| Teens want to work. This is clearly
evident by the millions of ambitious teens with a broad range
of interests, self-motivation and drive that visit www.Teens4Hire.org
in search of landing a full or part time job.
Our March 2004 poll* reveals that 52% of teens feel their
income is a necessity rather than a luxury. And, 23% feel
that work experience early in life will help prepare them
for the future.
Teens are hardest hit by the U.S. jobless economic recovery
and other employment factors.
In June 2003, 40.9% of teens 16-19 were jobless representing
the lowest level of employment in 55 years! 2004 should be
better, but not by much.
There will be some of the traditional jobs available for
teens in 2004, however, teens will be competing with older
job seekers for those jobs because older workers are being
courted by businesses to remain in the labor force.
Many businesses tell us they have been dismayed by teen workers.
They say teens, “just want a paycheck and are not really
willing to work.” They add that teens, “have bad attitudes
and are unreliable.”
Businesses lament that teens feel they are “entitled” to
a job and often don't realize that they have to prepare themselves
for the work place and understand the basic needs of business.
As a result, many of the potential businesses with whom teens
seek employment, will not proactively extend themselves to
teen job seekers.
There are more teens than openings, so these businesses,
in general, can sit back and wait for applicants to come knocking
on their doors.
Opportunities are greatest for 18-19 year old teens that
are “A” students with great interpersonal skills and networking
know-how. While our poll shows that 44% of teens want to work
in a retail store, most national retailers will not even consider
teens under 18. In 2000, many of them did.
Teens will have to be assertive to secure a job in 2004.
Teens must demonstrate that they are willing to work, have
positive attitudes, are reliable and understand the needs
of the business. To better prepare, teens should review our
Top Ten Tips to Land a Job.
Teens should also consider non-paying volunteer positions
to gain work experience.
And, teens should consider starting their own businesses
this year to earn the money they need.
Here are 10 ideas on businesses that teens could
start.
- House-sitting/cleaning
- Pet-sitting, walking, washing
- Lawn Care
- Personal assistant
- Tutoring
- Car wash/detailing
- Assembling products
- Arts and crafts sales
- Garage sale coordinator
- Party/Event planner
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