What Job Should You Work at 17 Years Old?

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So, what job should you work if you’re 16 or 17? This conversation came up on a recent live stream. Someone was asking for summer job advice, and my instant response was, “work retail.” I know retail jobs aren’t as lucrative or plentiful as they were when I was growing up, back when malls were packed. Now, everyone shops online.

However, I feel like the interpersonal skills you develop working retail at that age go a long way. There’s this idea that Gen Z is poor at communicating. Even young millennials text so much that we stopped talking to people as much. All of a sudden, talking to people in real life gets awkward!

If you work retail, you develop skills early on that stick with you. You can break through social barriers that others might struggle with. When I was young, I wanted a job where I didn’t have to see or talk to people. I worked in factories and security. While those jobs were decent, I missed out on learning valuable interpersonal skills that would’ve helped me later, especially during job interviews.

People always want to know what makes money. The thing that’s going to make you the most money is the thing that you’re best at, which relies on other skills. A big part of making money comes down to sales—being able to sell yourself, a product, or anything else. Even if you’re specialized in a technical field, you need to sell yourself to an employer or client.

So, if you’re young and looking for a summer job, consider something that might not be glamorous. Work in retail, or at a hardware store like Rona or Home Depot. The nice thing about hardware stores is you also learn about hardware and how to be handy around the house. What do you guys think? What would you recommend to a 17-year-old looking for a job? Let me know if you agree! Until next time.

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updated_at 31-07-2025
Ai Disclosure: The above posts were transcribed using AI tools. Some language may not have been accurately transcribed.
Ai Header Image Prompt: High quality, highly detailed digital painting in a sophisticated concept art style, with strong elements of abstract digital art. The central figure is a subtly stylized, thoughtful 17-year-old, gender-neutral, standing in a dynamic, somewhat abstract interpretation of a retail or hardware store environment. The background suggests shelves and structure through blurred forms, geometric planes, and soft light, rather than literal objects. From and around the young person, an intricate network of glowing, interconnected lines, ethereal shapes, and subtle data streams emerge, symbolizing the development of communication and interpersonal skills. These abstract elements interact with soft, implied human figures or light patterns, representing interaction and connection. The overall composition conveys growth, learning, and potential, with an empowering and forward-looking atmosphere. The art should feature a rich color palette, sharp focus, and intricate details without appearing overly AI-generated. Ensure anatomically correct, natural-looking hands and limbs. Avoid any text, titles, or logos within the image.