get a job. I have noticed over the last several years that some business are choosing not to hire teenagers anymore. They are waiting to hire people who are 18 or older due to the strict labor laws that are involved when hiring employees under the age of 18.
Plus, most teenagers today are heavily involved in after school activities such as band, sports, and other things that prevent them from having the time to work a part time job during the school year. Today, I wanted to share some tips on how to prepare your teenager for their first job.
Teach Them the Importance of Showing up to Work Early
Most children are used to showing up to class on time but I have always taught my kids that they should be early to work. Even if your child is working close to the house, it is still important for them to factor in extra time so that they can make sure that they arrive to work on time. You never know if there is going to be an accident or road closure on their route to work. If they know that they are going to be late, even a few minutes late, they can always phone their direct supervisor and let them know that they will be late.
Teach Them How to be Respectful to Their Boss and Coworker’s at all Times
Teaching children how to be respectful starts at home when they are growing up. However, once they are in the workplace things are a bit different. They will have to deal with bosses and coworkers who may not always have the same views as your teenager. Regardless, it is important that they always respect the people around them including customers even if something isn’t going their way during a shift. Explain to your teenager that even if they don’t agree with their manager that they still need to listen to them. If they don’t, it could come with negative consequences like a write up or termination.
Teenagers learn by modeling so it is important to model these behaviors in front of your children. For example, you can teach them how to hold open the door for others or to even ask someone how their day is going? Teaching kids this in early childhood will make it easier for them when they are older.
Leave the Potty Mouth and Inappropriate Comments Out of the Workplace
The workplace isn’t the time or place for teenagers to use foul language or make inappropriate comments (depending on the comments made it could lead to workplace harassment or other problems). If your child has a potty mouth, I highly suggest checking out Huffington’s post about workplace etiquette. It lists several different reasons why your teenager should avoid having a potty mouth at work and I have to agree with what the author said.
The same holds true for making inappropriate comments or telling jokes, even if it is funny. The comments or jokes could be offensive to others and it could lead to disciplinary actions. If your teenagers happens to be offended by something someone else says, they can kindly tell the other person that they were offended. If it continues, your teenager should talk to a manager or supervisor. If it isn’t resolved at the management level, you can contact someone in human resources at the corporate level or go above your direct manager.
Don’t Date Anyone You Work With
It can be very tempting to date someone that you work but teenagers often don’t understand the full ramifications of dating someone that they work with. For example, if the relationship goes sour then you are faced to deal with your ex on an ongoing basis and it could feel awkward especially if you didn’t end of good terms.
Talk to Your Teenager About Appropriate Social Media Usage
Your teenager needs to be mindful about what they are posting on social media. Today, many employers and colleges are looking at people’s social media streams. If your child is constantly posting inappropriate stuff on social media including talking about their employer, college, ect, they can choose to terminate you. When you are working for a company or going to college, you are a direct representation of them. They don’t want their reputation ruined because of things posted on social media.
Stay Off Your Phone At Work
I realize that it is very tempting to use your phone at work but it is best to stay off of it as much as possible during working hours. It is fine to check to it on your break or during your lunch. I understand from time to time we all get those important phone calls and it is okay to take them occasionally. Just keep in mind that your coworkers are paying attention.
Getting a job is a huge milestone in your child’s life and you want them to be successful. I took the time to share these tips because it is a totally different for teenagers today. I hope these tips help you prepare your teenager for their very first job. Are your teenagers prepared for their very first job?
If you are concerned with raising your child to be a productive adult, you should check out my post on raising a productive adult.
Photo Credit: Pixabay
