by MCM

Created on: January 28, 2010   Last Updated: January 30, 2010

With entry into High School comes new aims, new desires, a world of options opening out in front of the student.  They dream of owning their first car, going to a certain gig, going on holiday with their friends, going to college.  It is also completely natural that they simultaeously want to have obtain more control over their own lives by becoming slightly less financially reliant upon their parents.  The first job is therefore like an essential rite of passage.  It marks the beginning of the transition between being completely reliant upon parents and becoming a self-sufficient young adult. 

Legal Considerations 

Prior to beginning work, legal considerations must be taken into account.  Depending on the student's age, there will be legal limitations on the type of work, the duration allowed to work per day and per week, and the time of the day allowed to work during.  It is important to check the applicable legislation in your own jurisdiction so that you are fully aware of your rights. Legislation for each State in the United States sets out the job types allowed for each age group, tells you completely prohibited occupations, the hours of work allowed for each age group both during and outside school term, and the applicable rate of pay.  A useful reference point to get  started is the youth and labor section of the United States Department of Labor website. 

Which Job?

There are numerous options available to a high school student in search of work.  There are seasonal jobs that can be taken up during holiday periods, part-time jobs on a year round basis, and internships.  For younger high school children, old reliables such as newspaper delivery, fruit picking, lawn-mowing, dog-walking, and baby-sitting are suitable due to their flexible nature.  The majority of paid positions suitable for older high school students will be in the retail, administration, and customer service sectors.  Internships in certain professions will often be very poorly paid, or even unwaged, and on a short term basis, but will offer fantastic insight into a profession requiring further qualification prior to obtaining a well paid position.  Such positions, although short term, can open doors for a high school student further down the line, and should not be overlooked simply

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