Know Your Rights: Teen Employees with Disabilities

Last updated February 5, 2026

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Getting your first job can be an intimidating experience for any teen. It can feel even more daunting if you are living with a disability. If you’re a teen with a disability, you most likely already know about some of your rights in a school setting (in high school or in college), but once you’re out of the classroom and in a job setting, it’s just as important to know your rights as an employee. Just like in school, you have legal rights and protections at work. Here are some things you should know about working as a student with a disability.

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Disability rights are civil rights

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Rehabilitation Act are federal laws that protect people with disabilities from discrimination on the basis of their disability. These laws require that employees with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodations at work. Your city and state may also have additional laws and protections for employees with disabilities.

Self-advocacy and disclosing a disability

As you enter the workforce, you are your best advocate! When you apply for jobs, employers will never be allowed to ask you about any disability you may have, because that can potentially be used to discriminate against you. This is also true once you start a job, meaning that it’s up to you to disclose any information about your disability to your employer. An employer is only required to provide work-related accommodations if you disclose your disability to the appropriate individuals, so be sure to do this ASAP when starting a job.

There is no “right” time or place to disclose your disability. You could talk to a hiring manager during your interview process, or it can be something you disclose once you start the job. Here are some recommendations when disclosing your disability:

  • Ask for confidentiality. You are in charge of your personal information, so make it clear who you want to know.
  • Give some basic information about your disability and why you want or need to disclose it.
  • Suggest practical job accommodations that will help you get the job done.
  • Find someone you trust and practice disclosing your disability with them first.
  • Mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and ADHD, are recognized disabilities under federal law when they substantially limit major life activities.
  • You are protected from retaliation for requesting accommodations or asserting your rights under the ADA.

Reasonable accommodations

To support employees with disabilities, employers must provide “reasonable accommodations.” This means that they need to work with you to ensure that you can perform the duties of your job just like any other employee. “Reasonable” means that these accommodations will likely cost very little for the employer and are things that won’t disrupt the everyday functions of the workplace. Accommodations are going to be very individualized based on your disability, the job duties, and what has worked for you in the past. They will also vary if you need physical assistance, or assistance for mental health or attention differences. Some examples of reasonable accommodations are:

  • Allowing for a quiet workspace or noise-canceling headphones.
  • Ensuring accessible entrances for wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
  • Having a clear break schedule.
  • Allowing assistive devices such as timers, calendars, and apps.
  • Inclusive ways of giving feedback such as verbal, written, and auditory.
  • Allowing service animals in the workplace.
  • Recent guidance has reinforced that accommodations may include flexibility around schedules, remote or hybrid work when applicable, and mental health–related supports.
  • Employers are required to engage in an “interactive process” with you to determine reasonable accommodations, rather than automatically denying a request.

Ensuring your needs are met

As a self-advocate, there may be times when you need to hold your employer accountable if your needs are not being met or you feel your rights are at risk. This can be an intimidating situation, but the ADA and other government policies require companies to have complaint processes to ensure your rights are upheld.

The best first step is always to reiterate your needs and any agreed upon accommodations with your immediate manager. New people get hired and miscommunications happen, so solving issues collaboratively is the best place to start. If this doesn’t solve the issue, ask your employer or someone in the Human Resources (HR) department for help with their formal “grievance process.” States require employers who hire teens with disabilities to have a process to solve any ADA issues.

  • If an employer refuses to provide reasonable accommodations without justification, you have the right to file a complaint with your state agency or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

  • Federal agencies continue to encourage early, informal resolution of accommodation issues, but formal complaints remain an option if problems persist.

In addition to this, it’s important to talk to the people you trust about what’s going on at work. They can help you file complaints, troubleshoot any issues that may come up, and support you along every step of the way!

Because laws and guidance can evolve, it’s a good idea to check trusted government or disability advocacy resources for the most current information.

All young employees deserve an equitable and fair work environment! If you have any questions about accessing accommodations or just need some extra support or encouragement, we’re here to help! Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Made A Mistake At Work? Here’s What To Do

Last updated September 4, 2025

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If you made a mistake at work, don’t panic! While making mistakes is totally normal, it’s important to learn from them to do better next time, especially in the workplace. Here are some tips on what to do if you make a mistake at work.

