Is your child aged 13 and above, and interested in getting a holiday or part-time job in Singapore?

This could be a chance for your teen to pick up new skills, explore careers, or simply gain independence, along with a bit of cash. One must be 16 years old to be considered an ‘adult worker,’ but companies are allowed to employ children between the ages of 13 and 15. 

However, there are restrictions on the type of work that younger teens can perform. While it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that no labour laws are being flouted, you should also read our Ministry of Manpower guidelines to stay informed. 

At the very least, do be aware that the following work is considered unsuitable for under 16s in Singapore:

• Where work conditions may cause injury
• Servicing or attending to moving machinery
• Being near ‘live’ electrical apparatus that is not effectively insulated
• Underground work

For expatriate families based in Singapore, please note that different guidelines apply for your teens. Details are available on the Ministry of Manpower website.

Jobs for Students: Know the Pros & Cons

Before your teen starts looking for a job, it’s a good idea to find out why they are keen to work. Here are some questions you can ask:

• Why do you want to work?
• What are some jobs that you are interested in?
• Will these jobs give you skills that are useful in the future?
• What’s one challenge that you think you might face at work? If that happens, how will you resolve it?
• What do you think are some basic responsibilities and expectations at work? (You can talk about the importance of punctuality, professionalism, and meeting commitments.)
• What makes a workplace a safe environment? (This is a chance to discuss respectful behaviour and sexual safety.) 
• Do you want to work only during the holidays, or during term time as well?
• How will you manage work and your studies? 

To help with your discussions, you can read about the benefits and risks of work for young people. Some benefits may include:

• Better time management, and a greater sense of responsibility: Teens who have part-time jobs often develop time management skills, as they learn to balance work with school and other activities. They also gain a sense of responsibility by fulfilling their job duties and meeting work-related expectations.
• Learning to get along with others: Working in a job requires interacting with colleagues, supervisors, and customers, which helps teens develop and improve their interpersonal and communication skills. They learn to navigate different social situations, collaborate with others, and resolve conflicts.
• Increased self-confidence and self-esteem: Successfully handling job responsibilities can boost a teen’s self-confidence and self-esteem. Accomplishing tasks, receiving positive feedback, and gaining recognition for good work can contribute to personal growth and a sense of accomplishment.
• Enhanced financial literacy: Teens who work will get their first taste of money management. They may learn the value of earning and saving money, as well as the consequences of poor financial choices.
• Real-world exposure: Having a job allows teens to gain exposure to a work environment, and understand the expectations and demands of the professional world. This can help them make informed decisions about their future career paths.

As for the disadvantages of working at an early age, some research has suggested that teens who work are at a greater risk of academic decline, and might be more likely to pick up habits such as drinking or smoking. This could also contribute to other problem behaviours down the road.

Even if the above doesn’t happen, the very act of spending several hours at work each week will naturally decrease study time, so a teen needs to be adept at time management if he or she intends to work during the school term. 

What is considered ‘manageable’ versus ‘excessive,’ in terms of work hours? This really depends on what your teen is able to handle — for teens who struggle academically, or are less resilient to stress, it may be more prudent for them to work only during the school holidays. 

Where Can Teens in Singapore Find Jobs?

Teens will have access to different types of jobs, depending on your family’s network and knowledge about what’s available. Do note that a teen who wishes to work because of a perceived lack of cash will view a job very differently from one who wants to hone a passion or explore a career. By being clear about your teen’s motivations, you will also be able to provide better support.

If your teen is more interested in a job shadowing experience — i.e. observing a person at work — your personal network is the best place to start. Alternatively, your teen can ask someone from the school, such as a favourite teacher or an education counsellor, to see if they can assist to secure a holiday internship. 

For teens who just want the experience of a holiday job and some extra cash, many simply head out to nearby food outlets, retail stores, and enrichment schools to enquire about job vacancies. (Please note that the pay for student jobs is often below SGD10/hr, and you can check hourly rates on Glassdoor or PayScale.) 

Teens can also search for jobs using online portals such as:

• Indeed
• FastJobs
• JobsDB

Younger teens may have issues getting a job, as retail outlets tend to favour teens over 16, while fast food outlets generally hire those who are 14 and above. 

How can a 13 year old find a job in Singapore? Well, if your teen has joined enrichment classes in the past, you can check with the enrichment centres if they would be open to hiring your teen as an assistant. In fact, some parents actively search for such opportunities for their younger teens, even with no pay, as they feel these are important growth experiences. 

Here are some other jobs that may be suitable for younger teens:

• Babysitter
• Private tutor
• Pet sitter/walker
• Lawn care/gardening
• Assistant coach/trainer (for parties, camps)

You can help your teen by checking with neighbours and friends if they might need such assistance. Although you may need to make initial connections on behalf of your teen, it’s good to step aside quickly. 

Of course, teens should always be aware of red-flag requests, such as meeting up for an interview in a non-public setting. But if everything seems above board, try not to worry too much, and let your teen do the rest.

Find out what other parents think about holiday and part-time jobs for teens. Join the conversation on our KiasuParents forum!