Empire State of Mind? Empire State of Minimum Wage (and How Old You Gotta Be to Earn It)
Alright, young grasshopper, dreaming of those bright city lights and a wallet full of Big Apple bucks? You've got ambition, that's for sure. But before you hit the pavement with your resume in hand, there's a little hurdle to jump: age. New York, in all its hustle and bustle, has some pretty specific rules about who can join the working world.
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| How Old To Work In New York |
The Age Game: Who's In, Who's Out?
- 14 and 15-Year-Olds: Not Quite There Yet (But Almost!)
Sorry, kiddos. You can't hit the corner store cash register just yet. Now, there are a few exceptions, like delivering newspapers or working on the family farm. But for most jobs, you'll need to wait a couple more years. Chin up, though! This is your prime video game training time. Hone those mad skills, because who knows, maybe that'll be your future career (e-sports are a thing, you know!).
- 16 and 17-Year-Olds: Welcome Aboard (With a Few Caveats)
Now we're talking! At 16, you can officially snag a job in New York. But hold on to your horses (or, you know, Citi Bikes). There are some restrictions on hours you can work, especially during school days. Uncle Sam wants you to stay focused on those textbooks, too.
Side Hustle Alert! If you're 16 and bye-bye school for you, then congratulations! You can now work full-time. Just remember, with great freedom comes great responsibility (and maybe a bigger pizza budget).
QuickTip: Read line by line if it’s complex.
- 18 and Over: The Open Road (to Work, Wherever You Want!)
At 18, you've officially reached adulthood in the eyes of New York's employment law. You can work any job, any shift, and (almost) for as long as you want. The world is your oyster, my friend. Just be sure to get some sleep – those city sidewalks never stop moving!
FAQ: Working Like a New Yorker
How to get a work permit in New York?
Head to your school counselor's office. They'll have all the info you need.
QuickTip: Focus on what feels most relevant.
How many hours can a 16-year-old work in New York after school?
Four hours on a school day, and eight hours on a non-school day. But there's more to it than that, so check with the Department of Labor for specifics https://dol.ny.gov/hours-work-minors.
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How much is minimum wage in New York?
QuickTip: Keep a notepad handy.
This one changes, so it's best to check the Department of Labor website again https://dol.ny.gov/minimum-wage-0.
How can I find a job in New York?
There are tons of resources online and offline! Check with your school's career center, job boards, and even good old-fashioned networking.
QuickTip: Revisit key lines for better recall.
How do I deal with a bad boss in New York?
Ugh, been there. There are resources to help! The Department of Labor can offer guidance https://dol.ny.gov/.
So, there you have it! Now you're armed with the knowledge to navigate the exciting (and sometimes confusing) world of work in New York. Remember, it's all about finding the right job, rocking it, and maybe even scoring that post-work slice of cheesecake you deserve. Good luck out there!
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