There comes a moment when moms and dads look at their child — lounging on the couch, annihilating snacks and asking for money — and think: “This kid needs a job.”
If working at a young age was good for you, it must be good for today’s youth, too, right?
Unfortunately, that’s not what we often see. I am amazed at how many young people I interview who have never had a real job. Sure, they may have studied abroad or run a dance for their fraternity or sorority, but their resumes end there. They never had to show up to work regularly, deal with an unruly customer or truly understand what a dollar can — or can’t — buy.
Jobs, especially first ones, are not always glamorous or fun, but they are some of the best gifts a young person can receive. Why?
First, nothing builds character faster than being told what to do by a boss. At home, kids can negotiate. At work, “because I said so” suddenly comes with a name tag and a schedule. Learning to show up on time, wear something other than pajamas and complete tasks without dramatic sighing is a crash course in functioning adulthood.
Then there is money, the magical substance many young people believe appears effortlessly from parental wallets. A job introduces the realization that money is earned — slowly, painfully and sometimes while wearing an unfortunate uniform. Once kids realize it takes three hours of work to afford something they were about to impulse-buy in three seconds, something incredible happens — they hesitate.
Jobs also do wonders for social skills. Suddenly, young people must speak in full sentences to strangers without using the words “bro,” “literally” or “I can’t even.” They learn to make eye contact, interpret tone and survive mild inconvenience without texting about it.
And let’s talk about time management. A working kid quickly discovers that juggling school, work and a social life forces them to plan ahead — or face the terrifying consequence of being tired. For perhaps the first time, they understand why many of us go to bed before 10 p.m.
Most importantly, jobs give young people a taste of the real world — just enough to build resilience without crushing their spirit. They deal with repetitive tasks and the universal truth that sometimes life is just … refilling ketchup bottles. And yet, they survive. They adapt. They even develop a sense of pride in doing something well.
Of course, there is a balance. No child should be working 40 hours a week or managing corporate stress before they can drive. The goal isn’t burnout; it is perspective. A few shifts, a modest paycheck and a mild appreciation for weekends are all it takes.
So, yes, help your child, your grandchild or that kid down the street get a job. Not because you are mean, but because you love them. Someday, they will need to function in a world that does not accept “my mom said it’s fine” as a valid excuse. And who knows? They might even start paying for their own snacks.
Have a terrific Tuesday, and thank you for reading.
Shane Goodman
Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com
Read more of Shane Goodman's columns here. | 
