Things Your Teen Should Know About Their First Job (But They Probably Don't)

There are a lot of monumental moments in parenthood. Beyond the first steps and the first day of school, you, as a parent, will be helping to navigate your child through their life. Your teen’s very first job is a big moment, too. Not only can they begin earning their own money, but working for the first time will give them a sense of purpose and independence. Aside from that, a teen’s first job is their introduction to the real world, and as a parent, it’s a good idea to help them make the most of this new experience. There are a few key things about employment your teen probably doesn’t yet know. Before your teen begins their position, discuss these essential aspects of working to help them get off on the right foot.

Paychecks and taxes
When your teen is hired for their first job, they are generally paid hourly. They will likely plan on spending their income on a few favorite things right away. Expectations for that first “big” paycheck will be high. It’s typical and even expected for a teen to know very little about how paychecks are taxed.

Before your teenager gets their first pay stub, sit down with them to explain taxes and how much of their hourly rate will be missing. Sure, it will seem like a buzzkill, but your child needs to understand how much money they’ll get each week after taxes get paid. Work through the math and explain where their cash is going. It will help them not only understand how everything works but also help them avoid feeling disappointed when their very first paycheck arrives.

Budgets, expenses, and savings
First jobs are a great learning experience, but there needs to be a plan in place. Help your teen figure out a budget that fits your family’s expectations. It might be helpful to show your teenager your budget and how your money gets divided across multiple bills.

If your teen is looking to save money for college, their first car, or a trip they’re desperate to take, work with them to establish a percentage of their pay that gets set aside for those exciting milestones. Make sure they understand that the goal savings comes after their regular obligations get paid. Also, don’t forget to help them set a budget for discretionary spending and entertainment. Those categories are likely to be of high interest for a young adult or teenager.

Discuss appropriate dress with your teen
Some first-time jobs require your teenager to wear a uniform, while other workplaces will give them free rein on their appearance. So while this tip might not be directly about money, it is money-related. Talk to your teen about the dress code at their new job. What are they expected to wear? How will they purchase the clothing they need for their job? How will they add to their wardrobe when required?

As a parent, you may be willing to help your child with their job-related outlay regarding clothing, but it’s a great idea to discuss building work-related clothing into their budget. Your teen may feel a bit bummed about the concept of buying work clothing with their freshly earned paycheck, but it’s a great way to help them understand how things work in the adult world.

You should also discuss grooming expectations based on the job they take. For example, some jobs require their employees to be clean-shaven, while others ask young employees to remove or hide piercings. Discussing how to adhere to these rules will help set your teen up for success in the workplace.