Finding a job as a teenager can be difficult, especially for freshmen. Many jobs require prior experience and others won’t hire anyone younger than age 16, which can make the hunt for a first job very stressful.
Additionally, those that are 16 and have no previous job experience may have just as hard of a time getting a job as those under the age of 16.
Freshman (and 16-year-old) Kayla Amos has been struggling to find a first job without prior work involvement.
“[I don’t think] age plays as big of a factor as experience does,” Amos said.
But where do employers expect students to get their experience if no one will hire them without it?
“I am 16, and that is a good age to be hired,” Amos said. “I have applied for about 15 jobs, I’ve been interviewed for about eight, and I have only been accepted at two.”
Due to legal restrictions, the minimum age of employment in Michigan is 14 and all employees under the age of 18 must have a permit to legally work.
There are few places in the area that will hire 14 and 15-year-olds, but finding them is far more difficult than it needs to be.
Though job search sites have the option to apply filters to job searches, they don’t always work, especially when searching for jobs that hire 14 and 15-year-olds.
Having a filter specifically for age would be very accommodating for those hunting for a first job.
Jobs can be very valuable for young teens. It teaches them the importance of making money, time management and more.
According to Walden University, “[Having a job] can teach the value of money. Without a job, teenagers must rely on other people’s money. Having a job gives students their own money and can help them understand the true value of a dollar.”
Jobs have also been proven to help students acquire more responsibility both in the classroom and in the workplace as well as strengthen their abilities in school.
“Some studies have found that part-time jobs improve students’ grades and responsible behaviors, give students an edge in the workforce, and make them less likely to drop out of school,” Molly McElroy, a researcher for the University of Washington said.
I understand that many employers are reluctant to hire 14 and 15-year-olds due to transportation complications. Though it is a completely valid point, there are few teens that will apply for a job they can’t show up to.
Younger teens want to make money and many can’t without a job. Though some get an allowance for doing chores, getting good grades, etc. not everyone has that option.
With that, there should be more employment opportunities for younger, inexperienced students as it can be very beneficial both in school and at work. Not to mention, having a job at a younger age can pave the way for more future opportunities.