Own the mistake and apologize if necessary

You can only fix what you know, so name the mistake you made early and honestly. It is natural to become defensive when we’ve made an error, but that lack of acceptance can lead to making the same mistakes again and again. Take a deep breath, look in the mirror, and know that it’s okay to acknowledge the error and move on. If your decision negatively affected others, be sure to apologize to them. Taking ownership not only allows you to forgive yourself, but also shows your humility and dedication to your team at work.

Understand the “why” 

Try to think of 1-3 reasons why you made that mistake. Understanding your behavior and thoughts that led to a bad choice will make it easier to avoid repeating it. It can also make it much easier to ask for help to prevent the same mistake in the future while building trust with coworkers and managers.

Learn 

Think about 1-3 things you learned from this mistake. Do you need to take time to think through decisions more fully? Do you need advice or guidance from a coworker, friend, or family member next time? As you take time to reflect, be sure to share any learnings with a coworker or manager.

Move on 

Owning your bad decision is important, but so is your ability to move on. Remember that we all make mistakes, but owning and learning from them allows us to keep moving forward! While this experience may have been stressful, you will come out of it on the other side stronger and smarter! 

Have any questions about your first job? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Understanding Minimum Wage

Last updated June 24, 2026

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When applying for or starting a new job, you will likely see lots of new terms and definitions associated with it. One of them will definitely be minimum wage, especially if you want to work a part-time or seasonal job. In this article, we’ll help you understand how minimum wage works! 

What is minimum wage?

In the U.S., minimum wage is the lowest hourly wage an employer can legally pay an employee. The federal minimum wage can be increased, but has remained the same since 2009.

Federal minimum wage vs. state minimum wages

As of 2026, the federal minimum wage in the U.S. is $7.25 per hour. However, it’s important to know that while a federal minimum wage exists, 45 states in the U.S. have their own minimum wage laws. Cities and counties may have their own minimum wage laws as well. These laws allow them to make the minimum wage in their state lower, equal to, or higher than the federal minimum wage. How this works:

  • If a state has no minimum wage law, the federal wage is what employees in that state will earn.
  • If a state has a lower minimum wage than the federal, workers who are covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) will earn the federal minimum wage. If workers aren’t covered by FLSA, they will earn their state’s minimum wage.
  • If a state has a higher minimum wage than the federal, employees will earn their state’s minimum wage. (For example, an employee in California would earn the state’s $16.90 hourly wage rather than the $7.25 federal minimum wage.)

Source: Debt.org

Minimum wage for employees earning tips

There is a separate minimum wage set by the federal government if tips make up a substantial portion of a worker’s paycheck (for example, if they are wait staff at a restaurant). The current federal “tipped minimum wage” is $2.13 per hour, meaning no matter how many tips an employee makes in a shift, they must be paid at least $2.13 per hour by their employer. Similar to standard minimum wage, each state, in addition to cities and counties, can set their own minimum wage laws for employees earning tips.

Learn the minimum wage in your state 

Click on the map below to be taken to an interactive graphic of each state’s minimum wage and tipped minimum wage!

Do you have any questions about the minimum wage or jobs? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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What Does HR Do?

Last updated October 23, 2025

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Whether you are looking for a job, are just starting a job, or have had jobs before, it’s very likely that you will or already have interacted with the HR department. In this article, we share four key things to know about HR and what it can do for you.

What is HR?

HR stands for Human Resources. Its main function is to look out for the well-being of all employees at the organization. This includes overseeing the entire employee life cycle: recruiting, hiring, onboarding new employees, training, helping employees understand their benefits, and encouraging professional development.

They also are responsible for some of the more complicated things that can happen at work, like dealing with internal misconduct and supporting conflict management and resolution between employees. Whether you are a new or long-standing employee, remember that the main goal of the HR department is to support you. If you ever have a conflict at work or feel that you need something resolved, you should be empowered to reach out for support.

