During the pandemic, many businesses had to close their doors and lay off workers. Now that everything is opening back up, there is a huge demand for labor. However, many adults are still hesitant to return to the workforce, either because they have health concerns, difficulty finding child care, decided to retire, or are trying to find higher wages to compensate for a year of financial struggle. As a result, businesses are counting on teenage workers to staff restaurants, golf clubs, resorts and other hot-weather entertainment spots emerging from pandemic lockdowns. Since businesses are struggling to find workers, teens are finding employment opportunities with more accommodating bosses, greater schedule flexibility and even higher pay than in summers past.

If your teen has ever been interested in obtaining a part-time job, there is a lot of opportunity this summer! Employment helps teens obtain valuable benefits, such as:

• Workplace skills. One of the biggest complaints of employers is that too many of today’s college students lack basic workplace experience. Summer jobs teach critical lessons in time management, respect, workplace norms, handling difficult people, problem solving, responsibility, and working within a team.
• Money management. Teens who are earning a paycheck get to make choices about what to do with their earnings, which is no better preparation for the adult responsibility of budgeting and managing finances.
• Constructive time. Simply put, employment gives teens less time to engage in risky behaviors.
• Resume builder. There is no question that employment is a great item to place on a college application or resume. It is always looked upon favorably by college admissions officers and future employers.

If your teen wants a job, but doesn’t know what type of employment to pursue, take a look at our previous blog Great Summer Jobs for Youth together to explore ideas.

If your teen doesn’t know how to apply for a job, read our previous blog How Teens Can Get That First Job to learn all about resumes, applications, and interviews.

Final Thoughts…

The post-pandemic job market is wide open to teenagers and offering a substantial amount of flexibility. A part-time job can help your teen become more responsible and independent, develop positive skills, explore interests, and increase self-esteem. Encourage your teen to at least explore these options.