With changes in the economy, job market, and parental beliefs, the arguments about adolescent employment change as well.
At the present time, statistics indicate that the employment rate for high school graduates is around 20 percent, which demonstrates where the current attitude toward this issue lies within the general population.
Benefits of Teen Jobs
Working during high school has been proven to be a better preparation for a child’s future, according to many parents, educators, and teens. In spite of the fact that many of these benefits have not been thoroughly researched, they are backed by experience and history.
- Boosts confidence by building self-esteem
- Enhances the skills required for a job
- Networking opportunities are created as a result of this program
- Enhances the income of an individual or family by adding to their income
- Educates the student on the importance of money
Reduces Violence
An analysis of more than 1,500 disadvantaged youth has shown that a summer work program or a related work program can have a significant impact on reducing violent behavior among these teens by over 40%.
Having a busy schedule, feeling purposeful and respected, and being able to envision a brighter future gives young people a greater chance of disengaging from negative behaviors.
Having a job will not guarantee a teenager will remain off the streets forever, but there is evidence that it can help them stay out of trouble.
Predicts Future Job Success
When it comes to getting a successful job as an adult, youth with disabilities face added challenges, but obtaining employment during high school can help them overcome these hurdles.
Among the top predictors of the likelihood that kids in special education programs will be able to obtain competitive employment after graduation is the level of work experience they had during high school.
There is no doubt that these professional experiences provide youth with confidence and job skills, as well as showing future employers what they are capable of during their internships.
Improves School Attendance
Despite what may seem counterintuitive, having a summer job has been shown to have a slight impact on school attendance among teens ages 16 and older who have summer jobs.
It has been shown that teens may be more motivated to attend school if they are able to acquire skills learned from employment such as time management and an understanding of how education relates to their employment.
Drawbacks of Teen Jobs
It is important to keep in mind, however, that some youth, caregivers, and teachers find that teen jobs have more drawbacks than benefits. It is often the case that teens are most likely to experience these negative consequences when they:
- Working too many hours is not good for your health
- Work on challenging projects if you are able to
- You probably have a lot of extracurricular activities on your schedule as well
- Taking on other adult responsibilities, such as caring for children, can be a great challenge
Takes Time Away From Education
In order for young adults to get a job that is suitable for them, they will need to earn a college degree or a four-year degree, and that means that education will have to be prioritized. In recent decades, there has been a decline in the employment rate of teens.
There are many reasons why young people may not be able to find a job today, and the most common one is school. As a result of advanced classes, college courses, and summer homework, teens just don’t have as much free time as they used to have for after-school jobs or summer jobs as they once did.
Might Hinder Financial Aid Awards
It may seem like a good idea to save up to pay for your college education, but earning too much could actually cause you financial problems in the long run. As part of the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is taken into account when calculating your financial aid awards.
As long as you make more than $6,420, about half of what you make over that benchmark counts towards calculating your family’s EFC if you make more than $6,420.
A high income or a large sum of savings could have an adverse effect on your ability to receive financial aid if you have both.
Puts Added Pressure On Teens
A teen’s anxiety level can increase as a result of working part-time during the summer or during the school year. A large number of adolescents who are considering employment are concerned about the process of reaching out to strangers, opening themselves up to rejection, and dealing with the fear of failure.
The most common psychiatric disorder for teenagers is anxiety disorders, which account for nearly 40 percent of all psychiatric disorders in this group.
Choose What Works for You
There are some teens who have no choice but to work while there are others who do not need a job at all. When it comes to finding a job during your teenage years, you should take into consideration your life and goals for the future.