Summer jobs: Four tips for beating teen unemployment and boredom
(Read article summary)Summer jobs can be hard for teens to find. Record high unemployment rates for teenagers means they should be creative in making their own jobs or volunteer opportunities by looking around the neighborhood. These four tips will give them a jump start.
Experts predict that the teen unemployment rate this summer will reach a record high for the third consecutive year. This situation can cause undue stress on teens and their families. Many teens rely on this source of summer income to cover both recreational costs throughout the year and to save for college.
Parents rely not only on the monetary gains for their teens, but also on the structure, predictability and stability a regular summer job ensures. Many teens find themselves loafing around the house with little to do except sleep, eat, play video games, or spend endless hours on social networking websites. The boredom can lead to strain between parents and teens. Parents want their kids to be productive; teens are frustrated with their lack of success in securing a job. Both parents and their teens can become annoyed and irritable with each other and the situation in general.
While the situation may seem dire, there are some strategies parents and teens can implement to stave off the boredom and create structure. While there is no guarantee that your teen will walk away with a job, isn’t it at least worth a try?
1. Call around to create a job. Your local neighborhood is the best place to conjure up employment. Teens should let friends and neighbors know they are available to do odd jobs. Parents can help to spread the word by talking to friends, co-workers, neighbors and family members.
