by Lana Stockton

Created on: January 27, 2010   Last Updated: April 04, 2010

Now that you are old enough to work you need to ask yourself a few questions to determine if the job fits your needs. What are the work hours? Will the job interfere with your homework assignments? What will you be giving up in order to be at work? And how will this job affect my relationship with my family and others?

Finding answers to these questions will help steer you in the direction of a job that's right for you. Granted, there are limited jobs available to someone without any previous job experience. One of your goals might be to choose a job that gives you needed experience for future employment.

Decide in advance what hours you can reasonably work. Check into state and local laws relating to the time of day or night a person of your age is legally allowed to work. It would be unreasonable to agree to work every Wednesday night if you always have a math test Thursday mornings. Try to plan work hours around your school and homework time. Will you be able to have dinner with the family at least some nights? This would be important for family relationships.

It's common for teenagers to head straight for McDonald's or Wendy's for their first job. While there is certainly nothing wrong with that, do ask yourself if there are other options for the sake of learning a trade. Having a job is a great way to begin providing for your needs. Having a job that trains you for the future provides money both now and in the years to come. Look into helping a landscaping company during the summer. The experience you gain could even lead to starting your own landscaping business.

One thing in particular is to your advantage. Because of the current economic situation, many employers are no longer hiring full-time workers. Instead, the job that one person used to fill is now split up as several part-time jobs. This allows for more  jobs availabile to young adults who are looking for a way to make extra money. 

Whatever job you decide to apply for be sure your appearance is pleasing to others when you go to apply. While it is true that you have the freedom to dress any way you want to, it is also true that an employer is looking for someone who will represent his company. And he has the freedom to choose the person that best fits his needs.

Present yourself as neat, well-groomed and carry a positive attitude with you. Employers are looking for great employees who take pride in themselves and their work.

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