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Summer Jobs for Teens
Where can teenagers find jobs for the summer? Millions of youths will be looking for work this summer, but the National Consumer’s League cautions teens to play it safe and choose summer employment wisely. Your safety and future are more important than money!
Local merchants, small businesses, hotels and tourist attractions may need extra help for summer. Teens should get the details about days, hours and what is expected before accepting the job. Training should be provided on how to deal with irate customers and how to use equipment. Tell your supervisor if you feel threatened, harassed or in danger at work. Working alone and late-night work in retail is among the five most dangerous jobs for teens. The four other worst jobs for teens include: agriculture, construction and work in heights, driver/operator jobs with forklifts and tractors, and traveling youth crews.
Restaurants may be another good place to look for summer work. Hazards of this type of work include: burns from hot grease, steam and cooking surfaces, as well as, cuts from knives or slicing equipment and falls. Never get careless on the job. Injuries often occur when employees are careless or goofing off.
Life guarding or camp counselor may be the right job for those with special training and abilities. OSHA’s website for teen summer jobs identifies hazards of these jobs, such as bad bugs, chemicals and ultraviolet light. Be sure to use a good insect repellent and sunscreen to protect yourself now and prevent sun damage to skin and eyes in later life.
Some teens look for businesses they can develop themselves, such as babysitting, yard work or peddling candy, magazines or other products. Make sure you know the area and the people you will be dealing with. Even when adult supervision is involved, delivering products and services in unfamiliar neighborhoods can be very dangerous! Remember, traveling with youth crews selling products and services is one of the five worst jobs for teens. These crews may be taken to distant cities and young workers may not be paid well, if at all for their work. Vehicles and drivers used for transport may be uninsured or unsafe, as well.
One last caution, some summer “jobs” may never pay off. In fact, they may cost you lots of money! The Federal Trade Commission warns consumers not to fall for modeling, talent scout and work-at-home schemes promising to make you rich. It is always risky to pay in advance when you don’t know what you will get later. The ones who take money from you for classes, portfolios, screen tests, training, materials or supplies are the ones who will get rich.
For more information about jobs for teens, visit these websites:
National Consumer’s League http://nclnet.org/childlabor/