Recruitment and Hiring

If you are applying for a job, you are likely sending your resume and cover letter to an HR representative. Your first interview at the company will likely also be with them. Their job is to know the company well and understand what kind of people thrive there! Be sure to ask them questions about how you can be a great fit for their company.

Pay and Benefits

HR is usually in charge of making sure that you are enrolled in direct deposit or that you’re getting paid in your preferred way. They also will enroll you in any other benefits that your company might offer, like health insurance, professional development opportunities, paid time off (PTO), and tuition reimbursement. If you have questions about any of those benefits, ask!

In recent years, many employers have expanded their benefits packages to include mental health resources and Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). EAPs offer confidential support for personal or work-related issues, including counseling, stress management, and financial or legal guidance. HR can also provide access to wellness tools, mental health days, or virtual therapy services.

Advocates for a Safe Workplace

One of the more potentially uncomfortable aspects of HR is that they have to deal with employee or company misconduct. The good news is that their job is to ensure that every employee knows their rights as workers and that the company is following the law. If you have an issue with a coworker or supervisor (like a dispute you need a moderator for or just someone to be a third party), know that your representative is there to help you and advocate for your success. HR is responsible for ensuring employees understand workplace policies, including codes of conduct, remote work policies, and leave policies. If you ever have questions about your rights, such as parental leave, disability accommodations, or workplace harassment policies, don’t be afraid to ask!

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Employee Well-Being and Mental Health Support

Many HR departments now play a bigger role in supporting employee well-being, including mental health initiatives. They may offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), mental health resources, flexible work arrangements, or wellness programs. If you’re feeling overwhelmed at work or need additional support, there may be resources for you.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives

HR departments are increasingly responsible for fostering inclusive workplaces. They may organize DEI training, establish affinity groups, and ensure fair hiring and promotion practices. If you have concerns about workplace inclusivity or want to get involved in DEI efforts, HR is a great place to start.

Provide Career Growth

Often, HR is in charge of ensuring that all employees receive professional development through formal feedback and evaluations. This is also your chance to provide feedback for the company and make sure that they know what you want out of your career. Sharing your goals with them helps them be a great advocate for you within the company!

Have any questions about starting a new job? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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What Should I Wear To Work?

Last updated September 4, 2025

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Whether you’re required to wear a uniform or can pick your own clothes, you should always maintain a certain level of professionalism with how you present yourself at work. Check out our tips below for examples on what to wear to work! 

Professionalism redefined

It’s important to recognize that professionalism and “looking professional” were built on white, male-dominant standards. Research shows that conventional professionalism can lead Black and Brown employees to feel like they don’t belong in the workplace and can lead to real consequences like being passed over for a job offer, promotion, or raise.

While we recognize these standards are detrimental to showing your authentic self in the workplace, we also recognize that we’re unable to shift this common perspective on our own. We want to give you these tips to set you up for success in our current world with the hope that “professionalism” is redefined in the future.

Check your job’s dress code

It’s important to check the dress code for your job before picking out what to wear. This can be found in your job’s employee handbook, website, or by asking your supervisor or HR department for clarification. By taking the time to understand the dress code, you’ll feel more confident and make a good impression!

Know the differences between business formal, business casual, and casual work attire

Here’s a breakdown of each term:

Business formal

Think of this dress code as the strictest and most professional of the three, and it’s usually for jobs in corporate offices like government, law, or finance. Examples of business formal attire include:

  • Dresses or skirts (preferably knee-length)
  • Slacks
  • Dark-colored suits and ties
  • Neat button-down shirts or blouses
  • Blazers or sport coats
  • Heels, loafers, or flats
  • Minimal jewelry and belts

Business casual

Business casual is a bit more relaxed but still looks professional, and you’ll find it in places like tech companies or creative industries. If you’re unsure what to wear, business casual attire is usually the safest choice. Examples of business casual items include:

