In California, how old must you be to work? (like at a store in a mall or fast food place) I'm 14?

You have to be atleast 16 to work anywhere. Like any store or restaurant; it's federal and that's the law. However, you can babysit or be a dog walker or something when you're 14.

When I was 15 I was able to get a work permit(with strict restrictions on hours and working conditions) from school and work for a fast food place. I lived in southern California in Riverside county. They do not encourage kids to work but a teacher told me when I told him my family was in a tough spot because my dad was laid off. You have to see a school councelor and they generaly only give it to good students on a hardship basis. I was paid a lower "student wage" And it is hard to find an employer. Pet stores and malls have 16-20 year olds lining up at the door to apply so they will not be in a rush to hire a 14-15 year old on a permit with restrictions. If you do not want to take an undesireable job, or unless you have a relative who will hire you it is best to wait until you are 16 or do yard work, news paper delivery or babysitting for extra cash. I had to work to help my family so I did not mind working at Taco Bell. But if you can avoid it wait to your are 16. You will have the rest of your life to work. Because you are not likely to get a fun job. It will be the bottom of the barrel that they can not find anyone else to take.

i live in georgia here you can work at some places at 15, but it can't be a corperation, and i think it varies among employers

You must be 16 years old to work in the state of California, and you must acquire a work permit if you want to work while going to school.

naa, I'm from Northern Cali (BAY ALL DAY!!) and you have to be 16 years of age to work. Maybe at like a flea market you can be 14 and work but for mall jobs, 16 is the age requirement.

They really don't push a certain age if you know someone or look a certain way they will hire you. between 14-16