When planning on having a job early, there are a lot of difficulties, but the benefits are even more rewarding. Though having a job at this age may seem absurd to some, to others, it’s their reality. When you are looking for a job, you need to make sure that they hire people your age and are okay with balancing your work and school schedules.
There are many job opportunities the second you turn fourteen, and many school students decide to start working even earlier. Seventh grader Jake Holmstead works at Manning Music. “My favorite part is being able to clean the shop and being around instruments.” But finding a consistent job at this age is hard. Some people have to start off working with their parents. Eighth grade Jack Louderback said, “I work for my dad and I work for myself, I mow yards by myself and I paint houses with my dad.”
Another option for students under sixteen is working at sports facilities. Eighth grader Hadley Rosenbaum works at Topeka Elite Cheer. She said, “I started working because I wanted to help out and kinda be a part of my cheer gym more.” Along with helping out coaches, you could also umpire or help out with running the sport. Seventh grader Quinn Simecka said, “I work at a sports center for volleyball games and I also umpire at Little League games.” Working in sports can be a great option for athletes. “I played sports my whole life and I just do it a lot so I started working.” Simecka said.
When working at such a young age, there can be difficulties. Your interests sometimes impact your availability to work. Eighth grader Audrey Clark said, “I’m in theater a little bit, so that interrupts a couple things.” Along with interests, school is probably the biggest factor in missing work. Eighth grader Jake Christian said, “I get a lot of homework.” Work can take so much time, something not everyone has, especially for longer jobs that pay more. Seventh grader Doak Parker said, “It takes time, and sometimes I don’t really have it.”
Throughout the entire process of having a job, there are a lot of ups and downs, but some students say getting a job is a great opportunity. “My favorite part is just learning how to do all of the different stuff,” Louderback said. Along with that, the obvious reason to start working is for the money. Parker said, “I wanted to make money.”
