Landing the Job: How Kansas Teens Are Scoring Flexible and Fun Work Opportunities
STORY BY: Makinze Fox (S) Jazminn Bernal (S) Malaki Glenn (So)
WICHITA, KS - For teenagers aged 16 to 18 in Kansas, finding the right job can be a stepping stone toward gaining valuable work experience and earning competitive pay. From restaurant positions to retail jobs and nannying, a variety of employment opportunities are available to fit different interests and schedules. Businesses like Meddys, Uptown Cheapskate, and Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews are popular choices, along with positions like nannying, which offer flexibility and unique benefits.
Meddys: Landing a Job with Connections
For Senior Lane Gardner, getting a job at Meddys was made easier by leveraging personal connections. “My friend’s mom works for corporate, so it made the process way easier and less stressful,” Gardner shared. For teens seeking work, having a strong network can simplify the job hunt.
Sickies Garage Burgers & Brews: Family Ties Open Doors
Junior Keira Mercer found her role as a hostess at Sickies Garage through a family friend. “One of my family friends is a server there, and she helped me get the job,” Mercer explained. Personal connections often help teens stand out in a competitive job market.
Uptown Cheapskate: The Power of Online Job Searches
While connections are helpful, they aren’t the only way to secure a job. Senior Arlo Hoover found his position at Uptown Cheapskate by using online resources. “I found the job online,” Hoover said, proving that platforms like Indeed.com are valuable tools for teens seeking employment.
Nannying: Flexible Work for Busy Schedules
For Senior Olivia Ford, nannying offers a level of flexibility not always found in corporate jobs. “It’s very flexible and very different from a corporate job,” Ford explained. This makes nannying an ideal option for teens looking to balance work with school and extracurricular activities.
Balancing Work and Labor Laws
In Kansas, there are no state-imposed restrictions on the number of hours 16- and 17-year-olds can work, but federal regulations prohibit minors under 18 from working in hazardous occupations. These jobs provide teens with the flexibility to manage their responsibilities while gaining valuable life skills, such as responsibility, time management, and customer service.
Building Skills for the Future
Beyond earning a paycheck, these jobs offer Kansas teens the chance to develop essential skills that will serve them well in future endeavors. Whether through personal connections, online job searches, or choosing flexible positions like nannying, these opportunities help teens grow both personally and professionally.
By choosing the right job and adhering to state and federal labor laws, Kansas teens can take the first step toward building a solid foundation for their careers.
