Work Ethic and the benefits of part-time and/or summer job work experience should top your teenager’s ‘to do’ list this year.

The first thing that will likely pop into your son or daughter’s mind – on the prospects of having a part-time or summer job is… money. They will focus on what they’ll earn, and what they can buy, but as a parent, you should know that the benefits go beyond the pay cheques.

Having a boss: A boss is very different than a parent or teacher.

• A boss tells you what to do (which is similar to a parent or teacher).
• However, with a boss, there’s no room for argument (unlike the aforementioned, who tend to listen/tolerate, ready to explain/instruct… with patience).
• There’s a required nurturing presence with parents and teachers, which is typically (often by necessity) lacking in a boss.

If a young employee’s thoughts run contrary to the instructions he or she is given… and should this young employee decide to argue in defense of his or her ideas… then guess what… this particular young employee may not have their job for long.

Teens feel comfortable at home (rightly so) and they like to have their say (Think: voicing their complaints, whining, attempting to reason etc., you get the idea.)

For your teenager… this new ‘work experience’ can be an eye-opener.

The boss is right. That’s it. Whether the boss is actually right or wrong, has nothing to do with it. He or she is right, by nature of the fact, that he or she is the boss.

Your teen will figure that out quickly! Hopefully! Or… there goes the job!

A Discussion on Life Skills They’ll Acquire…

Self-discipline

Showing up, to work, on time, no excuses… requires a great deal of self-discipline.

Now, if you are the type of parent who makes sure he or she gets there on time — you prepare the lunchbox, you set the alarm, you yell at him/her until they finally get up, you make breakfast, etc., then…well…you are the one who is self-disciplined (but you already knew that).

However, if your teen takes the initiative for all of the above, then they already know a thing or two about being self-governing (congratulations… mom & dad… you’ve already done something right along the way).

But… like most teens, they might need some pushing, reminding, and so forth…, but hey, that’s all part of what a part-time or summer job can do for your son or daughter.

Thanks to you… and thanks to the job… your teen is developing a strong character trait.

Discretion

If there is ever a place to learn that it is best to keep your mouth shut, and not get caught up in gossip and slander — it’s at work.

• when to report a problem from when to let it go
• how to speak in a manner that does not offend
• not contributing to rumours or spreading private information

These are things that are best learned through experience. Sure, you can explain all of the above, but words are only words until they make sense. The daily practice of discretion, is where the necessity for it is learned.

Team work

Seems obvious, but as many of us can attest, the workplace is frought with problems, because many people lack the skills to be quality team members.

‘Getting the job done’ may sound like the most important thing (and it is), but how co-workers ‘get the job done’ is where the joy of employment-based team work truly shines.

Furthermore, in the hustle and bustle of work… people often get their toes stepped on, they get offended, and so forth. Learning how to navigate through difficulties, without dwelling on the hurt feelings, is a great lifeskill to develop. The old adage of ‘two wrongs don’t make a right’ is a key aspect of team work.

Endurance

An eight hour day, with only two fifteen minute breaks and an hour for lunch is a lot for your son or daughter to get through at first.

No checking in with his friends, via social media avenues, is a big deal. Is that even possible? (Ha-ha)

To do a proper job, requires focus… Your teen will learn that the phone is a distraction they cannot afford, if they want to do the job well, get paid, earn a good future reference, and basically…

Not get fired!

Humility

Sports can build a sense of pride and accomplishment … and that’s great. Work can build upon this as well, but there’s more.

Your son or daughter will come to recognize their ability to follow instruction, to practice self-control, to be responsible, and accountable for their actions.

This requires not pride, but rather humility. A humble person can be told what to do, and be willing to do the job they are being paid to do.

The Ah Moments of Those Days Off

Reading is still a great way to relax and enjoy some much needed quiet time. In a fast-paced, social-frenzied world, reading remains a positive influence for teens. Their brains continue to develop during these formative years – a little peace and quiet is helpful and more importantly – necessary.

In Suzanne Rightley’s book Stick to Irons one teen discovers that the challenges of making career decisions, is harder than he thought. But thanks to his friends, family, and… his summer job… he’ll learn a lot about himself and what his future may hold.

Ivey Sisters, P.I. explores the mysteries and thrills of inheriting a detective agency. Being a business partner, while continuing her education, presents many challenges for Claire, but with determination and support from family, friends, and co-workers, detective work is… well… fun.

For more books written by Suzanne Rightley visit her author page here.

suzannerightley.com

Thanks for the visit.