  • Slacks or business dress pants
  • Khakis
  • Chinos
  • Knee-length skirts or dresses
  • Dark jeans without holes
  • Button-down shirts or polos
  • Blouses
  • Sweaters or cardigans
  • Blazers or sport coats
  • Closed-toed shoes like flats, boots, or dress shoes
  • Simple accessories like scarves, belts, or jewelry

Casual

Casual work attire is the most relaxed dress code, usually found in laid-back workplaces or creative fields. But remember, casual doesn’t mean anything goes! Here are a few examples of what a casual dress code looks like:

  • T-shirts
  • Button-down shirts
  • Blouses
  • Sweaters or cardigans 
  • Jeans
  • Khakis or linen pants
  • Sneakers, loafers, low heels, or sandals (no flip-flops!)

Remember, these dress codes are general guidelines, so it’s always a good idea to check with your workplace or supervisor to know the specific dress code expectations.

Hygiene

In addition to knowing what to wear to work, it’s also important to maintain good hygiene. Here are a few tips you can incorporate into your routine:

  • Make sure your hair is neatly styled (including facial hair).
  • Shower regularly and wear deodorant.
  • Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily.
  • Keep your nails trimmed and clean to prevent dirt and bacteria buildup.
  • Use mouthwash or chew gum to freshen your breath.
  • Don’t use too much perfume, scented lotion, or cologne.
  • Depending on the job, keep your makeup minimal.

When you look good, you feel good! For more job success tips, connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Starting a New Job? Use These Tips to Shine

Last updated June 24, 2026

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The first day of your new job can bring up a lot of feelings! You’re probably excited to start working and making money, but you might also feel a bit nervous about making a good first impression. Use the tips in this article to shine on the first day of your new job!

Dress the part

Feel confident on your first day by wearing something that fits your new job’s vibe. Not sure what to wear? Ask your HR manager during orientation about the dress code at your company. You can also check out the company’s website or social media for ideas. When in doubt, it’s okay to dress up a little more at first, then adjust once you see what others are wearing.

Arrive early

Map out your route to work in advance so you know exactly where to go and how long it will take to get there. Be sure to arrive a few minutes early to give yourself time to freshen up or calm your nerves. If you have a remote job and your first day of work is at home, wake up early to set up your work space and test your technology to make sure there are no issues. 

Bring your work documents

Some employers use the first day of work to onboard new hires. That may include going over the employee handbook, introducing you to your team, and completing new hire paperwork. Make sure you have the right documents with you, like your government ID (driver’s license or passport), Social Security card, and bank account information if you want to get paid through direct deposit.

Be ready to interact

You might be introduced to a lot of people on your first day who are eager to learn more about you. Remember to smile, give a strong handshake, and have your elevator pitch ready.

Ask questions

There’s always a big learning curve when starting a new job. Now is the perfect time to ask lots of questions, especially since managers expect you to have them. There’s no such thing as a silly question, so ask away! The goal is to learn about how the company works and how to do your job.

Take notes

After asking questions and receiving a lot of new information, take notes about what you’ve learned so you have something to refer to later on.

Mute your phone

Before starting your shift, put your phone on do not disturb or turn it off to avoid any unnecessary distractions.

Take breaks

Find some time to be alone, take a few deep breaths, eat or drink water, and refresh before resuming your work day.

Be yourself

Don’t be anyone but yourself! You were hired because your company knows you can do the job. While new job nerves are normal, remember to be kind to and patient with yourself as you adjust.

Do you have any questions about starting a new job? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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The First 90 Days: Tips for Starting a New Job

Last updated June 24, 2026

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Starting a new job can be exciting and overwhelming as you meet new people and learn new things. Here are a few tips to make a strong impression and achieve success during your first 90 days in a new job!

First 30 days

Make a good first impression

Strong first impressions matter in a new job! Read about some steps you can take to shine in your new role:

Meet with your manager and team to clarify expectations

Schedule one-on-one time with your manager and coworkers to learn about their jobs, how you will work together, the resources you will need to be successful in your role, and how your performance will be measured. This will help you get clarity on your job and responsibilities, establish relationships with your coworkers, and help you set goals for what you hope to accomplish during your first 90 days.

