This summer, many kids and teens created summer businesses to earn a little extra money. “Research confirms that work experiences during adolescence significantly impact future success. Teens with summer employment are 7% more likely to graduate on time, according to Education Next, and earn 14% to 16% higher wages in their twenties, according to the Foundation for Government Accountability, for each year they worked during their teen years. Beyond financial benefits, these experiences build essential work habits and professional skills that last a lifetime,” Hernholm stated.
Eighth grader Alex Contract had been working a summer job for about two summers. “I mow lawns and fix people’s mulch and plants. I really enjoy this work because I feel good about myself for working and earning money instead of doing nothing like most teenagers,” Alex Contract said.
Douglas Hilly reflected on his desire to get a summer job as a teenager, emphasizing the value of early work experience. “I really want to start making money and start working. I think it is amazing for a teenager to have a job over the summer because it teaches kids good work habits for later on in life,” Douglas Hilly said. His statement suggested that working at a young age not only provided financial independence but also built responsibility and strong work habits that could benefit people later in life.
Seventh grader Hudson Frigno felt good about earning his own money and being able to spend it on things he had been wanting. “I love having a job over the summer because I finally have my own money to spend on things that I want, and it has taught me some great work habits through pressure washing,” Hudson Frigno said.
Max Meyers reflected on his own experience with a summer job, explaining how working during the summer helped him take on adult-like responsibilities. “Summer jobs are highly beneficial for kids because they bridge the gap between adolescence and adulthood by instilling real-world responsibility. It has really helped me learn about time management and setting priorities,” Max Meyers said. His quote argued that summer jobs were valuable for teenagers because they not only taught practical skills like time management and prioritizing tasks, but also served as an important step in the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
“I don’t have a job this summer, but I really want one because I want my own money to spend on things I need and want. I think it will also teach me a strong work ethic,” Sebastien Richards said.
“Having a job when you’re young is important because it teaches you responsibility and how to manage your own money. It helps you grow up and get ready for real life,” James Chisholm said.
“A new UBC Sauder School of Business study shows that teenagers who work at summer or evening jobs gain a competitive advantage later in life. By developing an early understanding of the working world and how to succeed in it, they are more likely to find good employment and earn more money in the future,” the University of British Columbia stated. As eighth grade English Language Arts teacher explained, “My son has worked as a lifeguard since he was 14 years old. He’s nineteen now, and he has considerable savings in the bank for his future. Without his summer job, he wouldn’t even have a bank account.”
