My son is gearing up to turn 14 this summer, and lounging around with video games is the last thing on his mind. He’s eager to spend his time productively and stay engaged.
If your young teenager feels similarly, know that there’s an array of opportunities awaiting them this summer.
Dive into the Job Market
It might seem challenging for a 14-year-old to land a job, but there are employers willing to hire them. I remember landing a summer job detasseling corn when I was about his age. It was sweaty and tough, and I couldn’t stick with it for long. Yet, it’s a popular summer gig for teens in the Midwest.
Moreover, some grocery stores and eateries are open to hiring early teens. But if that doesn’t pan out, there’s no shortage of things they can pursue.
Embrace Volunteering
There’s a treasure trove of enriching volunteer opportunities if you know where to look. This summer, my son has decided to help out with the summer reading program at our local library. The hours are flexible; from just a couple of hours every week to full-time, it’s up to what your teen can handle. Impressively, if they shine during summer, there’s potential to volunteer in various roles during the school year.
Plus, regular teen volunteers often find themselves in a good position to secure a part-time job once they reach the legal working age. On a similar note, our county offers a summer internship program for kids aged 14 and above. It’s a five-week stint, offering full-time roles at minimum wage.
Pursue Career Aspirations
Does your teen have a specific career path in mind? Summer could be the ideal time to get a taste of it. For instance, a friend of my son is keen on law and will be assisting at a law firm. Even though he’ll be primarily managing files, it’s an excellent foot in the door and could lead to broader horizons down the line.
Building the right relationships can also mean potential reference letters for college applications in the future.
Be an Entrepreneur
If conventional jobs seem elusive, teens can always carve their own path. They can kickstart a blog, launch a YouTube channel, craft handmade items for Etsy, or even initiate a lawn care service. The sky’s the limit for industrious teens.
Consider Babysitting
During my early teenage years, babysitting was my go-to summer job, and it was quite lucrative. With school on a break, many parents are on the lookout for reliable hands to care for their kids while they’re at work. While summer camps are an option, they can be heavy on the pocket. Hiring a responsible young teen might be a more appealing alternative.
Enroll in Summer Courses
For those looking to get a jumpstart academically, summer classes can be an excellent idea. By accumulating more credits now, it paves the way for flexibility in senior years. This could mean graduating early or opting for valuable internships. It’s all about creating more avenues for the future.
While summer is traditionally viewed as a downtime, for proactive teens, it’s a golden opportunity to lay the groundwork for brighter prospects.
So, how do your teens plan their summer? Are they involved in pursuits that might shape their future? If yes, what are they up to?
