Don't Break the Bank: A Student's Guide to Managing Money by Peterson's Read Free Book Online Page A

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    As with any job, responsibility for your role is key and must be treated with an air of professionalism. Do not forget to call before you’re going to be late or not make a shift; do everything you can to find someone to cover your shift; and be upfront about when you’ll be able to work and the time when you know you won’t be able to work. Dress appropriately. Do not alienate yourself from your fellow staff—they are your peers and your (potential) friends.

    Retail Jobs: Time for the Big Sale
    Working at a store is a popular job choice for many teens. For one thing, many young people spend a lot of their time at the mall or other stores anyway, so they figure they may as well get paid for it. However, that attitude can often backfire on you. There’s a big difference between hanging out at The Gap and working there. In fact, employers are often afraid of hiring teens who seem eager to just hang out and chat with friends on company time.
    Retail jobs can offer a chance for promotion. In many instances, workers who are lower on the totem pole can become managers and supervisors, meaning more responsibility and trust and (often) more money. You can often climb the company ladder fairly quickly, depending on how flexible and hard-working you are. You will earn points by showing your willingness to do whatever you are assigned to, whether it’s folding sweaters, shelving books, bagging groceries, or vacuuming the store. It’s important to take pride in your work and be efficient while remaining thorough and friendly.
    Many retail jobs require workers to observe some sort of dress code, and you shouldn’t ignore this. In many cases, you can use a little creativity to be stylish and unique while still adhering to the dress code.
    Big stores often require an official application and some sort of interview process as well as references. Teachers, neighbors, pastors, coaches, and band leaders are all good sources for recommendations. Do not be scared off by the application; if there is a high degree of professionalism and an official nature to the process, it often means that there is a set wage in place and less of a chance of being taken advantage of. Also, big stores often have bonuses and scholarship programs for kids in high school, which is basically like being recognized for earning money for college, and then being given more money to put towards college. This can be a great perk.
    As with any job, take a retail job seriously and be enthusiastic and willing to accomplish (conquer!) any task set forth before you.
“Having a car is a major expense for most teens. My parents taught me a great lesson when I was looking to buy my first car. I began working when I was 14 years old. My family owned an appliance business, and I delivered and set up appliances during my summer break. My parents agreed to match the amount I earned, and I could apply this towards my car. Instead of hanging out with my friends all summer, I lifted heavy appliances in the hot Florida sun. I continued to do this in the afternoons once school started. By the time I turned 16, I had saved $2,000! With my parents matching this amount, I had enough to buy a $4,000 car. My grandfather was looking to purchase a new vehicle and was kind enough to sell me his truck for the amount I had. This was my first real understanding of money. I realized that if I worked hard and saved, I could buy something that I desired. I was fortunate that my parents gave me money, but even more fortunate that they made me work to earn this amount. Some of my friends had their cars and other items bought for them by their parents and, let me tell you, they did not treat their possessions like I did mine. I valued what I had because I knew how much sweat had gone into earning it.”
~ Danny Kofke, special education teacher and author of “A Simple Book of Financial Wisdom: Teach Yourself (and Your Kids) How to Live Wealthy with Little Money” (Wyatt-MacKenzie,