1.5
STARTING A NEW JOB

Topic 1.5 Lesson Plan 

DISCUSSION PROMPT:
Why is the first day of work so stressful? 

Write your responses to the questions. Then, share what you wrote with your classmates or a partner.

1. Why is the first day at a new job so stressful? What are import documents that must be signed (either on day one or before)?

2. On payday, how would you like to receive your money??

VIDEO:
How to Read a Pay Stub
Whether you’re paid on a regular schedule or sporadically, it’s important to know how to read your pay stub. Watch this short video, then follow the directions to answer the questions within the Google Form. 

1. What is the difference between gross pay and net pay? 

2. What are Pre-Tax Deductions and Contributions? 

3. What are two examples of Employer Contributions? 

THE FINE PRINT:
Pay Stub

Now that you know what’s on a paystub and how your W-4 impacts the taxes portion of your paycheck, let’s put your knowledge to the test. Follow the directions on the worksheet to complete this activity. 

REFERENCE POINT:
Employer Responsibilities

In addition to direct compensation & other optional benefits or perks, the law requires your employer to offer a few basic benefits. Review this deck to find out what these requirements are, & then we will answer the questions as a class.

1. In your opinion, which slides from the deck outline employer responsibilities most beneficial to you as a teen worker or other teen workers?  

2. Why do you think the government mandates some specific benefits and policies for all employers to follow?

VIDEO:
The US's History of Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance 

You may be surprised to learn that most full-time employees get their health insurance through their employer (even if you don’t work in the insurance or healthcare fields). How did the United States come up with this system? Watch the clipped portion of this video and then respond to the prompts.

1. In your own words, describe how the system of employer-sponsored health insurance came to exist in the US. 

2. One PRO of getting your health insurance through your employer is it’s cheaper than buying a private plan in most cases, & at many jobs, your employer pays part of the premiums, too. But, brainstorm a possible CON of employer-sponsored healthcare.

VIDEO:
What is a 401(k)? 

You just learned that, in addition to your income, some jobs offer health insurance as a benefit. Another highly valued benefit is a 401(k) plan, which is a retirement investment account. Watch the video & then answer the questions.

1. When do you pay taxes on money invested in a 401(k)? 

2. What advantages does a 401(k) plan have over saving for retirement in your bank account? 

3. Describe what a vesting period is. Why do you think companies would include a vesting period on employees’ 401(k) plans?