BY & FOR BOY MOMS EVERYWHERE

Asking your children, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” often elicits playful answers of childhood dream jobs like astronauts, ballerinas, or race car drivers. But when they are teenagers and you want to provide them with proper guidance in choosing their future paths, the answers take on a more serious tinge. Their responses can catch us off guard. They may have ambitions we never considered, or we worry that their choices will be difficult to obtain. In a world of changing job markets, evolving careers, and gig economies, how do we guide them toward meaningful employment and financial responsibility?

The Concept of Dream Jobs

Everyone wants a dream job that reflects their passions, interests, and values and gives them a sense of fulfilment and happiness. They are highly personal and often based on childhood dream jobs. While some dream of the thrill of being a professional athlete, movie star, or the creativity involved in being a fashion designer, others might find joy in the independence of being a business owner or tech wiz.

Many kids grow up dreaming of becoming professional athletes, astronauts, doctors, or firefighters, often fueled by their childhood dreams of adventure, heroism, and helping others. Others imagine themselves as teachers, musicians, or movie stars, drawn to creativity and public recognition.

In today’s digital age, being a YouTuber or influencer has joined the list of popular dream jobs. The appeal of fame and quick success is of high interest to many children, but they don’t yet understand the effort, skill, and persistence these careers require or how uncertain and short-lived they can often be.

Age-Appropriate Jobs for Pre-Teens and Teenagers

For pre-teens, age-appropriate jobs like babysitting or pet sitting for family, yard work, or running a lemonade stand help build responsibility and a strong work ethic, while creative kids might explore selling crafts or artwork. Volunteer roles at community centers or local schools also teach interpersonal skills, exposing them to different environments. As they become teenagers, more structured job opportunities open up, including positions in retail, food service, tutoring, or seasonal roles like lifeguarding and camp counselling. These experiences, though not always glamorous, provide valuable lessons in teamwork, independence, and customer service, preparing them for future full-time jobs and the importance of creating a first resume.

Don’t forget that your city and state may have programs to help young people land their first job, and similarly they have limitations on the kinds of jobs and number of hours children can work at certain ages. Do your research!

The Easiest Job to Get at 15

For many 15-year-olds, the easiest jobs to secure are those that require minimal training or experience. Fast-food restaurants frequently hire young workers as cashiers or kitchen staff. Grocery stores have openings for baggers or stock clerks. Other typical first jobs include dishwashing in restaurants, working at an ice cream shop, or assisting at a local movie theater.

Starting a new job can be both exciting and daunting for teenagers, as they navigate the responsibilities and expectations of their first employment. Many local businesses also offer part-time opportunities. A small boutique might need someone to organize stock, while a bakery might need extra hands to package baked goods. They get a paycheck and also learn essential workplace skills, like punctuality and communication.

My Son Wants a Job, and I Have No Idea Where He Should Look…

A lot depends on his age, skills, and interests. For teens or young adults, local businesses like restaurants, or retail stores often offer part-time or entry-level work. If he’s interested in tech, writing, or design, he might explore freelance opportunities online through platforms like Upwork or Fiverr. Internships, volunteer positions, or even job-shadowing can also help him gain experience and discover what he enjoys. Encourage him to create a resume and start networking to find any opportunities that might come through friends, family, or school connections.

Preparing for a First Real Job with Resume Confidence

The job search process can be overwhelming for teens, but parental guidance plays a vital role. In fact, according to Resume Templates, 70 % of Americans reported asking for their parents’ help in the job hunting process, and 1 in 10 had their parents write their resumes.

It starts with crafting a resume. Many teens struggle to present their limited experience. We can help by highlighting school activities, volunteer work, or part-time roles. This support builds confidence and prevents common mistakes. In a CareerBuilder survey, nearly half of Americans had grammatical errors on their resumes that would cause them to be rejected. And recruiters often reject any resume that is more than two pages long.

Next comes applying and networking. We can guide teens through job applications, encourage them to explore opportunities in their community, and introduce them to basic networking. This makes the process feel more manageable and less intimidating.

Interview preparation is another important step. Practicing questions helps teens feel more confident and articulate during real interviews, fostering their critical thinking, and enabling them to achieve better results. This rehearsal can make a big difference in how they present themselves.

