BEYOND SUMMER: 4 GREAT PART TIME JOB IDEAS FOR YOUR TEEN THIS FALL

Summer’s officially over, and your teen’s seasonal summer job has probably ended. But it was good while it lasted, right?

They had cash to spend and probably learned a little about personal finance and time management along the way.

Just because the days are growing shorter doesn’t mean part-time employment (and all the great side lessons that come with it) have to end. There are plenty of jobs for teens that aren’t seasonal and fit into even the busiest school schedule.

Let’s take a look at some of them.

Fast Food Worker
The fast-food sector is low-hanging fruit for most teenagers. Help wanted signs outside of local restaurants are everywhere. Since supply is greater than demand right now, your teen may be able to get a schedule that works well for them.

It may not be the most glamorous job, but a stint in the restaurant industry can yield some long-term benefits. Aside from the money, working in fast food can hone your teen’s organizational skills. They also learn essential soft skills, like customer service, that can serve them well in the future.

And who knows? Maybe they’ll be the next Dave Thomas. He started with a part-time restaurant job as a teen before building the Wendy’s Hamburgers empire.

Retail
Another easy score for teens these days is retail. Like the restaurant industry, everyone from big box stores to the local mom-and-pop is struggling to find qualified help. Because the need is so great, employers will probably work with your teen to set a schedule that fits into school and activities.

They’ll also be able to hone their customer service skills. The most significant advantage of retail, though, is the choice available to your teen. They could easily align a job with their interests or hobbies.

Referee
Is your teen a sports fan? They could consider becoming a referee in a fall sport like soccer, football, or basketball. It’s a great way to stay connected to the sport they love, earn some extra income.

Local youth leagues often struggle to find officials and are willing to take on untested talent. So it’s also a great way to build their skills to become a high school, college, or professional referee later in life. These can be fun and lucrative side-hustles for years to come.

Vet Assistant
Here’s one for the animal lover in your family. It may be a little trickier to land this job, but it can lead to a long-term career. If they want to be a veterinarian or work with animals, this job can give them skills and knowledge that will serve them well later.

Often, the vet they work for can serve as a mentor, answering questions about school requirements and giving details on what to expect and how to chase down their dream.

These are just four of the many different opportunities available for your teen this fall. This economy may be one of the best times ever for them to earn some extra spending money.

And who knows? They may even begin the career of a lifetime.