Teenage employment not only helps instill a sense of financial responsibility, but may also help with developing interpersonal skills, gaining valuable professional experience, and building character. As the school year approaches its end in Virginia, it might be time to discuss a summer job with your teen and review options and opportunities for success. Following are some considerations to give you and your child a leg up in the hunt.
Legal Details:
Federal teen labor laws, specifically the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), set limits on the type and amount of work that teenagers can legally perform, and state labor laws generally follow these guidelines. Workers must be at least 14 years old for most non-agricultural work - click here for agricultural guidelines - and can be employed in most positions, with the exception of 17 jobs that are primarily in more dangerous fields like mining, construction, and hazardous materials handling. Kids under 14 can legally deliver newspapers, babysit, act, and work for a family business.
Additionally, 14- and 15-year-olds can work no more than three hours a day on school days, and no more than 18 hours a week while school is in session; they can work up to 40 hours a week when school is out. Working hours need to be between 7am and 7pm, except for June through August, when hours are extended to 9pm. Sixteen- and seventeen-year-olds can work unlimited hours at any job that's not on the hazardous jobs list, any time of year.
While states are permitted to set their own minor pay standards, employers will most often pay at least federal minimum wage and are required to pay the higher wage when state and federal payment laws differ.
Though there are no federal laws requiring minors to obtain special permits to begin work, some states do require certain certifications, the specifics of which can generally be found at your state's department of labor.
How to Help:
First and foremost, listen. Make sure your teenager is ready to work - physically, emotionally, and socially - and help them set reasonable expectations for the employment they may obtain. Finding a job may prove challenging, so be the encouragement they will arguably need along the way.
Provide guidance around interviewing. While many applications may now be completed online and resumes emailed, in person interviews are still the norm. Help your child plan for appropriate etiquette and clothing, as well as ways that they might describe their employable attributes if they lack any formal work history. Depending on the position and field, a basic review of the company's website may also be advisable. Finally, advise persistence throughout the application process.
Talk about finances. It may be helpful to develop a basic budget with your teen and to discuss the benefits of saving, even if it's merely for shorter term needs like a new bicycle or car. They may also need to consider tax liability, especially if they are mowing lawns or engaged in other gig work; the Internal Revenue Service's online withholding estimator tool may be helpful when planning ahead. Having the discussion about money before it's in their hands, sets the stage for smart choices when it is.
If money isn't a necessity or motivator, remember that volunteering and internships also provide important life and work experience, and may prove particularly invaluable for teens with significant educational aspirations.
Regardless of your child's employment choices, always support a healthy work/life balance and instill the importance of that now for lifelong happiness. Teenagers need more sleep than their younger and older counterparts and are developing necessary social skills during these years. Fun and free time should be of equal concern to entering the big wide working world. These may be the last few prolonged periods of freedom your teen has, particularly with your family, so make them count.
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