Work for It

Texas teens are legally allowed to get a part-time or summer job once they've turned 14.

The part-time job (or jobs) you have in school can be an excellent way to "test out" your ideas about what you'd like to do when you're an adult. You may think a job working outdoors is your dream, for example, but discover that you'd actually prefer to be in an air-conditioned office.

A job can also be a good indication of what you don't want to do — putting in some time washing dishes or trimming dogs' toenails may make you realize it's not for you.

Finding Your First Job

There are a number of "obvious" first jobs for teens — most of the adults you know probably spent some time waitressing, cashiering at a discount or grocery store, or folding t-shirts at a clothing store in the mall. But there are other options, as well — for example, you could be a receptionist at a local businesses, an usher at a movie theater, or a vet's assistant. Think about what you like to do, and what sort of environment you'd like to work in.

To find a job, check the "Help Wanted" ads in your local newspaper, or look online at teen job sites like GrooveJob or GotAJob.

If you have specific ideas about the kind of job you'd like to have, don't be afraid to take the initiative and contact an employer. Stop in and politely ask if there are any employment opportunities — the worst they can say is "no." If they don't have any jobs open, and you care more about the experience than the cash, ask about the possibility of an unpaid internship — if you work hard and do good work, this can lead to a paid job down the road. Just don't be too persistent if they don't have anything for you — nobody likes a nudge!

Safety First

Just remember — watch your back! If a job sounds "too good to be true," it probably is. Working for a well-known, reputable company is a good idea. Large, national chains are usually a safe bet. Avoid any job that expects you to travel or work odd hours, or that makes you feel uncomfortable in any way — you're adult enough to know when something's not right, so listen to your gut!

Finally, if any employer tries to ask you for money up-front — tell him to take a hike!

To learn more about possible job scams, check out the Texas Attorney General's site for teens.

So now that you've found the perfect job, how do you get it?