Perhaps not in Pakistan, but in almost every other country part time jobs are one of the most important means of earning money to pay off tuition fees for both schools and universities. In the United States, youngsters are legally able to take up a part time job at the tender age of 14. The terms of the part time job include not more than three hours of work a day, plus no work after 7 pm. on school nights. They get paid as well, around $ 1500 to $ 2000 a month.
Part time jobs are a good way for kids to start making their own money and get hands on experience as well. Most of Pakistan’s youngsters rely on their parents’ to pay their school and college fees, whereas abroad students are encouraged to take up jobs to supplement the heavy burden of college expenses. Creating part time jobs for our youth will be useful because it can teach kids the skills they will need throughout their whole life, such as filling out job application forms, handling interviews, working with superiors and getting along with co workers as well. It would serve as their second education, helping them better choose what they want to do in future. Plus in addition to less financial pressure on parents, part time jobs teach kids how to handle their own finances responsibly. It helps to expand their social network when they interact with all sorts of people they come across. This helps to improve their social skills, teaches them tolerance and patience when dealing with others, which can be extremely handy in their future life. Students learn to divide their time for studies, work and play, hence improving their time management skills. They learn the real value of money when they get to earn their own allowance and spend it on food, clothes and other such necessities. It serves as a training tool which will help them better handle their finances when they undergo a transition to start their own full time jobs in future.
There are countless opportunities out there to grow and explore one’s capabilities. From being a tutor to a dental assistant, child care worker or perhaps a personal trainer, the possibilities are endless. Part time jobs allow students to choose their own working hours and days they wish to collaborate with their school/college hours. During vacations, instead of lazying around the house and wasting time, part time jobs will help our youth explore their talent and potiental in any way they want to, all along with the benefit of earning extra money. This concept should not only be restricted to internships for college students who do them as a formality. These jobs should be encouraged everywhere and for everybody. Even mothers do part time jobs abroad, in an attempt to bring home some extra money.
Our government needs to promote the concept of part time jobs amongst our youth. The issues of safety need to addressed as well since no parents would send their kids to work in a place which is considered unsafe. Other issues that may arise are students becoming negligent towards studies or may not spend time with family or friends anymore.
However overall, part time jobs are an excellent way for our local youth to get some experience, extra money, learn responsibility and better equip themselves for permanent jobs in future.
Sarah Uzair
10U0483
