I'm a 15-year-old living in Fort Worth and I'm looking to start working part-time. I've got some experience babysitting and doing yard work for neighbors, but I'm interested in trying something different. Does anyone know of places around here that hire at my age? I'm thinking maybe fast food or retail, but open to any suggestions. Also, if there are any specific laws or restrictions in Texas I should be aware of, I'd appreciate the info! Trying to save up for my first car, so any advice on where to apply would be awesome. Thanks in advance!
In Fort Worth, Texas, jobs for 15-year-olds are somewhat restricted due to labor laws but there are still opportunities available. By law, 14 and 15-year-olds can work up to 3 hours on school days and 8 hours on non-school days, and no more than 18 hours in a school week or 40 hours in a non-school week.
Fast food restaurants and retail stores tend to be the most common employers for teens. Grocery stores like Kroger or Albertsons often hire 15-year-olds as baggers. Fast food chains such as McDonald's, Burger King, and Chick-fil-A have been known to hire teens as young as 14 in some areas, but it's always a good idea to check with the specific location near you. You could look into restaurants that offer positions like dishwasher or busboy/girl.
There are also opportunities outside of the traditional retail/fast food path. You mentioned you've done some babysitting - there's always demand for responsible childcare providers. Think about expanding your services and promoting them more broadly.
You could also consider less traditional jobs. For example, you could become a dog walker or pet sitter. You could also look into local recreational areas, as places like amusement parks, movie theaters, and community centers often have positions suitable for teens.
Remember to look for local job fairs targeting teens and check local job boards both online and around your community. Some resources include your high school career counseling office, community centers, or local libraries. Remember to have a resume before you apply, even if it's mainly volunteer work or unpaid experiences - it shows you're serious.
Good luck on your job hunt!
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