Why Are Teens Working Less?
Category : My First Job
From a MarketWatch Article by Ruth Mantell – “New data indicates that last years labor-force participation rate for 16- to 19-year-olds hit 41.3% — down from a peak of 57.9% in 1979, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Experts cite increasing competition for jobs, as well as low wages and high pressure for college admittance as factors keeping kids out of the labor pool.”
The article continues, “In 2006, the typical earnings of more than half of working older teenagers were less than $200 per week, according to BLS. With wages like these, even parents see that extracurricular activities such as sports and clubs can be better options to help kids prepare for their future, Goodman says.”
I think that teens can participate in sports and clubs and hold down jobs, and I think that there are a lot of benefits from working… but there is something to be said about the decision between making a choice between playing a sport and making less than $200 a week. Although most teens (and parents) I know would be happy to have an extra $800 in their pocket, the statistics show that the percentage of teens participating in the labor force is going down.
Teens want to work, they just dont know how to find jobs, and how to apply for them. This is where Myfirstpaycheck.com | Jobs for Teenagers can help, but it also requires the understanding and effort of hiring managers.
It might take a little more effort to hire a teen, but the long term benefit is immeasurable.
Why do you think teens are working less?