If you are under the age of 18, the law restricts where you can work.  This is because lawmakers tend to believe that juveniles need to be protected.  There are some jobs out there that are dangerous and lawmakers feel that it is best to leave those jobs up to people who should be old enough to make responsible decisions regarding the risks of a particular job. 

So, where you can work depends on your age.  If you are under the age of 14, your choices will be very limited.  If your parents own and operate a business, you can work there no matter how old you are.  You can also work as an actor or singer at any age.  If you are 12 or 13, you can work on a farm with your parents permission. 

Once you are 14 years old, you will have a few more options.  Juveniles that are 14 or 15 years old can work as cashiers, sales personnel, and serving food and beverages (but not alcohol).  14 and 15 year olds cannot do any type of work that involves ladders, food preparation, or warehousing. 

Juveniles that are 16 or 17 years old can work in just about any job that has not been declared hazardous by the Secretary of Labor.  Hazardous jobs include: working with explosives, coal mining, exposure to radioactive substances, roofing, using power tools, and several other jobs. 

Once you are 18, most restrictions are removed, except for the requirement that bar tenders be at least 21 year old. 

For more information with examples of appropriate employment for juveniles, check out the S.C. Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation's website.