Twenty Job Ideas for High School Students
by Carol Carter

If you are like many students, you don’t wait until your junior or senior year to start working. In fact, many teens have been working since the age of 11 or 12 at jobs like baby-sitting, yard work and in some cases, starting their own businesses. In addition to giving you money, a part-time job teaches you a lot about yourself, others and your ability to make a difference in the world.

I had baby-sat since the age of 12, but I couldn’t wait to apply for my first real job on the day I turned 16. I applied to about 20 restaurants before being hired by the Spaghetti Company as a hostess. This job taught me how to juggle priorities, manage school and work, and become part of a larger team. I also figured out how to do my best so that I could get the top raises and evaluations.

So what are the best jobs for teens? A big part of the answer to that question depends on who you are. I divide teen jobs into two categories: career-related jobs and "typical teen" jobs. It's true, you can earn money at any job, but not all jobs are created equal. Work is about more than making money; it's also about learning new skills and discovering your abilities. Some jobs, like those at fast-foods restaurants, might not teach you the skills that will help you get a better job in the future.