You have plans for the summer break but need money to fund all those activities? Time to roll up your sleeves and find a job! The good news is that summer is actually the best time for teens to enter the workforce, and the opportunities are more varied than you might think.
What Kind of Work Can Teens Do?
The world is full of employment opportunities for young people. The key is finding what fits your personality and interests. Take a look at the table below for some ideas:
| I love… | Possible Jobs |
| Cooking and being a kitchen master-chef | Selling homemade food, making sandwiches to order, assisting at cooking workshops |
| Being glued to my smartphone and computer | Tech support for seniors, tutoring kids in digital skills, phone surveys, customer service |
| Being outdoors all day | Flyer distribution, deliveries, postal rounds, gardening, car washing |
| Reading | Running story-time sessions for children, library assistant, audiobook recording |
| Playing with young children | Babysitting, private tutoring, assistant camp counselor, birthday party entertainment, art and craft workshop helper |
| Animal-lover | Dog walking and pet sitting, veterinary assistant, zoo or animal shelter helper |
| Action and adventure | Inflatable ride operator, amusement or water park staff, surf or sports activity instructor |
| Selling and connecting with people | Shop assistant, product promoter, stock inventory counter |
How to Find a Job as a Teen
Finding the right job takes a little effort, but summer opens up more doors than any other time of year. Activities for kids, working parents needing childcare, and seasonal businesses all create real demand for young helpers. Here are some practical ways to get started:
Start Close to Home
- Talk to family members. They know many people and can connect you with leads. Some employers even hire the children of their own staff during the summer holidays.
- Ask neighbors if they need help with car washing, gardening, simple household tasks, pet care while they are away, or babysitting.
- Consider a swap arrangement: you work at a friend’s parent’s workplace, and their child works at your parent’s workplace. Everyone benefits.
Explore Your Local Area
- Local businesses such as shops, cafes, and small markets are often happy to have an extra pair of hands during the busy summer season.
Search Online
Expand your search using job listing websites that cater specifically to teens and young workers. Look for dedicated youth employment sections on general job boards, or search for platforms that specialize in part-time and seasonal roles for people under 18.
You Got the Job! Know Your Rights
Understanding your employment rights is just as important as landing the job itself. Here is what every young worker should know:
Minimum Age
- During school breaks, Israeli teens under the age of 14 may not be employed. Those aged 14 may only take on light duties.
Working Hours
- Teens may work a maximum of 8 hours per day (up to 9 hours for those aged 16 and over) and no more than 40 hours per week.
- Overtime work is not permitted.
- Teens may not be required to work on the weekly day of rest.
Breaks
- After six hours of work, a break of at least 45 minutes is required, with a minimum of 30 consecutive minutes.
- Employers are not obligated to pay for break time unless they require the employee to remain on the premises during the break.
Night Work
- Teens under 16 may not work between 8:00 pm and 6:00 am.
- Those aged 16 and over may work until 10:00 pm.
- Working later than 10:00 pm requires a special permit from the employer.
Record Keeping
- Employers are required to keep an accurate record of working hours.
- Employers must cover the cost of travel, training periods, team meetings, and professional development days.
Minimum Wage for Teen Workers
Teen workers are entitled to a percentage of the adult minimum wage, based on their age. The table below shows the standard breakdown (check your country’s official labor authority for the current figures that apply to you):
| Age | % of Minimum Wage | Monthly (up to 40 hrs/week) | Hourly |
| Under 16 | 70% | See local authority | See local authority |
| Under 17 | 75% | See local authority | See local authority |
| Under 18 | 83% | See local authority | See local authority |
| Apprentice | 60% | See local authority | See local authority |
For exact wage figures, check with your local labor authority or government employment website.
Tracking Your Work Hours
It is a good habit to keep your own record of the hours you work. Several free apps are available for this purpose on both Android and iOS platforms. Search for a time-tracking app that suits you so you always have an accurate log at your fingertips.
If Your Rights Are Violated
If you believe your employment rights have not been respected, do not stay silent. You have options:
- Contact your country’s labor authority or employment rights helpline.
- Seek advice from a youth employment support organization or trade union.
- Submit a formal complaint online through your government’s official labor ministry website.
You deserve to be treated fairly at work. If something does not feel right, speak up or ask a trusted adult for help.
Want to Volunteer Instead?
Summer is also a wonderful time to give back. If paid work is not your goal right now, consider volunteering with local organizations such as community centers, homes for the elderly, food banks, animal shelters, or youth programs. Volunteering builds real skills, grows your network, and feels genuinely good.
To find volunteer opportunities near you, check the websites of local community organizations, charities, and municipal authorities in your area. .
