Teens at Work: Summer Jobs That Teach Skills for Life

Lessons from Chicago teens on the job this summer: ‘You just got to keep that smile’

From birthday parties to lifeguard stands, teens prove they’re ready for responsibility

Teens at Work

They’re ringing up at the register, stocking shelves, safeguarding swimmers, scooping ice cream, and even running social media accounts. This summer, many teens are trading in pool floats and video games for paychecks and valuable work experience.

Even though landing a job was tougher this year — with fewer employers hiring and a higher teen unemployment rate — some teens still found a way to step into the workforce. Meet three Chicago-area teens who turned their summer break into something much more than just time off.

Carla Fernandez, 17

Carla works as a party host at Chuck E. Cheese in Skokie. She helps set up parties, takes orders, checks people in, and even cleans up when needed. For Carla, this is her very first job. Inspired by her sisters and friends who also worked as teens, she wanted to step up too.

“Always just keep a smile because that actually does a lot, honestly. Everyone’s going through different stuff throughout the day. You just got to keep that smile.”

Carla isn’t rushing to spend her paycheck. Instead, she’s saving for a car. Her advice to other teens?

“Just keep trying. Take initiative. I know everyone always says that, but it’s actually true. Don’t lie — people can tell when you’re genuine and when you’re lying.”

Jay Quirke Hornik, 16

Jay landed his first job at the International Museum of Surgical Science. His duties include creating TikTok videos, posting content, helping at the front desk, and assisting in the gift shop.

“Last summer, I feel like I wasted some of it by sleeping too late or sitting at home all day, and also I’m in a band, and the band requires a certain amount of funding to push forward.”

He’s using his paycheck to help fund his punk band’s upcoming album. Jay says working has given him structure and motivation. His advice?

Looking for a summer job? Here’s how to become a Chicago lifeguard

“I would say apply as early as you can. I waited too long, and it was definitely down to the line, and I was a little stressed about whether I was going to get a job or not.”

Belen Doss, 16

Belen trained for 12 weeks in a YMCA program and became a certified lifeguard. Now she’s working at the South Side YMCA pool, keeping swimmers safe while also learning patience and time management.

“I’m trying to invest it and probably save it, so it can grow and maybe get into stocks and different things like that.”

Belen’s advice to others?

“Take action. Don’t sit and wait. You have to be persistent in what you are doing and what you are saying. Continue applying, and don’t stop.”

I think these stories are inspiring because they show how summer jobs aren’t just about earning money. They’re about building confidence, learning responsibility, and discovering what you’re capable of. Carla, Jay, and Belen are proof that when teens step up, they grow in ways that will help them long after summer ends.

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