Looking for Your First Job?
April 03, 2026Whether you find a job working for a business, or become your own boss, working as a teenager can help you:
- Learn to be responsible and have a good work ethic.
- Develop your interpersonal and customer service skills.
- Boost your savings account or give you some pocket money.
- Contribute to your college expenses.
- Explore an industry or a career you would like to work in.
- Obtain reference contacts for future job opportunities.
Don’t be afraid to become your own boss. Sometimes the best way to get that first job is to create it yourself. Offer your services to neighbors and relatives. Get creative and design a flyer for your “business,” letting people know what you could do for them.
Work for yourself:
- Babysitting
- Dog walking
- Lawn and yard care
- Painting
- Car washing or detailing
- Construction work
- Packing or moving assistance
- Computer repair and assistance
Or apply for a part-time job to work for someone else:
- Retail store
- Restaurant
- Gas station
- Amusement park
- Movie theater
- Farm
- Hotel
- Political campaigning
- Tutoring
- Refereeing
- Lifeguard
_________________
This article is from the Oregon Careers magazine. Oregon Careers publications are aimed at the career planning needs of students. They contain information about how to select and prepare for a career.
Oregon Careers 2026 is currently available in English and Spanish. Order print magazines for your classroom today.
An activity guide for using Oregon Careers 2026 in the classroom is also in the Careers box at www.QualityInfo.org/pubs.
Topics covered in Oregon Careers 2026 include career planning and preparation, education beyond high school, and job search and resume creation. It also includes a career guide and additional resources.
