British teenagers are increasingly concerned about work — not just what jobs exist, but how to get them and what to expect once they do. Source: theguardian.com.
What Teens Want to Know
A survey of 2,000 teenagers aged 13 to 18 found they most want to learn about applying for jobs (42%), managing stress (39%), and improving communication skills (38%).
These are practical concerns. But they stand in contrast to what some peers in other countries might be doing. For instance, a French friend once remarked, ‘Nothing matters, nothing is real, hierarchy is a social construct. Burn it all down.’ While that perspective may reflect a different cultural take on work, in Britain — where nearly a million young people are classified as Neets — teens are not rioting. Instead, they’re navigating the realities of job applications, CVs, and LinkedIn profiles. The least we can do is offer them grounded, realistic advice.
Reality of Work: It’s Not All Passion
Many people say, ‘Do something you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.’ Emma Beddington, a Guardian columnist, calls this sentiment a ‘cliche-sodden bullshitter.’
She points out that most people don’t maintain a pure, unwavering passion for the work they do. Even in high-profile roles, the monotony of daily tasks sets in. As one friend puts it, ‘All jobs get boring, even if you’re Mick Jagger.’ This isn’t a joke — it’s a reflection of how, over time, even the most celebrated careers become routine.
Try Things — Even If You Hate Them
You don’t need to have a clear idea of your career path yet. Trying different roles — even ones you dislike — can offer valuable insight.
Beddington emphasizes that doing something is better than doing nothing. The only exception is when a job involves deeply unethical practices. In such cases, it’s better to walk away than to participate in harmful work.
Colleagues Matter More Than the Job
It’s not the job itself that shapes your experience — it’s the people you work with. Some colleagues bring energy and support; others drain your motivation or create tension.
While you can’t change the dynamics of a workplace, you can choose to value the positive relationships. Treating people with kindness and respect — especially those who seem to hold authority — can make a real difference in your daily experience.
Don’t Assume Authority Means Wisdom
Just because someone holds a position of power doesn’t mean they’re competent or wise. Emma Beddingto notes that bosses might be ‘idiots’ — and that’s perfectly acceptable.
She advises that people should not assume that leadership automatically equates to sound judgment. Instead, it’s important to remain observant and respectful, and to treat everyone — regardless of title — with care and caution.
Complaining Is Hard — But Don’t Do It Wrong
Beddington recommends avoiding complaints about colleagues or bosses altogether. However, if a situation arises where speaking up is necessary, it’s wise to learn from real-life mistakes.
One individual shared two painful experiences: she once sent a scathing email to the wrong person, and another time, she replied instead of forwarding a message. These moments highlight how easily one can misstep in professional communication.
Her advice is clear: always double-check the recipient before sending any negative message. A single error can damage relationships or escalate tensions — so precision matters.
Own Your Mistakes
You will make errors. The longer you delay admitting them, the harder it becomes to correct or recover from them.
Most people appreciate honesty — especially when it comes to mistakes. Anyone who fails to respect an admission of fault, Beddington observes, is, by definition, an idiot.
Biscuits Can Improve Work Culture
Beddington notes that in many workplaces, a simple packet of biscuits can ease tension — especially in moments of stress or conflict.
It’s a small gesture, but one that reflects how human connections can be softened by everyday actions. The only exception is if you work in a biscuit factory — in which case, the biscuits may not be a solution, but a part of the job itself.
Speak Up When You Don’t Understand
Don’t pretend you understand a task or process just because you’re told to. Bad managers often make it feel impossible to ask questions.
But speaking up when you’re confused is not a sign of weakness — it’s a sign of professionalism and self-respect. It shows that you’re engaged, attentive, and committed to doing your job well.
Enthusiasm Is a Superpower
Even people who aren’t naturally cheerful can benefit from showing enthusiasm and cheerfulness.
Beddington says that these qualities often win over challenges — even in people who, in every other way, are considered unemployable. She says this as someone who is naturally neither enthusiastic nor cheerful, yet she has seen how such traits can transform workplace dynamics, even for those who struggle in other areas.
Job Loss Is Not the End
Many young people fear losing their jobs — and see it as a personal failure, a collapse of identity.
But a wise acquaintance once said, ‘Shit on company time.’ This phrase captures the idea that work is not essential to your life. It’s not something you must sacrifice for — especially not your basic needs like food, rest, or personal time.
Work is never that important — unless you’re doing brain surgery, which most teenagers are not. For most people, being human comes first. You have time for a sandwich, a break, and a proper bathroom visit — not just to survive, but to thrive.
Never Mention Your Grandparent Status
One final piece of advice from the same acquaintance: never tell anyone you have a living grandparent.
It’s a joke — but it’s also true. You’ll get at least four days off for funerals. That’s a real benefit. And it’s one of the few things that might actually make work feel less like a burden and more like a manageable part of life.
Emma Beddington is a Guardian columnist. Her piece draws on personal experience and youth perspectives to offer realistic, human insights into workplace realities.
And for broader reflections on work and society, check out It’s Not Just Young People Who Need Jobs.
For more on youth perspectives on work, see BBC Radio 5 Live survey.
For a broader view of youth culture in Europe, see The Guardian’s coverage of youth uprisings.
And for a fun look at 1980s pop culture, see BuzzBallz and the summer of 1980s drinking culture.
Sources & further reading
Featured image: original publisher image. Via original publisher. Image source
