Getting your child ready for their first ‘real’ job

Your child’s first ‘real’ job is a milestone. Not just because they’re starting to gain financial independence, but also because they’re stepping into new routines, responsibilities and expectations.

As a parent, helping them feel prepared, supported and confident enough to figure things out as they go is a key step. Here’s how to break it down into manageable steps.

1. Help them decide what kind of job is right for them

Not all first jobs look the same – and that’s okay. The goal isn’t career planning – it's experience. Some things to think about include:

• Types of employment – informal jobs like helping out neighbours with dog walking or babysitting may provide more flexibility, but formal employment like casual or part-time work can provide more predictable income
• Their interests & skills for the future – a budding entrepreneur might start by selling their art online, or completing an internship with a large company
• Their schedule & what works for them – think about school and study commitments, how they will get to/from their job, and confidence and comfort with people
• Expenses & costs associated – transport costs, if they need to purchase equipment, advertising their services

Their first job is a powerful learning experience and the right job will depend on a lot of different factors. Learn more about how to help your child find a first job that works for them while building skills they’ll carry into the future here.

2. Putting their resume/CV together and applying for jobs

Applying for jobs might be the first time your child ‘puts themselves out there’ and that could be daunting! Three easy ways to support them include:

• Helping to review their resume/CV
• Talking through their application
• Interview preparation and practicing how to introduce themselves

3. Getting the admin sorted: bank accounts, tax file numbers & superannuation

Your child will usually need:

• a bank account to get paid into
• a Tax File Number (TFN) – apply for free on the ATO website here
• a superannuation fund – your employer may have a default one, but you can choose your own and compare funds using the government’s YourSuper comparison tool

These steps don’t need to be overwhelming, but done early, they:

• prevent payment delays
• avoid extra tax
• set up good long‑term habits

Visit Kit’s Learn Hub, for more tips & tricks on helping your child understand income tax, teaching them about superannuation, and more.

4. Understanding workplace expectations

A first job comes with unwritten rules – and kids don’t always know them yet.

Helpful things to talk through include:

• being on time
• following instructions
• asking when they’re unsure
• checking rosters and pay details
• speaking up if something doesn’t feel right

These friendly reminders can help ensure they make the right impression, and gain valuable life experience.

5. Budgeting and deciding what they’ll do with their income

Getting their first job and recurring income is where their first job turns into a powerful money lesson. Once they’ve received their first payslip and completed the necessary checks, our downloadable Budget Tracker is a helpful resource that’ll turn bite-sized conversations into actionable life skills that build financial confidence. Planning and tracking their income and spend will give them insight into where their hard-earnt dollars are going, and what their money habits are.

6. Understanding their rights at work

For a first timer, it can be hard to know what’s ‘normal’ in the workplace. Children and teens have a right to fair and correct pay and benefits, as well as feel safe and respected. Help them prepare for what to expect with the Office for Youth’s guide to workplace rights.

Your child’s first job isn’t just about earning money – it's learning how work, money and responsibility fits into real life. With a bit of guidance upfront, you can help build their independence, develop money confidence and learn skills they’ll carry into everyday life and future roles. Just like money habits, it’s the small conversations along the way that make the biggest difference.