Learn about the company

Understand the goals of your company: the mission, the people they serve, or any products or services they offer. Take the time to review your employee handbook and any information your manager or coworkers give you. Ask to sit in on meetings to learn more about what’s happening in the company and offer to handle small tasks that add immediate value while helping you understand how your work fits into the larger goals of the organization.

Create a plan for achieving your goals

Once you meet with your manager and have a list of goals you want to accomplish, it’s time to create a plan. What steps will you take to achieve your goals? How much time and resources will it take? What support do you need along the way? Be sure to write it all down. 


First 60 days

Assess your strengths and areas for growth before providing updates and next steps

Reflect on the status of the goals you set during your first 30 days on the job, as well as the strengths you bring and some areas for growth. Take initiative and schedule a meeting with your manager or team to provide a progress update. What have you accomplished, where do you need help, and what are your next steps?

This is also a good time to observe how your work fits into the broader team or company goals. Are there any tools or skills you’d benefit from learning? Are there recurring tasks or challenges where you can take more ownership? Identifying these early can help you become more confident and proactive in your role.


First 90 days

Have a 90-day check in with your manager

A 90-day review is a great way to check in with your manager to provide an update on the goals you set when first starting the job. This is also a great opportunity to ask for and receive feedback to help you continue excelling in your role!

Use this meeting to showcase your progress, ask thoughtful questions, and discuss what success looks like moving forward. You can also ask about longer-term projects or opportunities to get involved in new areas. This not only shows initiative, but also helps you stay aligned with your manager’s expectations and sets the tone for your growth and development.

Do you have any questions about starting a new job? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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How to Balance School & Work

Last updated June 25, 2026

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If you’re a student who has a job, you may find balancing both a bit stressful at times. However, by incorporating some good habits into your routine, you can successfully manage both! We share some tips for balancing school and work.

Stay organized

Maintaining a busy schedule requires organization, planning, and time management. A good way to stay organized is to use a calendar or app on your phone to schedule all of your daily and weekly tasks. We recommend scheduling or noting everything you have going on, like your work schedule, upcoming homework assignments and exams, or plans with friends. Having a centralized place to look at all of your responsibilities in a week can help you plan a schedule that works for you!

Practice prioritizing

Knowing how to prioritize your school and work responsibilities is an important skill. Review all the tasks on your daily schedule to identify which ones are urgent and must be completed immediately, and which ones can be saved for later. There will be days when you can’t tackle everything on your list, and that’s totally okay! Focus on the most urgent and important tasks first – everything else can wait.

Take care of yourself

When you’re juggling work and school, it can seem difficult to take time for yourself, but it’s important to help manage your stress and avoid burning out. Try to always get a good night’s sleep and fresh air, and take downtime from work and school to refresh. If you have a hobby that helps you destress, make time for that, too! 

Lean on your support system

Having a strong support system is important. When challenges appear, you don’t have to face them alone! Reach out to your support system, like friends, family, trusted educators, or co-workers for advice and support during difficult moments.

Know when to make adjustments

Balancing a packed schedule can take time to adjust to. However, if you start to fall behind in school or are working too many hours at your job, talk to your boss and teachers immediately to explore ways to get back on track. If your responsibilities feel overwhelming for a long period of time, it might be time to reevaluate your schedule. Remember that your academics should always come first!

Do you have any questions about balancing work and school? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Should I Take the Job Offer? Five Things to Consider

Last updated September 15, 2025

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Should you accept the job offer? Read more to learn about a few important things to take into consideration before accepting your next job!

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Pay, tips, and bonuses

You will definitely want to know how much you’ll be making in your new job and how your employer will calculate your wages. For example, most part-time jobs offer hourly wages, many full-time jobs offer salaries, and some internships may offer a stipend. If you’ll be making tips at your job (as a server, barista, etc.), that may affect your wages as well. Lastly, if you’re hired during the peak holiday season, your employer may offer signing bonuses or double pay on holidays. If you have any questions about your expected pay, be sure to get in touch with the company’s HR representative or hiring manager before accepting the job.

