Should I help my teenager get a job?

ReachOut Content Team
Published 24 November 2023

Leanne Hall, psychologist, answers the question 'Should I help my teenager get a job?' She covers how we can talk to teenagers about their expectations for employment, balancing independence and support, and how to help them deal with rejection and knock backs.

Read the transcript.

Here are some things we've learned:

  • It can be helpful to discuss expectations for employment with your teen, including what kinds of jobs they think they’d like, and whether that’s realistic.

  • Your teen should consider the impact of employment on their life and how they will fit it in with their other activities.

  • Think of yourself as being in the passenger seat - you can help your teen navigate the world of work, but it’s up to them to drive the process.

  • They will get rejections and knock backs, which is an important part of them learning to be resilient. You can encourage them to keep going and never give up.

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              We acknowledge people with lived experience of mental ill-health and recovery and the experience of people who have been carers, families, or supporters.

              ReachOut values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.

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