2 answers
Zac
Student
Portola Valley, California
1
Question
Asked
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Jobs for 13 year olds
Can a 13 year old work in retail?
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2 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1892
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
CALIFORNIA LEGAL WORKING AGE IS 14
Zac in general, the legal working age in California is 14 years old. Minors under this age are generally not allowed to work. Children aged 14 and who have completed the 7th grade are allowed to work up to three hours on school days and no more than 18 hours during the school week. On non-school days, they are allowed to work up to eight hours. In a week, the total amount of hours worked cannot be more than 40.
WORK PERMIT
Anybody under the age of 18 must have a work permit. The permits are known as a Statement of Intent to Employ Minor and Request for Work Permit. Such permits are often issued by a minor’s school. The statement and request are filled out by the minor and they must be signed by a parent or the legal guardian of the child along with the employer. Upon obtaining the required signatures, the form is returned to the school, and it issues the permit. Employers must have a copy of the minor’s work permit on the work premises at all times. These permits must be renewed every school year until the employee turns 18.
PROHIBITED OCCUPATIONS
Children under the age of 18 are generally prohibited from working hazardous occupations such as manufacturing or storing explosives and the operation of power-driven machines or vehicles. There are also certain duties with food service and retail jobs that children under 16 are not allowed to do such as work “in connection with maintenance or repair of the establishment, machines or equipment”; work requiring the use of ladders or scaffolds; cooking except at certain places in “plain sight” of customers; loading and unloading goods from trucks and trains; and baking.
Zac in general, the legal working age in California is 14 years old. Minors under this age are generally not allowed to work. Children aged 14 and who have completed the 7th grade are allowed to work up to three hours on school days and no more than 18 hours during the school week. On non-school days, they are allowed to work up to eight hours. In a week, the total amount of hours worked cannot be more than 40.
WORK PERMIT
Anybody under the age of 18 must have a work permit. The permits are known as a Statement of Intent to Employ Minor and Request for Work Permit. Such permits are often issued by a minor’s school. The statement and request are filled out by the minor and they must be signed by a parent or the legal guardian of the child along with the employer. Upon obtaining the required signatures, the form is returned to the school, and it issues the permit. Employers must have a copy of the minor’s work permit on the work premises at all times. These permits must be renewed every school year until the employee turns 18.
PROHIBITED OCCUPATIONS
Children under the age of 18 are generally prohibited from working hazardous occupations such as manufacturing or storing explosives and the operation of power-driven machines or vehicles. There are also certain duties with food service and retail jobs that children under 16 are not allowed to do such as work “in connection with maintenance or repair of the establishment, machines or equipment”; work requiring the use of ladders or scaffolds; cooking except at certain places in “plain sight” of customers; loading and unloading goods from trucks and trains; and baking.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Brandon
Brandon, working part-time at 14 offers several benefits, including earning money, gaining work experience, and learning valuable skills. However, it also comes with potential drawbacks like less free time and the possibility of reduced academic performance.
Doc Frick
Karen Kitchel
Community Volunteer
393
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Good you are already thinking about a job. While retail might not be possible at your age, there are plenty of other things you can do. Make up a flyer of all the things you can do for neighbors, relatives or friends. Include things like gardening, washing windows, running errands, child care, etc. Include your flexible availability and contact information. Then give your flyer to everyone you know and ask them to pass it on.
Remember to also enjoy this time of your life!
With every good wish and many blessings.
Karen
Remember to also enjoy this time of your life!
With every good wish and many blessings.
Karen