Scheduling and hours

Whether you are working a 40-hour week or are looking for a part-time job, scheduling is key to keep in mind as you make your decision. Ask the hiring manager if you will have a consistent schedule from week to week or if it will change often. If you’re balancing school and work, you will need to figure out how your work schedule fits into your class schedule. Being upfront about your needs with the hiring manager and knowing what to expect from your work schedule can help you make a decision that’s best for you.

Commute

How far is the new job from your home or from school? Do you plan to drive or take public transit to get there? Before accepting the job, map out your plan to commute to and from there. If it seems like it won’t be reasonable to get there consistently and on time on a regular basis, the job may not be a good fit. 

Benefits to consider

The most immediate benefit of a job is that you get paid for your time and talent, but there are many other benefits to consider. Does the job offer Paid Time Off (PTO), health insurance, or tuition support? Be sure to ask the hiring manager about these tangible benefits. There may be other intangible benefits to consider, as well, such as a job that is aligned with your interests and skills. Getting experience in a field or industry that interests you is a great benefit of a first job!

Team structure and management

Do you thrive while working on a team? Would you rather work alone? Do you work well with close supervision or prefer a more laid-back leader? Every job is different and every company has a unique culture. Be sure to ask about what kind of team you will work on and how the management culture is at the company.

Have any questions about finding your first job? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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Job Jargon Definitions & Meaning

Last updated September 16, 2025

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Starting a job can feel exciting and intimidating for many reasons – one of them being that there is a fair amount of jargon when starting. “Jargon” is a set of words that are specific to a certain topic. For example, if you play basketball, you likely know what free throws, slam dunks, and shooting percentages are. When you start a new job, you’ll see and hear words and acronyms like PTO, benefits, and W-4s being mentioned. But what do they mean and how do they work? We’ll break them down for you!

Understanding your paycheck and pay stub

Most of the job jargon you’ll see regularly will likely be on your paycheck. Read more about understanding your paycheck!

Human Resources (HR)

The Human Resources Department, also known as the HR Department, is there to ensure the well-being of all employees at the organization. This includes overseeing the entire employee life cycle: recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and helping employees understand their benefits and professional development opportunities. Check in with the HR representative at your job if you have questions about pay, benefits, or issues in the workplace. They’re there to support! Learn more about what HR does here.

Companies have policies in place for when employees need to miss work for various reasons, like when they’re sick, on vacation, need parental leave, or have been summoned for jury duty. These reasons for missing work are typically covered under PTO, or paid time off, which allows employees to take off specific amounts of time and be paid for them. Be sure to ask your HR representative about the company’s PTO policy and how it applies to your position. Your employer also may offer UTO, or unpaid time off. UTO is typically what it sounds like – time off from work that you won’t be paid for. Check in with your HR representative about your company’s UTO policy and how it applies to your position.

Benefits

Benefits at a job usually include things such as medical and dental insurance, life insurance, disability insurance, and access to a 401k. Depending on your company, you may have other benefits offered to you, like tuition support or reimbursement or discounts on products. It’s important to note that in most jobs, employees that aren’t full-time are usually not eligible to receive benefits, but be sure to check in with your HR representative to learn more.

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W-4

A W-4 is a tax form that you will fill out with your HR representative when you start your job. This form determines how much money in federal taxes will be withheld from your paychecks. If you make under a certain amount in a year, you will most likely not end up owing any federal taxes. For example, if you earned below $14,600 in wages in 2024, you did not need to file your taxes in 2025. Be sure to work with your HR representative to complete your W-4 accurately so that you know what to expect when it’s tax season.

W-2

Your W-2 is the primary form that you will use to file your taxes. Employers typically send employees their W-2s at the beginning of the year to give them enough time to file. If you have more than one job, you will receive a W-2 from each employer. If you have any questions about your W-2 and how you will use it to file your taxes, talk to your HR representative for support.

While there are many new acronyms and terms that come with starting a job, don’t be intimidated! Your managers, supervisors, and HR representative are there to support you. Do you have any more questions? Connect with a Get Schooled Advisor.

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