The Ins and Outs of part time jobs
By Carla Neeson

1 Introduction

Unfortunately, there comes a time when our parents will no longer fall to our seductive charms, and let us fleece them. And so, we must venture out from our warm, comforting homes into the cold, cruel world of work… Well, it may not be as dramatic as that, but taking on your first job is still quite a big step. It is also beneficial step, as far as the finance department is concerned and shows that, finally, we are growing up- contrary to popular opinion. "Immature? No way! I'm 10% financially independent of my family-ha!"

Wanting a job to pay for your pending school ski trip and finding one that's completely to your taste, is another matter. Long gone are the days when a paper-round at the crack of dawn will suffice. Everyone wants something a little more glamorous and, more importantly, better paid. Fortunately, there are other alternatives for the twenty-first century teenager with a new Playstation game to buy. Shopkeepers and restaurants are usually willing to take the younger generations on -okay, maybe glamorous was a bit too optimistic- as will farms, car washes, petrol stations, cinemas and bars (lifting glasses that is!) Babysitting is probably the most attractive: getting paid to watch a few children and television at the same- fantastic work if you can get it! Remember, we may consider ourselves to be worthy of more than washing dishes, but at our age, there is very little else we can do about it. So pull on your rubber gloves and start scrubbing, boy!

2 How to get a part time job

Most of us don't have a clue how to get a part time job, we just complain that there is nothing in our area. Unless you live in the highlands in a shack, miles from civilisation, then that is unlikely to be true. A part time job will not come looking for you; you have to go looking for it- don't give up now! It is possible!

The best place to start is by looking in local newspapers- you may not qualify for the latest teaching post, but somewhere in a small corner there could be an advertisement for a waitress, waiting just for you. Also keep an eye on notice boards in school, supermarkets and any other community boards- it could be worth your while taking a read through while your mum rummages in the frozen foods dept. One place you may not have considered is the local job centre- most have a section dedicated to jobs for young people. It may seem weird at first, but you might as well get used to the place- you will probably be back in the future. If jobs aren't falling down around your ears, then you need to get your name around. Let the universe (or at least the local bakery) know that you are ready and willing to earn a living- well 10% of it anyway! Don't feel awkward- go into shops and restaurants and ask if there are any vacancies- if not, get them to put your name and details down for future reference. Volunteer your services in as many places as possible- you must be in it to win it!

3 Let people know you want to work

Also, get friends who are already working, parents and even your parents' friends to keep an eye out for you. Remind them to put a good word in for you. If there are people around you working it is not what you can do for them- its what they can do for you (and your ski trip fund.)

If its something like babysitting you are interested in, then why not advertise your services in a shop window, or somewhere it will get noticed. People always need someone to give them a break from their spawn and will respond to initiative.

If, in the end you have come up with nothing, don't despair- keep trying. You could even volunteer to work somewhere for free! It may not be as lucrative as you had hoped at the beginning of your quest, but at least there is only one way to go- up the pay role!

4 How long can teenagers work and what for?

Unless you are 16 years old and have a National Insurance number, you are not legally allowed to work in a night-time job, or for more than a few hours per day. You can however, find jobs in small working environments that only last for a few hours everyday, after school or at weekends.

A limit of 48 hours per week is set for 16-18 year olds. It is possible to work longer, if you want to. No one can force you to work longer hours, and if you choose to, you must sign an "opt-out" form with your employer. You are also entitled to 1 day off per week and, in a shift of more than 6 hours can take a break. Under 18's cannot work for more than 8 hours per day- which is definitely to your benefit!

When it comes down to wages, we under 18's are less fortunate. There is no set minimum wage, so what you are paid is down to the individual employer. The reason is that we are considered less experienced and usually have to be trained. As usual, nothing is free, and you pay for these new skills with a smaller wage packet. Even though there is no set rate, do not let an employer take advantage- if you carry out your duties properly you deserve to be paid properly for it. On the positive side, the majority of us working guys and gals are paid reasonably well. Working in a shop, you can expect nearly £3/hour, which is only 20p below the 18-21 year old minimum wage! In a lot of jobs, you may be paid per shift, which can work out to your advantage.

5 Managing part time jobs and school

This is where it can get tricky- if you don't act sensibly your schoolwork can suffer, and so will you, if parents discover a problem! Earning money often overtakes previous priorities like homework and revision- and sometimes your social life (now that would be awful). Try to avoid working on weekdays but if you must, keep the hours short. You only live once and you've got your whole life to work. Unfortunately, time must be made for schoolwork. It is amazing how quickly marks drop, as tiredness sets in- it is a situation that occurs all the time, so don't let it happen to you. Slaving in McDonalds or working at the local Cineplex may be a useful source of income now, but an enjoyable and high powered career it won't be. Sounds dull, but having an education is the key to a full-time job with a larger pay cheque.

So, its time to assert your independence and get job-hunting! There's definitely a little job out there for all of us- if my crazed peers and I can get one, then there is hope for us all. Just remember- don't blow your wages all at once- make several purchases that day! Happy job hunting!