Most teens who will not get a part-time job are not lazy; they are nervous about applying, unsure what jobs they qualify for or overloaded with school and activities. Find out which it is, then make the first step small: one list of nearby places, one practice conversation, one application with you nearby. A first job builds confidence that is hard to get any other way.
Why teens avoid getting a job
- Fear of rejection. Applying means asking a stranger for something and possibly hearing no.
- Not knowing how. Many teens have never filled out an application, called a business or done an interview.
- Social anxiety about the work itself. Talking to customers can feel overwhelming at first.
- A packed schedule. Sports, homework and activities may genuinely leave little room.
- No clear reason. If their spending is covered, the payoff of a job can feel abstract.
Ask, rather than guess: “What feels hardest about getting a job?” The answer tells you where to help.
Decide whether now is the right time
A job is not always the best use of a teen’s time. If school is a struggle or the schedule is full, a summer job may make more sense than a school-year one. Check your state’s rules on work hours and permits for minors; your state labor department lists them. See planning a teen’s summer and summer mentoring for teens.
Help them get started, step by step
- Make a short list together. Five places within easy reach that hire teens: grocery stores, cafes, restaurants, movie theaters, rec centers, camps, local shops.
- Build a simple one-page resume. School, activities, volunteering, babysitting or yard work all count.
- Practice the ask. Role-play walking in and asking for a manager, and answering “Why do you want to work here?”
- Apply to two places in one afternoon. You drive and wait in the car. They go in.
- Follow up. A short call or visit a few days later shows interest and is often what gets the interview.
Our guide to a teen’s first job covers what to expect once they are hired.
Use money as a reason, not a threat
Teens are more motivated by something they want than by losing something. Agree on what you will keep paying for and what becomes theirs to cover, such as entertainment, clothes beyond basics or gas, and give notice before the change. Then help them open an account and plan a budget. See teaching teens to manage money.
Other ways to build work skills
If a regular job truly does not fit right now, other experiences build many of the same skills:
- Babysitting, pet sitting, tutoring younger kids or yard work for neighbors.
- Volunteering on a regular schedule, such as at a food bank, library or animal shelter.
- A summer camp counselor role or seasonal work during school breaks.
- Helping in a family member’s business, with real tasks and real expectations.
The point is the same: showing up on time, taking direction and being responsible to someone outside the family.
If they get turned down
Rejections are part of the process. Help them treat each one as practice: what went well, what to try differently next time. Keep the list going until something works. A teen who keeps applying after a no has already learned one of the most useful skills a first job teaches.
Where a mentor helps
Teens often take advice about applying, interviews and showing up on time better from a mentor than from a parent. A mentor helps them make the list, practice, follow up and stay on schedule, and a parent is always involved in high school mentoring. See mentoring for high school students and building confidence in teens.
Related
- How to get a teenager to take responsibility
- How much independence should a teenager have?
- How to help an adult child find a job
- Teen interview and speaking confidence
Common questions
What age can a teen get a part-time job?
It depends on your state and the type of work. Federal and state rules limit hours and jobs for minors, so check your state labor department’s guidance.
Should I make my teen get a job?
Insisting can work if the schedule allows, but helping them start usually works better than an ultimatum. Explain your reasons and set a timeline together.
What if their grades drop after they start working?
Agree in advance on a limit to weekly hours and a check after the first grading period. Adjust hours before quitting entirely.
What jobs are good for a first job?
Roles with training and clear routines, such as grocery, food service, retail, camps and recreation centers, are common first jobs.
Get started
Want help getting your teen started with work and responsibility? Call (888) 305 5422, email contact@blackburnmentoring.com or start with a short assessment. A member of our team reviews every assessment personally and sets up a free intro call.