Finding a summer job has become harder than ever before for teenagers. A number of teenagers in the US have reported that they have tried to apply for summer jobs, but have found themselves competing with too many other people to ever really have a chance at getting the post with relatively no experience.
In fact, many of the applicants are reportedly school teachers who are looking for summer work to keep them busy.
Seasonal jobs have traditionally been reserved for college students, home for summer, and for high school students who are looking for a little extra cash. However, with the economy in shambles, it has become clear that more and more everyday adult workers are becoming willing to take second jobs to ensure that they are able to meet all of their bills.
Companies that are hiring over the summer break have to deal with hundreds of applications. While a good portion of them come from students who are looking for summer work, a great deal of them also are from unemployed individuals who are looking for a job to help them make ends meet.
Employment for 16-19 year old individuals has reached an all time low according a recent survey. In November 2009, only 26.2% of individuals in that age range were employed. In 2000, that number was much higher at 45.2%. Paying for college is also a serious concern for these individuals.
Many work throughout the summer to help them pay for their room and board when they go back to college, so they can avoid living in dorms.
It has become clear that the work environment in the country has changed dramatically in recent months, making it increasingly hard for these people to continue living on their own, and increasingly hard for them to find work during the summer months.
Category: Opinion
