Summer Jobs for Teenagers

Sometimes it seems like summer jobs for teenagers are everywhere you turn. At other times, it seems like teens can't find any summer jobs no matter how hard you try. How is this possible?

For starters, the summer job market is like any other: there are upswings and downturns - and all kinds of competition for the "good" jobs. What's a good job? Of course that depends on the teen. Maybe it's better to say that it's probably not flipping burgers or sacking groceries. So - what are these good jobs for teens? And how do you find them?

The best summer jobs are the ones that you enjoy while you earn money (heck, that applies to any job!). In the summertime, this can mean working outside for many teens. Fortunately, the increase in the number of teens looking for work happens at the same time many seasonal jobs are available.

So - now you need to decide if you want to work for someone else as an employee or for yourself. Here are some questions to get you started (also check out this teen entrepreneur quiz to see where you are best matched).

• How old are you? There are limitations under the child labor laws. Click here to get the scoop.



• Are you a self-starter? If you work for someone else, they will set the schedule and the work that gets done. But, if you work for yourself, you will need to do that. And if you don't? Well...you probably won't make much money.
• Do you like the idea of working with other teens? If you like working with others, then working for someone else might be the best option for you. Employers are likely to have more than one employee. If you are working for yourself, it's probably just going to be you (and your customers).
• How organized are you? Being your own boss takes some discipline and organization. Not only do you need to be a self-starter, you need to keep track of things: money, appointments, customer names and addresses. If you can't find your homework or your favorite shirt on a regular basis, you need to factor this into your job choice.
• What are you trying to accomplish? Are you trying to earn some extra cash for school clothes and the movies? Or are you wanting something more long-term? Jobs working for others can be easier to get into and out of. In fact, some summer jobs for teenagers are designed to be only short-term. But if you are looking to build a business that you can run in the summer as well as the rest of the year, working for yourself can be a great option. You have more flexibility in your orkload because you are the boss.
• Have you worked before? There is ALOT to be said for working for an employer and with others. It helps you learn how to deal with rude co-workers - and ones that don't show up for their shift. It helps you earn your own money and become responsible for being on time, working with others and learning customer service. Plus, it provides good basic training for running your own business.
• Can you find a job that interests you? OK, it may be that you just want a job - any job! That's fine. But if you are looking to have more than a job, especially if it's going to be for more than the summer, then it's good to focus on what interests you. It certainly makes the time go faster and the work more rewarding. If you can't find one that fits you, then setting up your own business might be the ticket.

Click here for summer jobs for teenagers if you want to work for someone else. Or if you want to try your hand at running your own business, take a look here.