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The teenage summer job: it’s an American rite of passage that once seemed inevitable, but now feels more optional than ever. In an age of competitive college applications, AP class overloads, and year-round sports schedules, many parents find themselves wondering: Should teens even have jobs anymore? Or is that idea just a dusty relic of our own teenage years — back when the only summer goal was to make enough money for gas, movie tickets, and Taco Bell?
The answer, like practically all other parenting decisions, is: it depends.
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to teen employment. Some teenagers thrive with the structure and responsibility of a job. Others are already stretched to their limits with academics, extracurriculars, and mental health challenges. But as college admissions become more competitive and the job market tighter than ever, some families are rethinking the value of a paycheck and what it teaches beyond money.
So let’s break it down — the good, the bad, and the unexpectedly beneficial — with help from some career experts who know exactly what teens stand to gain (or lose) from clocking in.
The Resume Builder That Doesn’t Feel Like Homework
It’s no secret that college admissions and early job markets are increasingly competitive. That’s why Sam DeMase, a career expert at ZipRecruiter, believes summer jobs are more relevant than ever. “The job market is competitive, so securing a new role has become increasingly difficult for job seekers. That’s why standing out to employers is key,” she tells SheKnows. “When building a resume, internships, summer jobs, and volunteer work are all great sources to pull from. While summer jobs won’t guarantee future employment, they can provide teens with new, tangible skills that strengthen their resume and boost their college applications.”
DeMase also notes that these experiences are powerful self-discovery tools. “Taking on a summer job helps teens get an idea of what they’re good at and interested in pursuing later on. Trying different part-time jobs such as retail or customer service builds confidence and can ignite passion for a future career.”
Seb Morgan, Senior Career Expert at CV Genius, agrees — and emphasizes how early work experience offers concrete proof of important soft skills. “Each summer job can add to your resume is potential hard evidence of your reliability, motivation, and time management — qualities that employers look for when they review applications for teen jobs, internships, and entry level positions,” he explains. Especially in industries like marketing, customer service, or retail, Morgan says, enthusiasm and accountability matter more than technical knowledge.
And these early roles don’t just build resumes; they build resilience. Teens learn how to deal with disappointment (like not getting hired at their first pick), navigate tricky customer interactions, and adapt to different leadership styles. They also learn the importance of balancing work with rest — a lesson that’s crucial for lifelong burnout prevention.
A Crash Course in Life Skills
Whether it’s flipping burgers, lifeguarding at the local pool, or babysitting for neighbors, summer jobs give teens something school doesn’t always provide: a chance to navigate the real world.
From resolving customer complaints to juggling a weekly schedule, a part-time job exposes teens to the kind of responsibility that no worksheet can teach. They’ll learn to manage money, advocate for themselves, show up on time, and work alongside people they might not necessarily like. These are skills that translate to adulthood in a way no classroom can replicate.
Laurie Kopp Weingarten, President and CEO of One-Stop College Counseling, has seen teens explore a wide variety of jobs. “Is there a ‘perfect job’ for a teenager? There’s no ‘best job’ because it depends on the student, their personality, and their goals,” she says. “We’ve had students tutor at learning centers, work as busboys/hostesses/waitstaff. Some earn their Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification or Water Safety Instructor Certification and work at a pool, while others secure their Umpire Certification and work baseball games. Many of our teens have been employed at fast food restaurants, clothing stores, libraries, historical villages, dance studios, and amusement parks. And quite a few have even started their own businesses!”
Of course, the right job isn’t just about the duties — it’s also about the hours. “It’s important that they choose a job where the hours are manageable,” Weingarten advises. “We had one 16-year-old commit to working 60 hours per week during the summer — and she ended up hating the work. We typically suggest 20-40 hours per week during the summer (and no more than 10 hours per week during the school year, as academics should be the priority).”
Parents should also consider how much support their teen will need. Younger teens may require help filling out applications, preparing for interviews, and setting boundaries with managers. You might be coaching them through how to ask for a day off or what to do if a coworker makes them uncomfortable. These micro-moments are part of the big picture: raising an independent adult who knows how to advocate for themselves.
The Flip Side: What to Watch For
While a job can be a growth opportunity, it’s not without drawbacks. If your teen is already overwhelmed by academic pressure, mental health struggles, or extracurricular commitments, adding a job might do more harm than good. Some teens may feel pressure to work more hours than they can handle or to stay in a job that’s toxic simply because they feel like they can’t quit.
That’s why parental involvement — not micromanagement, but guidance — matters. Talk with your teen regularly about how they’re feeling at work. Do they dread their shifts or come home proud of what they accomplished? Are they managing their time well, or do they seem more tired and irritable than usual?
Watch for red flags like mood changes, complaints about unfair treatment, or declining grades. It’s okay to pull back, re-evaluate, and remind your teen that quitting a job (gracefully) is also a legitimate and valuable life skill.
Beyond the Paycheck: Other Meaningful Options
Some teens simply aren’t interested in working — and that’s okay, too. There are plenty of meaningful ways for them to spend the summer that still build character, skills, and self-awareness.
Maybe they want to volunteer, explore a creative hobby, attend academic enrichment programs, or build something entrepreneurial. Maybe they’re creating digital art, learning to code, or babysitting for family. Just because it doesn’t come with a W-2 doesn’t mean it’s not preparing them for adulthood.
The key is purpose. As long as your teen is spending their time doing something that stretches them — intellectually, socially, creatively — they’re on the right track. There’s no single path to becoming a capable, independent adult.
Final Thoughts: It’s About the Bigger Picture
A summer job won’t make or break your teen’s future. But it can be a powerful stepping stone.
It can help them understand who they are, what they enjoy, and how to navigate responsibility. It can provide a sense of independence, a boost to their resume, and even clarity on what they don’t want to do.
So the question isn’t just should teens have jobs. The question is: What kind of experience will serve this particular teen best right now? When you start from that place — and trust their instincts as much as your own — the answer usually becomes pretty clear.
