A lot of the teenagers I know have had a really hard time finding jobs, and some of those who have had to promise to stay into the school year (not just a summer gig). I’m not the only one who’s finding this. The Los Angeles Times had a column about it – from a mom who’s daughter (or any of her friends) can’t find a job. But this mom says the lack of job opportunities is because her daughter is a snob.
“My daughter is willing to bag groceries, but only at Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s. She wouldn’t mind selling clothes, but root around in a dusty storeroom for size 7 loafers? Never. In my neighborhood, I’m surrounded by kids who have grown up considering summertime leisure a birthright, and now find their parents unwilling or unable to fuel their cars or fund their lattes.”
Now, hold on a minute. I know what it’s like to have a particular job in mind. My first summer job was at a bookstore – my dream job! – but it took my a month of looking before they hired me. And I had looked everywhere, not just places I would like to work, but places I thought would hire me. Even the snow shack in the grocery store parking lot. (Apparently, I wasn’t qualified to make snow cones. I’m probably still not. I’m way too big of a klutz.)
But do you think teenagers are really being snobs? Or is it really just that hard to get a job these days? I tend to think our economic state is making it nearly impossible for even the most well-meaning, willing-to-do-anything teen to get some summer work. What do you think?
Oh, and if you’re looking for some more unconventional ways to fund your summer fun, check out this old post of mine on thrifty teens.
