Why do teenagers have jobs?

I worked throughout high school as a waitress because I had a car. My parents could have paid for everything but they would much rather teach me personal & financial responsibility. I will do the same when I have children.

Because it's always nice to have extra money.AND it shows responsibility. If they have no problem with their studies and managing to work, why shouldn't they? Maybe you should get a job too instead of asking a stupid question like this!!!

Well, most teenagers want jobs so that they can have their own money and freedom to buy what they want with it. Especially if they know their parents won't buy it for them. OR, they just want a job now to save up as much as possible for the future. It's called responsibility.

There are a few reasons, I think. I plan on getting a job when I am 16 because 1. That gives you a bit of experience you need to get better jobs in the future. You can get experience with sales, and with people. It's not a lot, but a step. 2. Minimum wage is okay for a teenager. It's more than lots of kid's allowance. They can use it for shopping and stuff, and it teaches them to work for their money. If they are keeping good grades, why not work too after school or on the weekend?

because when you get older, your parents aren't going to want to pay for your car insurance or anything else you want that you don't need. at least, they wont unless you're spoiled and they can afford it. So, you would need to get a job to pay for such things. Also, not all families make enough money, so their kids help out when they can.

I worked since i was 14, To learn the value of a dollar To learn responsibilty To learn priorities To learn why you want to get a good education To learn how to balance time To save money for school To save money for things kids want to buy To not be a burden on parents Something to do To meet new people

Not all of us have our parents pay for college for us. If you don't get an academic or sports scholarship the only way to pay for college yourself is to have a job. No one is going to hire a high school kid to a $40,000 a year job when they can have more qualified candidates. So that leaves minimum wage jobs at taco bell. Honestly though, do you really think there are any high school kids who use their free time to study? When I was in high school most kids did their homework at school... so after school they had more time to hang out or work. Plus, when you graduate college with those people who have been working and going to school for the past 6 years... guess what? An employer is going to pay your buddy who has 6 years industry experience more money than you and hire them over you. It looks really bad when you get your first job at 22.

I had a job in high school so that I could pay for my car and car insurance, and for money to go out with friends. It didn't hinder studying at all as I didn't do much of that anyways. I was still an A/B student.

well, i will say, working in high school made it not just easier to get a job in college, but also to get into college (as i was "well rounded") my college job made it a lot easier to get a job in the working world (as i actually had a resume). so, it had its benefits.