Last summer, how many times did you hear the same sad story from your teens—usually as they hit you up for cash? Yes, they said, they’d tried to get jobs. They’d pounded the pavement, submitted the resume, and filled out the application. There just weren’t any positions to be had. Sound familiar?
To be honest, it was bad. In fact, teen unemployment rates last summer were about as high as they’ve ever been. These tough times came on the heels of some great years not so long ago, when there were decent jobs that went unfilled for lack of warm bodies to take them.
The reason so many teens were unable to find summer employment was that there were a lot of other people—older, more experienced people—also looking for work. As the economy slows, the hardest hit are those with the fewest credentials. Positions typically filled by younger kids went to more established members of the workforce. And, of course, the sluggish economy meant there were fewer jobs available in the first place.
Long-term demographics are also making things more difficult, thanks to what has been called the “baby boom echo” or the “baby boomlet.” The baby boom is officially defined as those born between 1946 and 1964; many of this super large generation are now raising teens. Thus, the baby boom echo. The generation will peak in 2009, with the largest high school graduating class in US history. Competition is already fierce for positions in top colleges; prepare for it to get worse. This summer, however, things are looking a little brighter on the teen job front. The general recovery in the economy is helping lead to the creation of positions across a wide range of skill levels. Travel is expected to be up, both thanks to the ongoing recovery and to shrinking fears related to terrorism, so there are more jobs at resorts, theme parks, and other perennial hot spots for summer work.
The Internet is a great resource for identifying positions, with websites sponsored by government agencies and a spectrum of public and private entities. (One word of warning is in order, however; there are, as always, websites offering dubious benefits at sometimes high prices. Proceed with caution any time money is solicited.)
Potential employers should know there are laws prohibiting teens of certain ages from working at jobs such as those using certain types of power equipment which could be dangerous, involving roofing or excavating, and some other types of work. There are also state and federal tax considerations if payments surpass specified minimum levels. Even so, hiring a kid for the summer can be a terrific business decision.
Potential teen employees should consider the benefits of working as reaching beyond the dollars earned this summer. Job experience can be invaluable in choosing a future career path. It can also help with college admissions and scholarships. As such, even unpaid internships can pay off in the end. In fact, it can be a good strategic move to accept such an internship even if it means foregoing short-term income.
Many teens are looking for jobs because they want to pay for a car, trip, or other items. Some are putting away money for college, and many say they need a job to help support their family. They expect to work in retail stores, restaurants, offices, and lawn services firms. A growing number are finding success through their own entrepreneurial activities.
Like virtually everyone looking for work, teens are facing a more difficult struggle than several years ago. But the worst is over, and this year should be noticeably better than last. When possible, teens should be encouraged to look for work that is meaningful, can enhance their long-term earnings stream, and (most importantly) helps them find their path to future happiness as a permanent member of the workforce. (One of my sons is selling popcorn at the movie theatre; he wants to be filmmaker.)