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A breakdown of top summer job prospects

Date published: 3/29/2007

BY KATIE ARQUIETTE AND CODY WRIGHT

S

When the warm weather hits and school is finally out, many middle- and high-school students dive right into the pool, while select others set out to rake in the cash.

However, finding a summer job isn't that simple. Due to child labor laws and the fact that teens are inexperienced and may be less responsible, not all employers will dive at the chance to hire young employment-seekers.

It's important to start looking early and to know the right places to look. Therefore, we offer this guide to what's out there for teens on the job hunt.

Baby-sitting

Pros: Teens' ability to relate to the children they baby-sit allows it to be an entertaining job that can pay extremely well. (A well-rounded rate is usually $7 to $9 dollars per hour, depending on experience, the amount of time, as well as the age of children you are watching.)

Cons: No matter how old the kids are, there are always going to be the bad times. They may range from dirty-diaper changing, to bad attitudes, to flat out rudeness.

Bring fun games or think of activities ahead of time that keep the children busy and entertained, while allowing them to get to know you. This can include coloring, games or even making a fun snack.

Who hires: Whether it's baby-sitting every day during the summer or an occasional night, it's always a good idea to know the people for whom you are baby-sitting. Getting to know the children as well as the parents is essential in order to do your best and allow the kids to have a fun and safe time. It is never a good idea to spend large amounts of time with children you don't feel comfortable around or who may create difficult situations.

The more you baby-sit, the easier it will be to take charge of children who may not want you around.

Food service

Pros: Gives younger teens a taste of the "corporate" atmosphere. Having a set salary and schedule every week can make teens more responsible and increases their independence--along with the size of their wallets.

Cons: Being under the age of 16 means there will be restrictions from most areas. Students usually must work at the cash register filling orders.

Rules of employment According to the state Department of Labor and Industry's "Guide for the Employment of Teenagers," anyone younger than 14 is not allowed to hold an official job in Virginia other than yard work or a paper route. Meanwhile, 14- and 15-year-olds must be issued a work permit (available through most schools), and are only permitted to work three hours per day when school is in session, with a maximum of 18 hours per week--and never past 7 p.m. on weekdays. During the summer, the amount of work allowed increases to eight hours per day or 40 hours a week, working no later than 9 p.m. There are no working-hour restrictions for those 16 and up. However, those under the age of 18, are not permitted to work a job that the Labor Department considers a hazardous situation. Download the full guide at dli.state.va.us/infocenter. --Katie Arquiette and Cody Wright ON THE WEB Do you have advice and opportunities for job-hunting teens? Or are you a teen hoping to promote your awesome job skills? Visit fredericks burg.com/it and click on the it! baby to post a message on our online forum.

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Date published: 3/29/2007