As the end of the school year approaches, many students are eager to begin their summer. Many have already planned things to do such as vacations, summer jobs, sports, lake days, and more.
During the summer, teenagers have a lot more free time to pursue hobbies and even new jobs. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of summer 2024, approximately 54.5 percent of people 16-19 were employed. This increase is due to school being out, and a lot more free time.
Teens being employed is very important because it allows them to gain essential skills in the workplace, and also increases opportunities for jobs later in life. It also helps teenagers gain more independence, responsibility, and improved social skills.
Many students are beginning new summer jobs such as Stefs Pizza, including Analisa Van Gels (10) and Jason Burroughs (10). Van Gels expresses her excitement to begin a new job with friends from school. She explains how having a job is important for teens because it builds character, and school being out allows for teenagers to have more time to spend working.
“I wanted to get a job to save money, and I chose Stef’s because it is close to my house and the hours were good,” Van Gels said. Van Gels also explains that she is excited to have a job to have more spending money.
Sasha Benn (10) is also beginning a new job at Andy’s Frozen Custard. She explains that because school is out she has a lot more free time to pursue other things like a job.
“I wanted to get a job to learn personal responsibility,” Benn said.
Benn explains that Andy’s was the perfect job because she loves Andy’s and it is near her house.
“I am excited to start. I like the manager and I get to work with my friends,” Benn said.
Overall, summer is the perfect time for teenagers to find a job because they have a lot more free time with school being out, and most sports are not in session. In addition, having a job is very beneficial for teens because they can learn many workforce related skills, learn financial responsibility, and gain more independence.
