Friday, June 02, 2006
15 Year Old Wants A Job
Hello Guidance Guy!
I was browsing through the Internet in search for a part time job, and then I thought maybe someone at a school website would have an idea how I could get one. I am 15 year old freshman and could really use a part time job so if there's any way you could help me I would really appreaciate it. Or at least point me in the right direction.
Thank you in advance.
Anonymous
*****
Dear Anonymous,
Depending on where you live, you may or may not be able to get a regular job with a company of some sort. Many states and provinces have laws that restrict what kind of jobs 15 year olds can do. There are also laws saying how many hours they can work and what time they can work until.
I think it's really cool that you want to get a job. I'm curious about why you want one. Many young people want their first job because they want to feel like they're growing up and making their own way in the world. They see their parents working and want to be like them.
If that's the case, it may be difficult because of your age and all the reasons I mentioned earlier. Many companies don't want to hire someone who is 15 because they don't see them as mature enough. Volunteering at a hospital or nursing home may be a good start. You can even ask about volunteering at an elementary school. Some schools are happy to have their former students come back and help.
If it's money you want, you may be able to work in a market as a grocery bagger or even at a hotel or some other place. How you present yourself will be very important. Make sure you let people know you are reliable, friendly and eager to learn. It's unlikely you'll find jobs such as these on the Internet. You'll need to go to the place you want to work and ask to see the manager.
One other option...many young people start their own businesses. Lawn mowing, leaf raking, pet walking, house cleaning and baby sitting are just some of the many things you can do to make some nice money. Some young people even start businesses with Work At Home companies. There's a section on this in my book - " The Guidance Guy's So, You Wanna Go To College."
Talk with your guidance counselor or visit your career center if you have one for more info. Looks like you're off to a great start!
Thanks for your letter,
The Guidance Guy
I was browsing through the Internet in search for a part time job, and then I thought maybe someone at a school website would have an idea how I could get one. I am 15 year old freshman and could really use a part time job so if there's any way you could help me I would really appreaciate it. Or at least point me in the right direction.
Thank you in advance.
Anonymous
*****
Dear Anonymous,
Depending on where you live, you may or may not be able to get a regular job with a company of some sort. Many states and provinces have laws that restrict what kind of jobs 15 year olds can do. There are also laws saying how many hours they can work and what time they can work until.
I think it's really cool that you want to get a job. I'm curious about why you want one. Many young people want their first job because they want to feel like they're growing up and making their own way in the world. They see their parents working and want to be like them.
If that's the case, it may be difficult because of your age and all the reasons I mentioned earlier. Many companies don't want to hire someone who is 15 because they don't see them as mature enough. Volunteering at a hospital or nursing home may be a good start. You can even ask about volunteering at an elementary school. Some schools are happy to have their former students come back and help.
If it's money you want, you may be able to work in a market as a grocery bagger or even at a hotel or some other place. How you present yourself will be very important. Make sure you let people know you are reliable, friendly and eager to learn. It's unlikely you'll find jobs such as these on the Internet. You'll need to go to the place you want to work and ask to see the manager.
One other option...many young people start their own businesses. Lawn mowing, leaf raking, pet walking, house cleaning and baby sitting are just some of the many things you can do to make some nice money. Some young people even start businesses with Work At Home companies. There's a section on this in my book - " The Guidance Guy's So, You Wanna Go To College."
Talk with your guidance counselor or visit your career center if you have one for more info. Looks like you're off to a great start!
Thanks for your letter,
The Guidance Guy
