Teen employment rates in seasonal, summer, part time, and full-time jobs have decreased since the year 1978, according to the Pew Research Center. This lack of employment has evolved into a financial decline and lowered purchase rates for teens, which in turn is becoming a problem for the modern generation and our consumer-based economy.
First, teenagers need jobs or something to take them away from an otherwise basic routine. With the rise of technology, teens are losing that genuine factor when it comes to interaction and they’re also adapting to wasting time. However, this isn’t the case for 28.7%-35% of teens between the ages of 16 and 19 who as of 2017-18 are employed and attending classes according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These teens are dedicating their time to gaining life skills and experience.
Secondly, teens need job experience for future reference. Businesses want adaptable experienced employees. Someone can be the smartest in their class, but that doesn’t guarantee a position, especially if they have little to no experience.
Thirdly, they need to learn how to manage financial situations, and they also need an income. Necessities and basic items have become more expensive, and with the increase in unemployment, it’s harder to pay for these necessities, which puts a crutch on a percentage of the economy.
Some might say that teens should focus on school, social lives, and extra curriculars; they also might say that jobs are not necessary at this age, and although that may be true in some instances, it is not always applicable or financially sound.
Jobs are a smart idea and a good time investment, and more teens should give it a go. With jobs teens can purchase desires and necessities, as well as their basic teenage expenses.
All parents do not raise their kids the same, and some might have to pay for everyday requirements such as insurance and a car and gas for said car, for example.
Jobs can also lessen the gap in social groups. There will always be a group of elitists and that won’t change, but jobs allow teens to receive an advantage others might not in terms of independence and self-reliance. Teens with jobs learn the values of rewards earned and saved rather than given and expected.
In a society filled with expenses, elitists, economy, and basic needs, jobs are the answer teens need. Sometimes it becomes a way to adjust and fit in. Teens need jobs just as much as adults, and in some cases more so as it is a stepping stone into careers and the world of employment and financial stability. So, this summer pick up an application and get ahead of the curve; it will pay off in the end.