Anonymous wrote:If the business knows these kids are headed off to college - there's no interest in hiring them. The business would rather hire a non-college bound kid who's happy to make this a permanent job.

It doesn't have to be a job throughout the year. It can be seasonal. Any job experience helps. I see plenty of teens working in youth camps, amusement parks, etc..

If the business knows these kids are headed off to college - there's no interest in hiring them. The business would rather hire a non-college bound kid who's happy to make this a permanent job.

Anonymous wrote:It's important for kids-when able- to work, period. It amazes me whenever I go to a fast food type restaurant or something of the like in this area and there aren't any teens working in it. Where do all the teens work in Fairfax County?
Do they or their parents think they're too good for minimum wage jobs?

Unfortunately, many of them do.

Anonymous wrote:I bartended my way through college. I was out with my friends, but saving money as I was working. Plus I find now that bartending was the life skill that has been the most helpful in my career. I can talk to and relate to nearly anyone. I'm not afraid of long hours, and I can multitask like nobody's business. In fact, I seek out other bartenders when I hire (first political campaign work, now consulting).

Drinking age is 21. Many kids don't turn 21 until some time during senior year.

Working young lets you make some interpersonal mistakes young, less chance of repeating them when older.

Anonymous wrote:It's important for kids-when able- to work, period. It amazes me whenever I go to a fast food type restaurant or something of the like in this area and there aren't any teens working in it. Where do all the teens work in Fairfax County?
Do they or their parents think they're too good for minimum wage jobs?

They don't hire teens anymore. No more paper routes either. Or clerks at the drug store. Safeway will still hire a few for bagging and cart herding.

I worked part-time on campus when I was in college, as did most of my friends. We had the extra time, so why not? I truly enjoyed my job and the interaction I had with other students; it was a great way to make new friends. Having a little extra spending money didn't hurt, either. I will encourage my kids to do the same.

Anonymous wrote:It's important for kids-when able- to work, period. It amazes me whenever I go to a fast food type restaurant or something of the like in this area and there aren't any teens working in it. Where do all the teens work in Fairfax County?
Do they or their parents think they're too good for minimum wage jobs?

Although I agree that teenagers now don't seem to be working jobs like they did when I was younger, I'm not sure if it's a DC area "thing" or a generational difference. I think working is so important for teenagers and gives them a good perspective, not to mention independence and a look what it really means to be responsible. However, something to remember is that nowadays teenagers are competing for these jobs with adults who really need the jobs. For the company they have a responsible employee (supposedly….) who is able to give more hours with a more consistent schedule.

Maybe this is why having an internship during the college years is turning out to be so important for graduates now.

I bartended my way through college. I was out with my friends, but saving money as I was working. Plus I find now that bartending was the life skill that has been the most helpful in my career. I can talk to and relate to nearly anyone. I'm not afraid of long hours, and I can multitask like nobody's business. In fact, I seek out other bartenders when I hire (first political campaign work, now consulting).

Anonymous wrote:When I was a teenager, I worked in retail. Why work minimum-wage fast food jobs when I don't have to? I got paid maybe a quarter more than min. wage and didn't have to prep fast food.

The point is about working period.. not where you work or how much you get paid. No one is saying to work in FF even though you can find a better job.

When I was a teenager, I worked in retail. Why work minimum-wage fast food jobs when I don't have to? I got paid maybe a quarter more than min. wage and didn't have to prep fast food.

Anonymous wrote:Restaurants hire illegals. Not seasonal, more dependable and productive.

They do not hire illegals to be servers, maybe cleaning staff.

Restaurants hire illegals. Not seasonal, more dependable and productive.

It's important for kids-when able- to work, period. It amazes me whenever I go to a fast food type restaurant or something of the like in this area and there aren't any teens working in it. Where do all the teens work in Fairfax County?
Do they or their parents think they're too good for minimum wage jobs?

...even if it's not in your field. Just thinking about all the posts regarding whether to have a kid in college work or not, first jobs, and focusing on other things in college not just academics. Internships in your field is the top priority, followed *very* closely by any work experience.

http://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2014/08/the-thing-employers-look-for-when-hiring-recent-graduates/378693/