Pros and Cons of Summer Jobs for Teens

Should your teen (or you, if you are a teen!) get a summer job? There are thoughts to be considered on both sides. Here are some considerations for you to think about.

1. Pros
First, let’s look at the benefits of summer jobs for teens.

-Money
Let’s face it; the major reason for getting a summer job is, for many teens, earning money. There are lots of reasons why teens need money – some are paying for college, others are saving up for a special item, still others want to start a savings account or just have spending money for a fun social life. Regardless of the reason(s), earning your own money is definitely a pro of getting a summer job.

-Confidence and Independence
Having a job gives many teens a sense of confidence – you’re in the adult world when you’re working, and it’s understandable that you would feel accomplished and confident after holding a job. You have shown that you can do it and hold your own. And earning your own money and being away from home every day (or several days a week) also fosters a sense of independence.

-Your Future
Holding a job can help teens figure out where they want to go in their careers. You may find something you really dislike about the field you thought you wanted to go into, or you might be surprised at the kind of work you end up enjoying. Holding a summer job helps teens figure out where their strengths and weaknesses are.

2. Cons
There are some down sides to having a summer job. Here are some of them to think about.

-Suffering Social Life
Research shows that teens who work have a job tend to have trouble keeping up with extracurricular activities and activities with their friends. Even though you’re earning money that may allow you to go out, it can be hard to find time for friends when you have the responsibilities of a job.

-Not Ready
If you’re not ready to enter the workforce, forcing yourself to get a job anyway might result in a negative view of work. You really don’t want to approach life hating work! It can make your future more challenging if you have to overcome that. So make sure you’re mature enough to have a job, or choose a job that fits your level of maturity. For some, that may mean doing web design from home or walking neighbors’ dogs.

-Stress
Yes, jobs can be stressful. For some teens, summer provides much-needed “down time” after the stress of school. Jumping right into a job may not give you a chance to decompress and re-focus.