When Can I Start Working?

Quck answer

When Can I Go To Work?

– You can go to work if you are feeling well and have no symptoms of illness.

– If you have been diagnosed with a contagious disease, follow the guidelines provided by healthcare professionals before returning to work.

– If you have been in contact with someone who has a contagious disease, it is recommended to self-quarantine and get tested before going back to work.

– Some workplaces may have specific protocols in place for employees returning to work after an illness or exposure. It is important to check with your employer for any additional requirements.

– Remember to prioritize your health and the health of others when deciding to return to work.


For most kids reading today’s Wonder of the Day, your main job is going to school. You wake up, get ready, have breakfast, and then go to school. Your responsibility is to try your best to learn as much as you can.

Why? So that one day you can have a real job and earn money to support yourself and your family. And if you think school is a lot of work…just wait! Ask your parents. We bet they would switch places with you in a heartbeat!

Many kids look forward to the day when they can have a job of their own. Some kids look forward to the independence. Others look forward to the money they will earn and what they can do with it. Still others eagerly await the opportunity to do something important for others.

So what do you think about having a job? Are you ready? Are you excited about it? What do you think you want to be when you grow up? And why aren’t there more kids working in the world today?

In many parts of the world, children do start working at a young age. Unfortunately, many of the jobs are dangerous and put children at risk of serious illness or injury. Many countries, including the United States, have specific laws that regulate the age when children can work and what types of jobs are suitable for children.

These laws are known as child labor laws. They don’t prohibit children from working altogether. Instead, they aim to ensure that children aren’t taken advantage of or forced to work in hazardous situations or for long hours that would jeopardize their health and safety or prevent them from attending school.

During the Industrial Revolution, many children were forced to work in factories under unsafe conditions. Today, the majority of child labor worldwide occurs in agriculture (farming) rather than factories. Many of these child laborers work for free for their parents in areas where poverty is high and everyone has to work to make ends meet.

So what exactly qualifies as child labor? According to international law, child labor is any work performed by children under the age of 12, light work (work that doesn’t harm a child’s health or interfere with school attendance) by children aged 12-14, and hazardous work done by children aged 15-17.

Is all child labor bad? Not at all! Many families involve their children in family businesses from a young age. That doesn’t mean that those children don’t receive an education or miss out on their childhood. They simply help out around the family farm or business as part of growing up.

If you’re under 12, don’t be in a rush to grow up too quickly! Enjoy your childhood while you can. Get the best education possible. There will be plenty of years ahead for work.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have an interest in working at a young age. But instead of jumping into a work situation, explore what the world has to offer. Look into various careers and learn as much as you can about them. You never know when that exploration will lead you to the career that will shape the rest of your life!

Give it a Try

It’s time to put your knowledge into practice! Apply what you’ve learned from today’s Wonder of the Day. Get together with a friend or family member and try out one or more of the following activities:

  • Do you happen to know any children who have jobs? Ask around among your classmates, neighbors, and relatives. There’s bound to be a teenager who is employed. If possible, interview that teenager to learn everything you can about their job. When did they start working? How did they find their job? What aspects of working do they enjoy? What parts do they dislike? You never know when you might get inspired to find your own job as a teenager!
  • What types of careers might interest you when you grow up? One way to find out is by trying out different jobs when you’re younger. Of course, you won’t always be able to do the exact same work. However, even working alongside someone in a particular field can give you an idea of whether that career might appeal to you in the future. For example, if you think you might want to become a pharmacist someday, you could work in a local pharmacy stocking shelves. Create a list of five to ten potential future careers and then brainstorm the types of jobs you could do as a teenager to gain insight into those careers.
  • Are you ready to earn some extra money? Even if you’re too young to have a regular job in a factory or store, that doesn’t mean you can’t gain experience and earn a little spending money on the side! Ask your friends and family if they have any chores suitable for someone your age. Can you help babysit a relative? How about weeding the garden, mowing the grass, dusting the house, washing the dishes, or folding the laundry? There are all sorts of tasks you can do today to get a sense of what real work is like. Maybe you can even assist a friend or family member with their actual job. If possible, spend a day at work with a friend or family member to see what “real” work is all about. You never know when you might learn something that sparks an interest in a future career!

Sources of Wonder

  • http://www.continuetolearn.uiowa.edu/laborctr/child_labor/about/us_history.html
  • http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/childlabor/ (accessed 28 Oct., 2022)
  • http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/story/2012-01-24/regulations-kids-farm-work/52778304/1

FAQ

1. When can I go back to work after being sick?

You can go back to work after being sick when you have fully recovered and are no longer contagious. This usually depends on the type of illness you had. For common illnesses like the flu or a cold, it is recommended to wait until you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication. It is also important to consider the advice of your healthcare provider and follow any specific guidelines they may have given you.

2. When can I return to work after a surgery?

The time it takes to return to work after a surgery depends on the type of surgery and your individual recovery process. It is best to consult with your surgeon or healthcare provider for specific guidelines. In general, for minor surgeries, you may be able to return to work within a few days to a week. For more complex surgeries, it may take several weeks or even months before you are able to return to work. Your healthcare provider will assess your condition and advise you on when it is safe to go back to work.

3. When can I go back to work after giving birth?

The time it takes to go back to work after giving birth varies for each individual and depends on several factors such as the type of delivery, overall health, and the nature of your job. In many countries, maternity leave is provided to allow new mothers time to recover and bond with their newborn. The duration of maternity leave varies, but it is generally recommended to take at least 6-8 weeks off before returning to work. However, it is important to listen to your body and consult with your healthcare provider to ensure you are physically and emotionally ready to go back to work.

4. When can I go back to work after a serious injury?

The time it takes to go back to work after a serious injury depends on the severity of the injury and the type of work you do. In some cases, you may need to take an extended period of time off to fully recover and rehabilitate. It is important to follow the advice of your healthcare provider and attend any necessary physical therapy sessions to ensure a safe return to work. They will assess your progress and provide guidance on when it is appropriate for you to go back to work. It is crucial to prioritize your health and not rush the process to avoid further complications or reinjury.

5. When can I go back to work after being on maternity leave?

The time to return to work after being on maternity leave depends on various factors, including the duration of your leave and the policies of your employer. In many cases, employees return to work after taking a maternity leave of 12 weeks or more. However, some individuals may choose to extend their leave or opt for a flexible work schedule to balance their responsibilities as a parent. It is important to have open communication with your employer and discuss your plans for returning to work in order to make arrangements that suit both parties.

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