Teens may be notorious for spending hours scrolling through social media or playing video games, but that doesn't mean summer break is a time to be glued to a screen. While summer is a time designed for relaxation, it also presents an incredible opportunity to help set teens up for a successful future. And it’s not just about encouraging them to clean their room or visit college campuses.
There is tremendous value in a part-time or summer job for your high schooler that extends far beyond earning money. Studies show that teens who work during high school are laying down the foundation for long-term success.
Here are five reasons why a job might be the best thing for your teen's future:
1. Work Ethic Is Built, Not Born
Ever heard your teen complain about how much work they have to do for school? Newsflash: Work doesn’t get easier after graduation—it gets harder. A part-time job teaches teens how to show up (yes, even when they don’t feel like it), meet deadlines, and be accountable. These are valuable life skills that textbooks don’t teach.
According to a study by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, young adults who had jobs in their teens were more likely to exhibit a strong work ethic later in life. Those long hours spent stocking shelves or taking orders build resilience and a sense of responsibility. Trust us—they’ll thank you later.
2. Confidence Boost = Career Boost
Nothing boosts a teen’s confidence like earning their first paycheck. It’s not just about the money (though who doesn’t love a little spending power?). It’s about proving to themselves that they can handle responsibility. Jobs push teens out of their comfort zone—they learn to interact with people of all ages, face challenges, and solve problems under pressure.
This newfound confidence doesn’t just disappear when they clock out. It spills into school, extracurriculars, and even their social lives. And let’s face it, who couldn’t use a little extra confidence going into adulthood?
3. The “Secret Weapon” on College Applications
Guess what’s more impressive to college admissions officers than another generic club membership? Real-world experience. Having a part-time job shows colleges that your teen knows how to balance responsibilities, manage their time, and work well with others.
Admissions counselors love to see applicants who’ve gone above and beyond to gain life experience. Plus, when it comes time to craft that all-important personal essay, your teen will have a treasure trove of topics to choose from. "That summer I developed leadership skills while organizing community events for the Parks and Rec Department" beats “I got an A in chemistry” any day.
4. A Head Start on Career Success
Here’s a fun fact: Studies conducted by The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) and similar institutions have shown that adults who worked as teens are statistically more successful in their careers. Why? Because they’ve already been through the trenches. They know what it means to show up on time, put in the effort, and handle whatever is thrown their way.
Additionally, job history—even those high school gigs—looks fantastic on early resumes. When your teen graduates college, their peers might be struggling to land that first job. Meanwhile, your child can proudly show that they’ve been working since they were in high school. Employers love that—even if the job is entirely unrelated to the position they are hiring for.
5. Discover Passions, Talents and Interests
Work experience isn’t just about earning a paycheck—it’s a chance for teens to discover what excites them. By stepping into the workforce, even in entry-level roles, they gain valuable insight into what they enjoy (and what they don’t). This can light the path toward a future career they’ll love.
For example, a summer job at a camp might unlock a passion for teaching, counseling, or perhaps nursing. Similarly, a part-time position at a retail store could spark an interest in sales, business management or merchandising.
By exploring different roles early on, your teen gets a head start on figuring out their long-term career aspirations, saving them time and energy in the future. Instead of aimlessly searching for “what to do,” they’ll already have an idea of what fuels their passion. And that’s a major advantage when it comes to planning for the future.
Bottom Line: Why Teens Should Work
Encouraging your teen to get a part-time or summer job isn’t about robbing them of their free time. It’s about setting them up for a brighter, more successful future. From building an unstoppable work ethic to impressing college admissions officers, the benefits are undeniable. And of course, jobs can also be a lot of fun for teens. It's a way to make new friends, learn a skill and gain a sense of freedom.
So next time your teen claims they’re “too busy” to work (while scrolling TikTok or hanging with their friends), remind them of this: A summer job doesn’t just pay in dollars. It pays in confidence, experience, and opportunity.
And who knows? Maybe they’ll even thank you someday—right after they pay for dinner with their own money.