Teen's first job

Work through the list in order. Hide the notes when you know what to do.

1. Check the minimum age and permitted working hours

   Rules on school-night shifts, late hours and maximum shift length for minors vary sharply — verify the official rule for your country or state.

2. Find out if a work permit or parental consent is required

   In some countries and states, a minor needs a separate document from school or a labor office before day one.

3. Gather ID documents for hiring paperwork

   Passport or ID card and, if payroll needs it, a tax ID number — ask the employer for the exact list in advance.

4. Open or check a bank account for paychecks

   Many teens need to set this up ahead of time — opening an account for a minor can require a parent present in person.

5. Read the contract or offer together before signing

   Pay rate, schedule, probation terms, who to ask questions — better worked through with a parent beforehand than sorted out on the fly.

6. Check the work schedule against the school calendar

   Do this BEFORE agreeing to shifts — avoiding a clash with a test or exam is far easier than untangling it after the fact.

7. Know who the direct supervisor is and how to reach them

   Name and contact method — useful for the first week before all the names click.

8. Talk through basic workplace rights

   Breaks, what harassment or unsafe conditions look like, and that it's fine to tell a parent — one talk before the first shift removes half the anxiety.

9. Plan the commute

   Route, a time buffer, and who to call if plans change — especially for evening shifts.

10. Check the dress code or uniform

    Provided on-site or bought independently — ask before day one so the first shift doesn't start in the wrong outfit.

11. Check the first payslip against the agreed rate

    First-paycheck errors happen more often than expected — easier to catch and fix right away than three months later.

12. Understand the tax basics on a first paycheck

    First-time teen earners are sometimes over-taxed by default and can claim it back — check the local rule so the refund doesn't slip past unnoticed.

13. Set a simple plan for the money: some spent, some saved

    A habit that's easier to start with the very first paycheck than to build from scratch later.

14. Keep a copy of the contract and payslips

    In one place accessible to both of you — useful for any pay dispute, and for the next job application.

15. Know the process for calling in sick or swapping a shift

    Who to notify and how far ahead — easier to learn in advance than to figure out on the first sick morning.

16. Save the manager's contact info in the phone

    For a delay, an emergency, or a question you'd rather not ask in a group chat.

17. Ask about phone-use rules on shift

    If it's not spelled out in the contract — better asked directly on day one than learned from a first warning.

18. Ask about cash-register training

    If handling cash is new — ask about shortfall policy BEFORE the first solo shift, not after the first mistake.