Jennifer Newman: What teens can learn by having a summer job

For many of us the summer job was a dreaded rite of passage growing up. 

While both students and parents alike are often nervous at the idea of summer employment, workplace psychologist Jennifer Newman says joining the working world can have real benefits for teens. 

She sat down with host Rick Cluff on The Early Edition to talk about how a summer job can be about much more than just collecting a paychequ​e.

Rick Cluff: First off, is it always legal for teens to work?

Jennifer Newman: Yes, according to the Employment Standards Branch of BC teens, 12 and up can get a job. If you are between 12 and 14, the employer has to receive written permission from a parent or guardian. That gives parents the opportunity to assess whether the job is in their child's best interests and won't adversely affect the child in some way.

If you're 15 years old or older, this rule doesn't apply. But, you should tell your parents where you are applying, as they can be a big help in getting your foot in the door.

The summer holidays are a time to kick back and relax after a hectic school year, is working now a good idea?

You could say, teens eventually work all their lives, so why start now? Others may say it's too early to put that kind of stress on kids, and 'let them be kids'. Or, others may say working exposes teens to situations and people who they can't handle, or they'll get hurt on the job.

Still others worry that when teens make money, they may not stay in school. Or, there are concerns a teen may be irresponsible with the money they earn, or parents can't control what teens spend their earnings on. So, it's better not to let them get a job.

But, there can be merit to it, and it can have a positive effect on teen's homes, their education and their future in the work world, later on.

How can having a job be good for a teen's home life?

Having a teen at loose ends in the summer, can be quite stressful for parents. A teen with a job provides structure and routine to an otherwise wide-open schedule. Plus, a lot of older teens aren't summer-camp material. Many feel ready to take on the challenge of employment.

And, having some money helps. Families are helped financially when a teen gets a job. Some buy their clothes and extras that don't need to come out of the family budget, and others will contribute to the household. Many feel a great deal of pride in being able to help their families financially.

So, a summer job is good for teen's self-esteem?

It's a confidence builder for a lot of reasons. First, getting a job means creating a resume. Teens get to learn this important skill. They itemize their achievements, whether it's previous volunteering experience through their school, babysitting, yard work they did for a neighbour, or extra courses they may have taken, like first aid.

Looking at what they have done from a prospective employer's point-of-view boosts confidence.  It also helps teens see how to make their experience relevant. They learn how to apply for different jobs and how to make phone calls to employers and schedule interviews.

Teens also learn how to prepare for short interviews, make eye contact, shake an employer's hand, field questions and how to speak in the adult world. It can be a great practical learning experience.

You mentioned a summer job helps students academically as well, how is that?

Students who work in the summer tend to increase their striving at school. They sign on for more challenges, and they see the connection between education and work. It's less abstract.

School attendance can also improve. Some students can learn about what they don't want to do when they grow-up.

For example there was a teen who was tired of school and went to work at a fast food restaurant. He liked the money and the people he worked with, but he didn't like the job. He re-assessed his thoughts about school and what he wanted for his future.

What about when teens fully enter the workforce, how does a summer job help them then?

Learning how to work is a thing in itself. Being punctual takes forethought. For example, I worked with a foreman at a plant whose daughter got a summer job near him at a store. So, she started to get up with her dad in the morning so that they could drive to work together.He was impressed and surprised he didn't have to drag her out of bed, which sometimes happened during the school year.

Some teens notice how hard it is to work all day, compared to going to school. They can feel exhausted when they first start. Appropriate workplace behaviour is another lesson, as well as being respectful and forthright and working with people who aren't your friends.

Learning how to be confident and assertive and polite in dealing with the boss in another lesson teens can learn, as well as figuring out what to wear or having to wear a uniform or safety equipment. There's also workplace attitude. Just because you might be in a bad mood, doesn't mean you can express it all over the place. On the flipside, keeping yourself focussed and upbeat all day is something teens learn about work.

This interview has been edited and condensed

With files from CBC's The Early Edition

To hear the full interview listen to the audio labelled: Workplace psychologist Jennifer Newman explains what teenagers can learn by having a summer job