Our DC started this just past Summer, at age 14, working for Chick-fil-a in the RVA. Like a PP, there are fairly strict rules and the employer has to jump through some state hoops as well but it’s been worth it for our child and the business. They even work with some wonky, intense (seasonal) after-school activities (like sports). This particular franchisee has a long, successful, and highly reputable track record of hiring 14 & 15 year olds. The slots are hard to come by because, once hired, the kids rarely leave (before heading off to college).

Tips: ask other parents/kids (like you’re doing), know the “state” rules (and potentially be able to help a prospective employer negotiate the state website), ask in person, be ready for rejections and remember who said “please, please come back when you’re 16” - I know that’s not what your child wants to hear now but there may be forces beyond their control (corporate, insurance, or legal concerns). And think small(er) businesses, they generally have more flexibility than national companies with lots of layers of rules.

Publix will also hire at 14 with progressively more responsibility as they age-up.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
None.

Unless the child wants a job for pocket money, or the family needs the extra income, it doesn't help for resume-building.

It all builds on their life experience. Sure, working retail does suck, but teaches a valuable lesson about working with people in public. Refereeing teaches leadership and other responsibilities. Match the money they make and invest it in a Roth IRA. Only working 6 to 10 hours per week and doesn't interfere with non-existent homework.

+10000 It's not about a resume, it's about life and life experiences. My kid will never 'need' to work, but they will have to find some sort of job or internship or work training program once they are 14. I don't want them to work full time all summer, just a hand full of hours each week to develop responsibility and accountability to the outside world.

If you live in DC, the Marion Barry youth summer jobs program will hire you as young as 13. Not very much in the way of pay, but a guaranteed job working 20 hours a week for 6 weeks. Lots of hoops to go through to even be considered for a job, but if your teen is willing to go through the motions and follow their instructions, by June they will have a paying job that begins in late July and runs through early August.

Front desk at the local swim club. At 15 they can lifeguard.

Anonymous wrote:Worked at the Watermine.

I hope they got hazard pay for that place!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Summer camp. 6 weeks of full-time work at $14 per hour.

What summer camp?

Stone Ridge- and I’m sorry, you have to be 15.

Baby sitting, yard work.

Swim coach

My daughter was a volunteer counselor this past summer; next year she should be able to get paid. At that age, you can also train to be a soccer referee, or babysit, be a mother's helper or mow lawns. In a year or two she might get certified as a lifeguard or work the snack bar at the local pool.

One kid worked at a martial arts day camp. The other didn’t work at 14 but started as a swim coach at 15.

Could work at one of the pizza chains. Work Permit needed, which stated: they couldn't use the oven, couldn't use a knife. Couldn't be scheduled for too many consecutive or cumulative hours per week. I was a fan of the protections in place.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Summer camp. 6 weeks of full-time work at $14 per hour.

What summer camp?

NP here.

My kids attended a one week camp at our church. There were several 14 yo who were essentially CIT who assisted the three adult staff in managing two age groups of children and got paid. The church had two different weeks that they hosted. There are probably other camps that likewise need some lower paid junior staff to help the adult staff with camps.

Anonymous wrote:
None.

Unless the child wants a job for pocket money, or the family needs the extra income, it doesn't help for resume-building.

But it does help for a work ethic and character building.

My kid worked at our pool snack bar. I had to sign a waiver for the state.

Anonymous wrote:
None.

Unless the child wants a job for pocket money, or the family needs the extra income, it doesn't help for resume-building.

It all builds on their life experience. Sure, working retail does suck, but teaches a valuable lesson about working with people in public. Refereeing teaches leadership and other responsibilities. Match the money they make and invest it in a Roth IRA. Only working 6 to 10 hours per week and doesn't interfere with non-existent homework.

Worked at the Watermine.