My first job at a local sports store was far from enjoyable. As a savvy teenager, I thought working after school in a bustling mall would enhance my social life and provide me with endless food court snacks. Little did I know, the role would actually require effort.
After indulging in treats from Cinnabon, Panda Express, and Orange Julius during my brief breaks, I became complacent, having met my only real goal: eating. I moved at a snail’s pace, restocking shelves and hanging clothes like a sluggish car waiting for my shift to end. I was easily distracted by my high-school crush who visited daily, trying on sneakers he never intended to purchase. His presence often blinded me to the frustrated glare of my supervisor behind the tennis display.
I didn’t stay long at the sporting goods store. I claimed boredom and a dislike for authority as my reasons for leaving. While I can’t recall how I let them down, I like to think they were heartbroken over my departure. I felt needed but not valued, like a fly swatter in the sweltering summer heat. I said my goodbyes and never returned. I knew I had disappointed them, and I felt let down as well.
For many teens, working a seasonal, entry-level job is a rite of passage. The thrill of a paycheck is often overshadowed by the steep learning curve they face in the workplace. Retail positions can feel like a sweat-inducing purgatory, especially when faced with demanding customers who expect a level of service that’s hard to deliver, much like my brief stint at J. Crew. Or having to toughen up while working with the colorful language of a busy kitchen staff the summer after college. Thanks for that nightmare, Mike. I still find myself speaking like a New Yorker because of you.
Not much has changed for today’s youngest employees. There’s still a demand for fresh-faced teens who don’t know what they don’t know. They show up physically but may lack the spirit required to thrive. If my teenage self taught me anything, it’s that first jobs can be fraught with challenges, and many small businesses lack the resources or patience to provide comprehensive training for the next generation of workers we need.
Currently, I work for a large private firm that has both the means and expertise to help guide young employees. One of these teens is my 16-year-old son, and while I’m not his boss, I have a unique perspective as I observe him from a distance and listen to his stories during our drives home. This insight, combined with his experiences, offers a glimpse into what teens desire and what employers are looking for.
Skill Training
First and foremost, we prioritize skill training. This involves teaching the specific functions of the job. New staff usually grasp these tasks quickly, receiving immediate rewards since the learning is straightforward and has clear success markers. As employers, we can’t afford to skip this step—if a teenager can’t handle basic tasks like washing dishes or running the cash register, they’re not useful. Unfortunately, for many businesses, this is where training often stops due to time constraints.
Teamwork
Next, we should emphasize the importance of teamwork. This soft skill is often learned through team sports, large families, or even sharing a meal with friends where splitting the bill fairly is necessary. Not all new employees instinctively understand how to collaborate effectively. Many need to be taught how to work with diverse personalities and skill sets. Work environments often require a significant amount of teamwork to succeed, demanding a level of patience that can be challenging. It’s essential to create spaces that allow for learning and growth; otherwise, teens may depart their jobs feeling frustrated and confused.
Leadership and Self-Assuredness
In addition to teamwork, strong leadership and self-assuredness are highly valued in the workplace. These traits don’t develop overnight; they require years of experience and mistakes in a supportive environment. The right employers are willing to invest time and emotional resources to help young workers build resilience and decision-making skills. This approach isn’t just a temporary fix for workforce shortages; it can lead to long-term success if we’re patient enough to see it through.
Teenagers can, and often do, impress us daily. Many are still learning basic workplace etiquette, such as punctuality, personal hygiene, and how to greet colleagues. This is something to celebrate, as new employees aren’t pre-programmed to navigate the professional world. They are young individuals in training, and one day, they’ll be the ones in charge.
To read more about related topics, check out this link to our other blog post here. You might also find valuable information on home insemination at Make a Mom. For important guidelines on pregnancy, visit CDC’s website.
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In summary, employers today seek teenagers who are eager to learn and develop essential skills. By providing the right training and fostering an environment of teamwork and leadership, we can help young workers thrive and prepare them for future roles.
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