For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule:  “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.”                   2 Thessalonians 3:10

It’s summertime and many teenagers are looking for ways to earn money.  What we want to focus on today is this:  Is the reward for work only a financial reward?

  • Is money the only reward when it comes to work?  Short answer is “No.”  Whether it’s a teenager working at a fast food restaurant or a tween doing yard work for a neighbor, money is only a portion of the reward.
  • There are many life skills a young worker can develop.  Consider this…if the young adult has set the goal of finding a way to earn money over the summer and the goal is accomplished, the concept of setting and achieving goals has been established. 
  • Another reward is the development of a work ethic. A bonus accompanies this life skill. The positive impact can naturally overflow to the classroom. 
  • There is a difference between helping out at home and working outside the home.  At home a parent is more likely to accept sub-standard work.  A boss will not.  Working for someone other than a parent teaches the young adult to work up to the appropriate standard.
  • When your child finds work outside the home, let him know you realize it isn’t always fun or exciting.  Offer encouragement along the way.  Share about some of the frustrations you have found in the workplace and also the rewards.
  • Work can provide more than a paycheck.  There is the satisfaction of doing a job well and discovering what might provide a rewarding career in the future.

As a teen, what did you learn from your summer jobs?