Should your teenager go out to work and experience first-hand what it is like to earn their own money? Should they get a taste of working life during the teenage years or wait until they have finished university to join the workplace?
In Malaysia, you do see teenagers doing simple but tiring work. For example, at department stores, coffee shops, fast food restaurants, etc. Doing part-time work during the school holidays teaches them a lot of valuable things. Among the things your teen will learn from the working experience are:
• Working as part of a team or a group
• How to follow instructions, procedure or system
• How to deal with customers or the public
• Making new friends
• Learning about discipline and commitment
The motivation to work will probably come from wanting to earn money or an income. Your teen will surely be excited to earn his own money through his own efforts. It will be different from just receiving a weekly or monthly allowance from the parents.
Managing the money
This is a good time to re-educate your teen about budgeting and saving his money for the future. Of course, he should be rewarded for his efforts but at the same time re-investing the money is also important.
As a parent, you can explain to him about the benefits of compounding his money and the earlier or younger he starts, the more rewarding it will be.
photo credit: lenifuzhead
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It is good to have them taking up part time jobs.
During my high school years, I’ve been a books salesman, a real estate negotiator, and also a piano tutor. I’ve been able to make some money to fund my own education and made some good friends along the way.
Hi KC, you certainly started early when it comes to earning money. Being a real estate negotiator is not easy and doing it while still in high school certainly sounds exciting. I believe your experiences must have been useful and made you an even better person.