The activities you’ve been dreaming about during your break, from going to the movies to taking a trip with friends, all cost money. Working during the holidays is a fantastic way to fund those plans, and it comes with some real bonuses: you gain experience, build confidence, and start learning how to manage money. So, what kind of work suits you best, and what rights do you have as a young worker?
If you’ve mapped out your ideal holiday and realized you need some extra cash to make it happen, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and find a job!
What Kind of Work Can Teens Do?
You might be surprised at how many opportunities are out there. Here’s a fun way to match your interests with the right job:
| If You Love… | Great Job Ideas for You |
|---|---|
| Cooking and being a kitchen master | Selling homemade food, making sandwiches, assisting at cooking classes |
| Being glued to your phone and computer | Tech tutoring for seniors, teaching kids basic tech skills, phone surveys, telemarketing |
| Being outdoors all day | Distributing flyers, making deliveries, gardening, car washing |
| Reading everything you can get your hands on | Running story time for kids, working at a library, recording audiobooks |
| Playing with little kids all day long | Babysitting, tutoring, being a camp counselor assistant, running birthday party activities, crafts workshop helper |
| Animals and nature | Dog sitting, helping at a veterinary clinic, working at a zoo or animal shelter |
| Action and adventure | Running inflatable attractions, working at an amusement or water park, surf or sports instruction |
| Sales and connecting with people | Working in a shop, product promotion, stock counting in stores |
How to Find a Job That Works for You
Finding the right job takes a little effort, but the school holidays actually open up more options for teens than any other time of year. Families need help with younger kids, local businesses get busier, and neighbors are heading off on vacations. That’s your window!
Start Close to Home
Talk to your parents and family members first. They know a lot of people and can often point you in the right direction. You might even be able to work at a parent’s workplace or at the workplace of a family friend’s parents, while their kids do the same for your family.
Look Around Your Neighborhood
Check with neighbors to see if they need help with car washing, gardening, basic household tasks, pet sitting while they’re away, or babysitting. You’d be surprised how much is available just a few doors down.
Local Businesses
Shop owners, cafes, and small businesses near your home are often happy to have an extra pair of hardworking hands during the busy season. Walk in, introduce yourself confidently, and ask.
Search Online
Expand your search online through job boards and platforms that list opportunities specifically for teens. A simple search for “teen jobs” or “holiday jobs for youth” in your area can open up many options.
Know Your Rights as a Young Worker
Before you start any job, it’s worth understanding what the law says about employing teens. These protections exist for you, so make sure any employer you work for is following them.
Minimum Age
- During school holidays, teens under the age of 14 generally cannot be employed.
- Teens who are 14 can typically only be hired for light work.
- Rules vary by country, so always check the regulations where you live.
Working Hours
- Most laws limit teens to a maximum of 8 hours of work per day (or 9 hours for those 16 and over).
- Weekly hours are usually capped at 40.
- Overtime is generally not permitted for young workers.
- Working on a weekly rest day is also typically restricted.
Breaks
- After six hours of work, you are usually entitled to a break of at least 45 minutes, with at least 30 consecutive minutes of rest.
- Your employer is not always required to pay for break time, unless they ask you to remain on the premises during the break.
Evening and Night Work
- Teens under 16 are generally not permitted to work late evening or night hours.
- Teens 16 and older can usually work until around 10 PM.
- Any exceptions require special permits from authorities.
Recordkeeping
- Your employer is required to keep an accurate record of your working hours.
- Employers must also pay for travel to and from work, training sessions, team meetings, and professional development days.
Minimum Wage (Israel)
If you’re working in Israel, here are the current minimum wage rates for young workers:
|
Age |
% of Minimum Wage | Monthly (up to 40 hrs/week) | Hourly (based on 173 hrs/month) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 16 | 70% | ₪4,510.69 | ₪26.07 |
| Under 17 | 75% | ₪4,832.88 | ₪27.93 |
| Under 18 | 83% | ₪5,348.39 | ₪30.91 |
| Apprentice | 60% | ₪3,866.31 |
₪22.34 |
Source: Israel Ministry of Labor, Regulation and Labor Law Enforcement Administration.
Not based in Israel? Minimum wage rates and employment rules for teens differ from country to country. We encourage you to check the official labor regulations in your area before starting work. Your local government’s employment or labor website is the best place to find accurate, up-to-date information on permitted working hours, minimum pay, and your rights as a young worker.
Keep Track of Your Hours
It’s a good habit to track your own working hours independently, not just rely on your employer’s records. There are handy apps available on both Android and iOS (search for “work hours tracker” or “timesheet” in your app store) that make this simple and automatic. Knowing exactly how many hours you’ve worked helps you confirm your paycheck is correct.
Want to Give Back? Volunteering Is Also an Option
The holiday break is also a wonderful time to contribute to your community, especially if earning money isn’t your only goal. There are many organizations that welcome teen volunteers, from supporting elderly residents to helping with community projects and environmental initiatives.
Check your local council’s website, community centers, or social organizations in your area to find volunteering opportunities near you.
Go for it! Every job you take on now, big or small, is a step toward independence. You’ll learn new skills, meet new people, and walk away with money you earned yourself. That’s something to be proud of.
