Part-time work- My Story

I'm sure many of you are thinking about getting part time jobs if you are 14+. There may be many reasons, extra cash for clothes, computer games etc. Maybe you want to save up for an expensive item that you've always wanted (in my case, my own PC). I am 15 and work myself at the weekend in a restaurant, so I'm writing from personal experience.

There are many pro's and con's of having a job at 14-16;

The obvious advantage is that you get a good amount of money, which means you no longer need to rely on your parents as much. You should make sure that you get a job that does not occupy too much of the weekend as you will no longer look forward to a nice rest away from school but more work. Many places have been known to exploit young people by under paying them. You should make sure you get paid no less than £3 an hour.

A job is on the whole a good idea when you get to 14-15 but there are some disadvantages. It should really be just a weekend job, if you are 14-16, as study is important. The disadvantage is that it will most probably be a Saturday job. This is 'the' time at which most people like to meet up with their friends and generally relax after school, although this usually requires money, which a job will provide. At first the job could seem exciting but you can grow tired of it and then no longer look forward to the weekend. As long as you make sure you know exactly what you will be doing when you get employed and know you will not grow bored of it, go for it.

In a short summary, and from my own experiences, I would say it is a good idea to get a job when you reach 15. Make sure the hours are not too long and don't occupy the best part of the weekend and I will emphasise again don't work anywhere that pays under £3 an hour, it is unfair on you. But a part time job is a way of earning a good amount of money and meeting new people.

You should make sure you succeed in the job and work to a high standard. Although it is only a small part time job when you begin to look for a career later in life you will have a reference from it, which informs your new employer of your high standard of work. From my brother's experience, it put him above the other applicants. So to all of you trying or thinking about getting a part time job, good luck and remember, Persistence is the key.

By Owen