Right now in Nebraska, we are experiencing winter storms just about every week. Even though summer seems a long dream away, now is the time for teens to start searching for a summer job. No matter what your teen’s interests or talents, there are plenty of jobs around that could be a perfect match. Many jobs require a teen to be at least 16, but there are others without age requirements.
Here are some possibilities for teens with four different types of interests:
Working with Children
For teens who like to work with children, there are several possibilities including:
⦁ Offering their services as a babysitter. Parents of young children are always looking for responsible teens to watch their children while they go on a date night or during the day while both parents work. Having a responsible teen come to the home to be with the children is the first choice of many parents. The hourly rate is often higher than other jobs and this is also an opportunity that works for teens under age 16.
⦁ Work at a summer camp. If your teen doesn’t have experience, he or she may need to start as a counselor-in-training, but it will be a great learning experience. Camps also need activity staff, kitchen staff, maintenance, and office workers, so there are plenty of positions to choose from.
⦁ Work in a day care. Like most working adults, day care staff like to take summer vacations. A teen who likes working with children could fill in for the regular staff members who want some time off. This summer job could lead to a regular part-time job during the school year.
Outdoors
There are many opportunities for teens who would like to work outdoors. They include:
⦁ Become a seasonal farm worker. This could be for a farmer who grows crops like corn and soybeans or one who raises produce to sell to the public or at farmers markets.
⦁ Work at a local nursery.
⦁ Work for a landscaper. Landscaping businesses often hire extra help in the summer for mowing, trimming, and other projects.
⦁ Work at a public park. This could be at your community park doing maintenance, recreation, or working as a lifeguard. It could also be working at a state or national park.
⦁ Start a lawn mowing business. Like babysitting, this opportunity doesn’t have an age limitation. It does, however, require an upfront investment in equipment and on-going costs for fuel and maintenance.
Animals
Animal lovers could work at a zoo, a pet store, an animal shelter, or a veterinary clinic. The responsibilities could include feeding, grooming and exercising the animals plus cleaning their enclosures and other areas. This is another interest area where an innovative teen could start a business such as pet-sitting.
People
Teens who prefer working with people could work in a retail store stocking shelves, helping customers, or setting up displays. Another option would be working in a restaurant serving customers.
Whatever your teen’s interest, there are summer jobs available that keep them busy, give them experience, and even give them some spending money for the following school year. Encourage them to start the search now so they can land the perfect summer job.
Judith Ackland has more than 26 years of experience in accountancy and financial planning, including seventeen years as a CFO of a diverse business. She started Crystal Financial in 2010 to help a wide array of individuals, families, and business owners better understand their finances and how good financial management could help them achieve their goals. Judith has an MA in Professional Accountancy from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln as well as a Certified Public Accountant Certificate and a Certified Financial Planner designation.
