Earning money
Check the age you can start to work - this varies.
This may sound mean but it is for your protection. In the past adults used to use children for all sorts of dangerous jobs. They would get hurt or even killed. It still happens in some parts of the world where young children are employed in factories.
Remember you still have to do your school work - even if you don't enjoy it or do as little as possible. This is another reason you may not be allowed to work as long as you want!
Are you entitled to any government money? The Educational Maintenance Allowance is for students in the sixth form.
The Government wants to help people in different situations. Whatever we think of them, and whether we find politics boring or exciting, there are some things to help us.
Be prepared to work hard and to look smart. It is important to do this when you are working.
Many people start with Saturday jobs. These are just as important as when you go out to work after you have left school. You are earning money and the person who is employing you is expecting you to work for that money - you don't get it for free.
How you dress will depend on the job you get but it is important to give a good impression. Check out other shops and look around when you go shopping. What impression do you get of the members of staff?
The work may be boring - but you are earning money!
Work can be boring - just like school at times! Remember you are earning money and do the boring parts of the job as well as those parts you enjoy. Tidying up and clearing up make the shop look good.
There are good reasons for changing jobs, but if you change jobs a lot people will think you are not reliable. Always have a good reason for leaving as you will be asked this by your next employer.
Any jobs you do can go on your CV. This is often asked for when you are looking for full-time jobs. Being able to write down jobs you have done helps people see you are hard-working and that you have some experience.
Keep to the times you have been asked to work. Do not turn up late except in an emergency.
Going to work means you have signed a contract. Your boss has employed you to work for certain hours and to turn up when you have been asked.
There will be times when you may be late because of weather, buses, or traffic jams. Apologise and give a clear explanation. Use your mobile to call and tell them you will be late.
If you are always late then your boss will begin to think you are not interested in the job and may ask you to leave.
Remember that if you are late someone else is having to do your work. Shops only work if people buy things - if you aren't there, or you don't give a good impression, then people won't want to buy something and the shop won't be a success.
See what you can earn for jobs around the house. Remember you will be expected to do some jobs for free.
As part of living in a family there are jobs you will need to do 'for free'. These might include making your bed and keeping your room/ or your part of the room tidy. It may mean helping look after your brothers and sisters. It may mean looking after a pet. Each family is different and has different expectations.
If you are needing some extra money suggest jobs around the house which you do not normally do. They need to be jobs you can do safely. Suggest an amount that you could be paid - but be prepared to accept what your parents/carers offer.
Do any jobs around the house well whether paid or not. If you are seen to work hard and complete chores then parents/careers will be more likely to suggest or agree to other jobs and payments.
Visit the pocket money section.
