A guide to helping your child choose their first job, and setting them up for success

Your child’s first job is a powerful learning experience. Even if you have the means to buy everything, giving them the opportunity to earn money to work towards bigger savings goals that require more than pocket money can help them build their confidence and skills, try something new and feel a sense of achievement that just ‘getting’ something can’t compare to.

Not all first jobs look the same, and they don’t need to. The right job depends on your child’s age, interests, schedule and stage of development. Here’s how to help your child find a first job that works for them, while building skills they’ll carry into the future.

What kind of first job is right for your child?

The best first job is one that feels manageable, safe and confidence‑building.

When thinking it through together, consider:

• their age and maturity
• how comfortable they are with people
• how much structure they need
• how they handle responsibility

Helping them use their interests (and build future skills)

A first job doesn’t need to link to a future career – but it can help develop useful skills.

Encourage your child to think about:

• what they enjoy
• what they’re curious about
• what they’re good at (or want to practise)

For example:

• creative kids might sell art or crafts
• sporty kids might help coach or referee
• organised kids might help with admin or tutoring
• tech‑savvy kids might help family or neighbours with basic tech support
  

Common types of first jobs for kids and teens

Informal or self‑directed jobs

Simple jobs can be great for younger kids or first timers. Gives them a way to work towards bigger savings goals that require more than pocket money.

Examples include:

• dog walking or pet sitting
• lawn mowing or gardening
• helping neighbours with household chores

Older teens could also consider:

• babysitting
• pet sitting
• tutoring younger kids

Why these can work well:

• flexible hours
• familiar environments
• builds confidence and independence

Formal casual or part‑time jobs

More common for teens aged 14–16, although depending on your state, some businesses may hire younger children as well.

Examples include:

• retail or hospitality
• sports coaching or refereeing
• swim teaching or assistant roles
• delivery or weekend work

Why these can be valuable:

• predictable pay
• payslips, tax and super experience
• teamwork and customer interaction
• learning workplace expectations

Both paths are valid. Many kids start informal and move into formal roles later.

What schedule works for them?

A job should fit around your child’s life – not overwhelm it.

Before saying yes, talk through:

• school and study commitments
• weekends vs weekdays
• energy levels after school
• transport to and from work
• family time and downtime

For many kids, fewer hours done consistently works better than long or irregular shifts.

Expenses and costs to factor in

Not all jobs are “money in, money saved”.

Help your child think about:

• transport costs
• uniforms or equipment
• tools or supplies
• advertising their services (flyers, online listings)

This is a great early lesson in net income – what they earn after costs.

Helping them feel prepared (not pressured)

First jobs can bring excitement and nerves.

Let your child know:

• it’s okay to feel unsure at first
• mistakes are part of learning
• asking questions is a strength
• confidence grows with time

Your calm support matters more than getting everything “right”.

If you’re looking to help your child take their first step towards a real job, try one of these simple conversation-starters with them:

• list two job ideas that suit their age and schedule
• talk through what a “good first shift” might look like
• estimate what they might earn and spend

A good first job isn’t about the pay rate or the title. It’s about helping your child build confidence, learn responsibility and balance work with the rest of life, and understand how money works. With the right support, a first job becomes more than a paycheck – it becomes a foundation for lifelong money confidence.