What is the Legal Age to Work in California?

Question

What is the Legal Age to Work in California and What is the hour limit per Week? I think it's 14... Any job suggestions would be appreciated.

I'm turning 14 in April. Please, don't tell me that all I can do at my age is babysit and what not. I live in Southern California.

Links would help. Thank You!!

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

in the US it is legal to be gainfully employed in every state at 14 but....................
with the job market such as it is it will be difficult, the jobs that use to be in the realm of teens and retirees are now being taken by adults trying to support their families. the hours a minor can work legally are limited and it is much easier to hire an adult.

businesses such as Publix, Kroger's, Food Lion, Sonic, Chic-Fil-A, McDonald's, Winn-Dixie, Krystal's, Dairy Queen, Burger King along with smaller local businesses that are in the same genre tend to hire those your age.

fast-food and grocery stores are willing and able to train new employees but........................
minors tend to have many issues that effect their ability to work such as tardiness, absenteeism, numerous schedule request, poor work-ethic etcetera.
i am not implying you will have those issues but the fact that many your age do makes it more difficult for you to get an opportunity.
because of this you must be able to show through words and actions that you are reliable, dependable, punctual, detail oriented, trainable, coachable, punctual, mature and team oriented. you will also need great references since you don't have work experience. talk to teachers, counselors, clergy, coaches, club sponsors, directors of places you have volunteered or people you have done casual labor for and ask them about giving you a reference. get accurate, current contact information for them and ask them to be ready to get calls for references from potential employers.

remember:
most businesses are individually owned and operated so it is the owners policy and past experience with minors that will determine if they will hire you. apply everywhere you can, the worse that can happen is they don't hire you.

for information concerning work permit, hours you can work, jobs that you can do etcetera go to:
http://www.youthrules.dol.gov
US Department of Labor
YouthRules!
OR
http://www.dir.ca.gov/DLSE/childLaborPam…
State of California
Department of Industrial Relations
Division of Labor Standards Enforcement

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Thanks that gave me a lot to think about
Good thing I live really close to two shopping centers