Places That Hire at 14: Find Suitable Job Opportunities for Young Teens (2024)

Discover the types of businesses that typically hire young teenagers, including the most common industries and companies where 14-year-olds can find employment opportunities.

Key takeaways:

Work permits ensure safety and balance between work and education.
Retail chains, entertainment venues, and local businesses commonly hire 14-year-olds.
Entry-level roles in retail, food service, recreation, tutoring, and seasonal work are available.
Crafting a resume at 14 focuses on skills, volunteer work, extracurriculars, and personal experiences.
Working at 14 promotes personal development, financial literacy, communication, teamwork, and self-confidence.

Labor Laws and Work Permits for 14-Year-Olds

Before diving into employment possibilities, it’s crucial to grasp the regulatory framework that surrounds the hiring of younger teens. Federal and state labor laws set the stage, often requiring work permits for minors to ensure they balance work with education and safety.

Work permits are the green light for 14-year-olds to start earning. They’re often obtained through your school, signaling to employers that you’re eligible to work within certain boundaries.

Places That Commonly Hire At Age 14

Several retail chains and family-friendly entertainment venues often open their doors to young talent. National brands like Publix, Chick-fil-A, and Safeway, for instance, are known to employ eager teens eager to join the workforce. Movie theaters, too, offer a stage for 14-year-olds to shine, serving popcorn and delight to moviegoers.

Local businesses can be a goldmine for early job experiences. Think ice cream shops, bookstores, or family-owned restaurants, which may offer flexibility and a personal touch in your work journey.

Agricultural work is another avenue, although less conventional, where age is less of a barrier. Teens can get their hands dirty, quite literally, reaping the benefits of hard work and fresh air.

Remember, some places prioritize a youthful spirit and readiness to learn. When you knock on the right doors with enthusiasm, you’re likely to find a welcome mat rolled out just for you.

Jobs Types Available to 14-Year-Olds

Fourteen-year-olds are legally permitted to take on a variety of entry-level roles – a first taste of responsibility and earning independence. Here are some common positions:

Retail Roles: Young teens might find work restocking shelves or assisting customers in local mom-and-pop shops, where a family-friendly atmosphere can be a good fit.

Food Service Jobs: Fast food joints and ice cream parlors often have positions perfect for a youthful workforce, including cashiering, cleaning, or manning the dessert station.

Recreational Posts: Public pools and community centers look for diligent lifeguards – with certification – or attendants. These spots can be ideal for those with enthusiasm for community service and activity.

Tutoring and Academic Assistance: If you’ve got a knack for a subject, peer tutoring or assisting in afterschool programs can both pay and give you a sense of accomplishment.

Seasonal Work: Agriculture needs many hands during harvest seasons. Berry picking or other farm assistance jobs give a unique perspective on hard work and its rewards.

Bear in mind that certain positions might necessitate special training or permits, adding valuable credentials to your budding resume. Each job is an opportunity to learn the ropes, develop interpersonal skills, and save for the future. With smart choices and a keen attitude, these early job experiences pave the way for future professional endeavors.

Building a Resume At 14

At 14, dipping your toes into the job market comes with an exciting challenge: crafting a resume. With no prior work experience to list, focus on skills and extracurricular activities that demonstrate a strong work ethic and willingness to learn.

Academic Achievements: Shine a light on your grades, awards, or any academic recognitions that showcase your dedication and intelligence.

Volunteer Work: Include any unpaid jobs or community service that prove commitment and responsibility—qualities every employer admires.

Extracurricular Activities: Are you a chess champion or a sports team captain? Highlight these roles to illustrate leadership and team skills.

Life Experiences: Babysitting, lawn mowing for neighbors, or helping out in a family business can be valuable experiences. Detailing these shows initiative.

Soft Skills: Communication, time management, and adaptability are just as vital as technical skills. Reflect on personal traits that translate to job success.

Remember, your resume is a snapshot of who you are. Be honest, be concise, and let your natural talents speak for themselves.

Benefits of Working At 14

Starting a job at 14 sets a strong foundation for personal development and financial literacy. Hands-on work experience teaches time management and responsibility far beyond what can be learned in a classroom. Earning their own money, youngsters become savvy about saving and budgeting, skills that will serve them well throughout life.

Moreover, working early bolsters communication abilities and teamwork. Landing a job means dealing directly with colleagues, managers, and perhaps even customers. This exposure sharpens interpersonal skills, which are indispensable in any career path.

Finally, a job at this tender age boosts self-confidence and independence. Having responsibilities outside of school and home environments contributes to a growing sense of self and accomplishments, enhancing overall self-esteem. These experiences can be valuable mile markers on the road to adulthood, signaling to future employers a proven track record of commitment and hard work.