Why do teenagers have jobs?

Question

I see that some kids at my school have jobs in higher grades than me, but they are all very low paying jobs like working at taco bell or burger king, why are they working for jobs like that instead of using the time to study. It just seems like a waste to work at a job with such a low salary like that.

But I am wondering why they have jobs if the salary is so low, because I am sure their make more than enough money to support their family, and shouldnt they be concentrating on studying and getting a job when they get out of college.

anyways I am not trying to offend people, I am just wondering why.

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

I did for many years through my school years this is because I needed to I needed money to go out and go places to get into town, bus journeys to friends house but now also to run cars, pay for insurance etc Maybe you should get off your high horse.  

Answer 3

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.

Answer 4

Many reason on why teens have jobs

to save money

buy more stuff clothes, gadgets, etc

car

save for college

and sometimes some parents tell their kids to get a job

to have experience and stuff  

Answer 5

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?

Answer 6

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!!!

Answer 7

some people can work part time and still have time for studies. they are low income jobs because most people that age dont have PHDs or experience and they have to get an entry level job. some families dont really have enough money to support themselves and a teenager too. it helps to have that extra income in the house.

Answer 8

I work because I am not handed money from my parents to spend.

Low paying jobs AREN'T low paying.

60 dollers a week is all I need!

It also teaches you how to manage money in the future

Answer 9

Yet another question from the guy that asks if video game character names are good names for babies.

If you have good grades, there's no harm in working. Someone who is failing because they aren't studying should obviously be home instead of flipping burgers.

I work at Bluenotes and I only make minimum wage ($7.75). I work one shift a week so that doesn't even give me $125 every two weeks but I like having the extra money in my pocket. I don't have to work but since my boyfriend supports our son, I obviously want to help out. I get my Family Benefits once a month (not welfare, every Canadian family gets it if they make under like $50 000 a year) but that usually all goes to my son. My boyfriend makes $10.30 an hour I think and he works at a call center. That is a worthwhile job for a teenager but I imagine it will tire him out once he goes back to school and still tries to work full time. He will probably go to part time.

I worked before I got pregnant and I enjoyed it! I liked having my own money and being able to do what I want with it! I also have a cell bill and insurance to pay (I didn't start paying my cell until after my son was born and I just got my license in June). Without a job, I wouldn't have those things unless I took the money out of my Family Benefits. I would rather be able to say I make my own money than sitting around on my *** waiting for a government cheque to come in the mail.

Answer 10

they need the extra cash for expesnes like  buying the coolest cell phones, cell phone bills.  nothing wrong with working.  

Answer 11

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.

Answer 12

because it teaches us resonasibilty, personal finanace, how to deal with real life, we need the money, I just did some work today on the farm and its the last day of vacation (thats right, my dad has a buisness on our farm and I get paid)

Answer 13

Because I don't want to be dependent on my parents for money.

It will also prepare me for working life.

I think kids who don't have jobs take their lives for granted and can't make money themesleves, forcing them tto live off their parents.

pretty patheitic...

Answer 14

It's still money, right? It teaches responsibility also.

Answer 15

its all good experience. when they finish school and go for their first proper job its always good if they've had a job before even just a little one.  

Answer 16

I worked in High School so I could have my own car and other extras I wanted.  My studying and grades were fine, it didn't effect my school work at all.

Answer 17

it teaches good work ethics and responsibility.  plus, not every kid in school is handed everything from mommy and daddy.  good parents want their children to learn responsibility by providing for themselves.  of course, parents can help you out of a bind anytime, but young people definitely need to learn on their own...

Answer 18

They probably want more stuff than their parents are willing to pay for.

Answer 19

My friends have jobs because they needed money to support their family and the extra funding for their university/college.  Some people are not very lucky.

Answer 20

some work to buy clothes and things like that so they won't depend on their parents any more or some work to save up for college I agree with you jobs like that make thousands a day but pay so little so people shouldn't be working in those types of jobs it's like there ripping them off,but so many people don't know that the only thing they care about is their bi-weekly checks

Answer 21

well it all depends cause some people use their money earned for valuables(shoes, cars, etc.), entertainment( video games, systems, etc), or they just need money to help their families.  Other teenagers like to go out as well so they need money to take their partners to dates..

Answer 22

If your not haveing trouble in school you don't need to spend extra time studing. I intend to get a job in a few years. A minumum wage job is fine as teenagers have minimum expenses. They will still go to college and get higher salaries once they graduate.

Answer 23

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.

Answer 24

Most people want to work so that they will have a little money in there pocket to do the things they like to do or to buy themselves something they will enjoy. Sometimes these are the only jobs that are oferted  to them right now. I'am sure not everyone of them really wants to work at a fast food job. I do agree that more people should study and get a better education in there lives.

Answer 25

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.

Answer 26

They probably have things that they need/want to save for.

It might just be things they want like a cellphone or car, or maybe they need to make money to pay for post-secondary school or move out.

Answer 27

some of them just wish to have their own money to buy something. as not like in pocket money given by their parents.

i think it makes them feel grown-up to have their own salary and stuff like that, even if the job or the salary are not much.

it's simply an idea they get.

Answer 28

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

Answer 29

cause folks need money

Answer 30

Because some teenagers parents require them to pay for thing such as

Gas, clothing, fun stuff, personal items, food at a a diner and stuff like that. And unfortunately they can't do that without a job!

Answer 31

So they can have some independence and make their own money.

and they need a car just like everyone else does. i'm sure you ride in a car almost everyday. like i said they just have more independence. i'm trying to find a job right now either at a grocery store or waitressing & i'm 16.