Earning

Earning your own money at your first job is a first step towards being on your own and gives you the opportunity to use that money to reach your goals. But a first job also brings more to learn. Decode your paycheck so you understand the deductions from your pay. If you do not have a bank account, learn how banks work in the Saving section.

Right now, you may just be focused on getting a job you like, that fits your school schedule and pays well. Good for now, but remember that you are building a job history that will start you on a path to a career. Before you take just any job, take the time to think about what you may want to do in the future. This may lead you to a few job ideas that you would not have thought of otherwise. Your first series of jobs should match your interests, but expand your thinking so that you build the skills you will need down the road. Use your first jobs to learn what you like and dislike in a job and explore the education and training you will need for your career goals.