Another way to help is by teaching soft skills like appropriate workplace behavior, the importance of a positive attitude, and how to handle workplace conflicts. Many teens don’t realize how vital these skills are until they enter their first job and try to achieve success in a competitive environment.

Finally, once a job is secured, parents can continue supporting teens by discussing budgeting, saving, and financial responsibility. These early lessons lay the foundation for smart money habits in the future.

What Are the Best-Paying Jobs for Teens?

While most teen jobs are not known for high wages, nowadays freelance web development, social media management for small businesses, being a graphic designer or private tutoring can all provide solid income. These jobs require a bit of initiative and skill-building, but they can be excellent stepping stones toward more lucrative careers in the future.

Working as a golf caddy or at a theme park during peak seasons can also bring in higher wages due to tips and seasonal demand. Some teens even make money selling handmade items on platforms like Etsy, proving that creativity can lead to profitability.

The Top Jobs Kids Aspire To

Surveys show that kids today have a diverse range of career aspirations. Many still want to be doctors, teachers, and police officers, but newer trends see kids dreaming of becoming YouTubers, video game designers, and entrepreneurs. The world is changing fast, and technology continues to shape the kinds of careers that excite young minds. Securing a well paying job nowadays often requires a combination of education, skills, and experience, which can be challenging for young job seekers.

These aspirations also highlight a shift in how children view job satisfaction. Many are drawn to careers that allow them creative freedom, flexibility, and the ability to make a difference. This shift suggests that traditional career paths may need to evolve to align with new expectations.

Jobs to Approach with Caution

Be careful of jobs that may be scams or exploit your teenagers. Unregulated online gigs, for example, as waitresses, models, or singing gigs often come with risks of scams or exploitation. High-risk jobs without proper training can also be dangerous. Parents should also be cautious about jobs with unfair wages or conditions.

Working late hours or in environments with little supervision can also be a red flag. Some workplaces may take advantage of inexperienced workers, so it’s essential to review job conditions and expectations before allowing a teen to accept a position.

Also, remember to check the kinds of benefits and protections afforded to your child. Things like health insurance, social security withholdings, mandatory (or optional) retirement or pension savings may be the last thing on their minds. But if your son or daughter is your legal dependent, these kinds of wage matters may come up on your tax return. If you can’t decipher their earning and leave statements, then ask to talk to their manager to understand what’s what.

The Reality of Pursuing a Dream Job

Chasing after a dream job can be both exhilarating and daunting. Many people encounter numerous hurdles and setbacks along the way, which can lead to feelings of discouragement. The journey to a dream job requires more than just passion; it demands dedication, hard work, and a willingness to overcome obstacles. It’s crucial to be realistic about the challenges and to continuously develop skills and gain experience.

The Future of Jobs: What Might Disappear?

As technology evolves, many traditional jobs may no longer exist in the coming decades. It’s hard to feel completely confident about job security in the face of rapid technological advancements. Positions like cashiers, data entry clerks, and travel agents are already being replaced by automation and AI. Print journalism is declining as digital media takes over, and rideshare services and self-driving technology could make taxi driving obsolete.

Encouraging kids to develop adaptable skills like problem-solving and tech literacy will prepare them for a changing workforce. Instead of fearing job loss, they can learn to embrace innovation and new opportunities.

Re-evaluating Their Career Path

It’s important to help your kids to re-evaluate their career path from time to time as their skills and experience grow and their interests change. Help them identify areas for improvement and growth or consider whether their present job aspirations align with what’s available in the current or future job market. It’s essential to remain open to learning and development at any age and for young people changing their minds is a natural part of the process. By being proactive and adaptable, you can help them find a niche that brings them satisfaction and success.

Should Teens Get Additional Training?

You’re not alone if you’d like your children to have more employment readiness options outside of 4-year college. In today’s highly competitive job market, additional skills training is always a plus and can ultimately help with their first-ever resume. Skills training also provides network-building opportunities, mentors, or acts as a gateway to exploring other specialities.

Online courses in coding, graphic design, or writing can provide an edge, and many are available on Udemy, YouTube, or local community colleges. Apprenticeships, trade programs, internships, and job-shadowing experiences can open doors to exciting opportunities. Even certifications in lifeguarding or CPR can look good on a resume.

Helping your child navigate their first job search is an exciting milestone. While they may not land their dream job right away, each experience will help them build skills, confidence, and a strong work ethic for the future. Who knows? That first job might be the push they need to land future success.