Teenagers want money, and the easiest way to get money, is to get a job. However, how each person sees a job varies.

There were two conflicting elements: $10.00 an hour, which is seen as good, and being a janitor which is hardly the greatest job in the world. This question asked which was more significant: the money or the job. For most, it was the money. $10 an hour is a lot for a teenager, but for Jackie and Meredith the money didn't overshadow the job. Even still, they all wanted a job.

Tennille wants to be a child-psychologist

Working means money, of course teens want jobs

Out of all the teens I interviewed all either wanted a job or already had one. Nowadays, jobs are needed more than ever. Everything costs money, and we are starting to understand that. Most of us get jobs just for "pocket change", so that we can just go out and get that outfit that we've always wanted, for a burger at McDonald's, for our hair, CDs, tapes, shoes, jewelry, and tons more material items.

But some of us get jobs because we need to pay for our books or transportation. Many teens have to pay for their phone bills and lunches.

 

Network Your Way to the Perfect Job How do you go about getting a cool job? By asking the right questions of the right people, you have a better chance of getting the answer you want, namely "You're hired!" Networking is a life skill that will serve you well in almost everything you do. Basically, networking is the process of building a set of contacts to help accomplish your goals. Start with a question and an explanation, such as "I'd like to work in public relations because it's interesting how they get stories on TV, and I have two years experience writing for the school paper and year book. Do you know anybody who works in public relations?" Ask your parents, your friends' parents, your teachers. You may also have friends through church or other social groups who might know somebody. You'll need a short introductory speech, such as "Hello, Ms. Brown, my name is Sara James. Chris James gave me your number and said you might be able to answer a few questions I have about working in public relations. Is this a good time for you?" Keep a file of business cards, make notes about your meeting or conversation, be sure to follow up with a thank-you note or e-mail. After enough go-rounds, you'll be well armed with contacts and information to help you achieve your goals.

Choosy describes a lot of teenagers' attitudes towards the kind of job they would and wouldn't get. "Something in an attractive place with nice facilities, well paying, work that's not stressful, and a place where there are people that I know that work there," Mark, 16, said about the kind of job he would take. His personal requirements may seem as if they should be mandatory, but if you really want a job your own requirements should be limited. If you are looking for a job it's important that it fits you in a decent manner.

Tripod Internship Center Kaplan Career Magazine Future Scan, Career Info for Teens

Teens normally don't take jobs that require a lot of thinking, skill, or physical requirements. Most teens see jobs as something on the side. We don't go around constantly talking about our jobs. We are there simply for that paycheck. Some of us do look at it as a learning experience. Tennille, 16-years-old and who works at a cleaning store, said, "Yes, it's helping me with my customer service skills."

Why Get A Job, Anyway?

However, Nicole, 15-years-old, depends on the money she makes. She needs the money for her tuition in order to go to the school of her choice.

Tennille also needs her job.

Jackie wants to work with computers

In her marketing class, at school, she goes on dozens of required field trips, and without her job she would not have been able to go on any of them. These jobs were a necessity for them and for others. Some need their jobs in order to pay bills for their families. Not always are jobs seen as "something on the side".

Jobs are out there for teens, and it's as competitive as it is for adults. Usually, the most qualified gets the job. So, it is important for teens to gain skill and knowledge through school before you get a job. It is also wise to take a job only if you are able to balance it in with schoolwork, and if you can good luck!

--Nadine Carr is a high school student who lives and works in Virginia