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Job Basics

Before any of us set out on our career path, we get regular, often part-time, jobs to help us get by and cover some costs. Chances are you’re either still living at home or your parents are still paying for the bulk of your expenses. And although this isn’t something you’re going to do for the rest of your life, it’s still good to know what to expect and what’s expected of you.

Employment 101

Ready to start your job search? If you're a teen, stop and find out the child labor standards for your state by visiting the U.S. Department of Labor's Web site. There are sometimes age restrictions for certain positions, so do your homework before you start surfing the want ads.

You’ll probably be earning minimum wage, or close to it, at your first job. Minimum wage is the lowest amount an employer is legally allowed to pay employees. Again, the U.S. Department of Labor has all the facts you’ll need to know about minimum wage.

Safe and Sound

There are some jobs out there that have safety and legal requirements that both you and your employer need to perform on a daily basis:

Rights

As a worker, you have the right to:

A safe & healthful workplace
Report safety hazards to your supervisor
Use protective gear
Be trained about safety
Ask for payment or medical care if you get sick/injured because of your job
Work without harassment

Responsibilities

As a worker, you have the responsibility to:

Follow your employer's work, safety, & health rules
Ask questions so you'll know what to do
Tell your supervisor if you feel unsafe at work
Pay attention to your work environment (especially any changes)

Another good site to check out before accepting that job offer is the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) teen section. Take a look at their section on a teen’s rights and responsibilities on the job.

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