The Hamptons Hustle
What teen jobs teach about hard work, money and independence
Hamptons party scene
If you spend a lot of time in the Hamptons, you may start to notice that a lot of the people you meet have at least three jobs, especially in the summer. You may meet a hostess/nanny/personal assistant or waiter/musician/lifeguard or barista/uber driver/handyman or realtor/AirBnB host/Pilates instructor. Plus “aspiring influencer” on the side!
It’s the Hamptons Hustle.
The local economy (I’m in Montauk) is extremely seasonal, and people are out here working their tails off to make most of their money for the year in three months or so.
An interesting thing I’ve noticed is that the Hamptons Hustle applies to teenagers too. While the news reports that there is a dearth of summer jobs available to American teens, there are plenty for the teens out here that are willing to work.
And they do. Walk into any local business between Memorial Day and Labor Day, and you’ll see teenagers holding down the fort. They are hostesses, lifeguards, cashiers, and nannies. They are making good money detailing cars, waiting tables, and teaching our kids to play sports at summer camp. As a mom and a financial planner, I love to see it!
The Many Benefits of Jobs for Teens
As a financial planner, I can think of few better head starts to future financial success than a real job at a young age. Some of those benefits (for kids and parents alike) include:
The Thrill of Making Their Own Money: There really is a sense of pride when they pay for their own gas or a night out with friends using their own money.
The Cure for Entitlement: Let’s face it, one of the biggest fears of financially comfortable parents is that they are raising spoiled brats. But a long day in the sun or teamwork to keep the restaurant kitchen out of the weeds teaches respect for hard work, and for others. This is a good lesson to learn at 17, rather than 25 (or 35, for that matter).
Accountability Beyond Mom and Dad: Ever notice that your kid listens to a coach or authority figure better than they do to you? Child development experts note that being held accountable by a boss teaches teenagers to pay attention, manage their time, and take pride in their work. Being trusted makes you trustworthy.
Real-World Social Skills: Working at a retail counter or waiting tables forces kids to make eye contact, hold conversations with adults, handle difficult customers, and build confidence in high-pressure situations.
Financial Literacy: I have always found that I learn best by doing. Seeing a real paycheck (and learning what FICA tax is!), setting up direct deposit and —my personal favorite as a financial planner —setting up a Custodial Roth IRA are great opportunities to get a head start on building long-term wealth.
A Note to Parents: Give Them the Nudge
While I wouldn’t mind spending a little extra time with my college-bound son this summer, I am impressed by the maturity I see in him and his friends, and I think their work experience has a lot to do with it.
If you have teenagers at home, I strongly encourage you to give them a little nudge to get out there take on some part-time work, even if it doesn’t seem worth it for the experience or the money. It will build skills that lead to other opportunities (and give them real earned income so they can contribute to that Roth IRA!).
A Gentle Reminder for Hamptons Visitors
If you’re out here visiting the East End this summer, be nice! Keep in mind that a lot of the friendly faces keeping places running are literal teenagers working their very first jobs. (And their managers are working seven days a week in July and August!)
Be kind, tip well and slow down your car on the curvy roads. Your summer fun is made possible by teens doing the Hamptons hustle and building their futures, one shift at a time.
What was your first summer job? Did your kids work this summer?
