I s Y our T een R eady for T heir F irst J ob ?
engaged in the conversation, you’re both more likely to feel comfortable with the outcome. Plus, teens need to learn how to make big decisions like this before moving away from home. A teen can experience many benefits when they have a part-time job. It will likely be your child’s first venture into the “real world,” and they’ll learn invaluable lessons about punctuality, responsibility, and conflict resolution. Before they’re responsible for their own living expenses, it will be the perfect opportunity to teach them about money management. And don’t forget, learning how to search for jobs, create a resume, and interview for a potential position will also serve them well in the years to come. Some people think it’s important to let kids be kids, though. After all, they have their whole lives to worry about work. Plus, while your child is still in school, that should be their primary focus — job or no job. For some, trying to handle studies and work might be too much. So, how can you tell if your teen is ready? You know them best. If your child is already responsible and conscientious, and they’re excelling in school, a dip into the job market may be fine. If, however, your teen feels overwhelmed easily, has trouble at school, or doesn’t accept criticism well, they likely need a bit more time to mature. Like so many other acts of parenting, deciding if your teen is ready for their first job is a leap of faith. Trust yourself — and them — to weigh the situation and make the right decision for your family.
Your teen is getting older, and they’re probably asking for more money all the time. Eventually, the Bank of Mom and Dad needs to close, so your teen might consider getting their first job. It’s a big step for any young person, and both you and they have a lot to think about before taking the plunge. Ideally, you and your teen will both have a say in your teen’s decision to get a job or not. If your teen wants a job but you have concerns, discuss them instead of putting your foot down. Similarly, if you feel strongly about your child getting their first job, try to encourage them, not force them. When both sides are
C rafting N ovel S olutions MEET KAITIE RUHL-PIRONE!
Kaitie Ruhl-Pirone grew up wanting to be a veterinarian. But when she took an organic chemistry course in college, it suddenly dawned on her that science was not a good fit for her skills and passion. She decided to pursue English and literature instead, followed by law school. In her first job as an attorney, she worked on child dependency cases, representing the state. During that time, she was exposed to the Georgia Legal Services Program, which helps indigent families receive representation. “I was interested in how those cases affected children in particular, but also how they affected families, and how they moved on from those situations,” Kaitie says. Soon, she was pursuing family law, and she joined The Manely Firm last August. Kaitie enjoys connecting with her clients and helping families; she also appreciates that each situation she handles is unique. “Every family operates differently,” she says. “It allows me to come up with different solutions. For one family, Halloween might be the most important holiday of the year. Another may operate on
the lunar calendar.” Seeing this diversity and helping clients find the right solutions for their families gives her a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment. In her downtime, Kaitie enjoys crafty activities. “It’s a way to calm my mind and take a break from critical thinking,” she says. “A hobby that has survived since middle school is making costumes.” Before the pandemic, she would cosplay and visit conventions with friends and hopes to start back up soon. In 2020, she married her husband in what she calls a “COVID wedding.” The couple is close with her family, and they’ve begun shooting compound bows. “We set up an archery range in my mother’s backyard,” she laughs. When asked what she likes best about working at The Manely Firm, Kaitie reflects on the team’s efficiency and camaraderie. “It’s very much like a well-oiled machine, but that’s a misnomer because the environment is also very familiar. Everyone’s doors are always open for advice, and it’s very much a teamwork environment. It’s a machine,” she concludes, “but it’s an organic one.”
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