What is it really like to be a teenager trying to earn money today? Between school responsibilities, limited experience, and transportation issues, many local teens face challenges that adults can’t see. Teens often say that finding a job is harder than expected.
Some businesses prefer older workers with more experience, even for entry-level positions. Others struggle with transportation, especially if they don’t have a car or reliable rides. On top of that, balancing school, sports, and family responsibilities can make keeping a job stressful.
According to Kelly Broyles of the Career Research and Development Staff at Wilde Lake High School, less students have been getting jobs lately because it depends on the student and how motivated they are. Mrs. Broyles said, “I had some students that were able to find a job pretty quickly because they were constantly applying. But if students are not making it their everyday priority then they would lose their position because another student grabbed it.”
The biggest struggles teens run into when trying to find a job include following-up and standing out during the application process. Many teenagers submit applications expecting the businesses to call them back, but without consistent follow-up, their chances of getting hired can be very slim.
Employers often receive large numbers of applications, making it important for teens to show initiative and persistence. Sometimes age requirements make it difficult for students to obtain jobs because businesses prefer older employees. While these policies can limit opportunities for younger teens, they are often set with specific reasons in mind. Do you think age requirements make it harder for younger teens to get hired?
Mrs. Broyles said, “yes and no,” she explained, noting that some age requirements are appropriate because they are based on maturity levels. She also pointed out that many of these rules are connected to labor laws, which regulate how long students can work during the school week.
For example, there are limits on the number of hours teens can work to ensure their education remains the priority. Mrs. Broyles believes that while age limits can feel restrictive, they are sometimes necessary for certain jobs to protect students and ensure they are ready for the responsibilities that come with employment.
Senior Ashanti Stucky is one of the many student-athletes at Wilde Lake High School that works to balance playing a high school sport and being employed. Ashanti says that trying to find a job as a teenager was very challenging. She explained that she submitted many applications and went through several interviews, but often never heard back from employers. However, when she applied for the job she currently has, the experience was welcoming, which made her feel more comfortable and confident.
Ashanti also said that “None of the jobs got back to me until I turned 16 years old.” Balancing school, cheer and a job can be difficult, but Ashanti manages her schedule through strong time management skills. She explained that she tries to finish her homework before practice, balance her activities carefully, and use her phone calendar to keep track of tests and assignments.
Ashanti also offered advice to other teens who want to manage both a job and a sport. She recommends making sure you are truly ready for the responsibility and remembering you prioritize your needs if it begins to feel overwhelming. According to Mrs. Broyles, students should also focus on building a strong resume. She encourages teens to include higher level classes, academies they participate in, volunteer work, or even experiences like providing childcare.
Broyles explained that the way students describe their experiences on a resume can make a big difference in how they appeal to employers. Mrs. Broyles also advises teens to keep trying to find a job until they are hired. She suggests continuing to check in about applications and staying persistent throughout the process.
In addition, she recommends having a professional voicemail message rather than one with music or informal language, explaining that it should sound formal and appropriate. She also believes that following up in person shows more effort than simply calling. Broyles said that having a job as a teenager can be valuable because it helps students build important life skills such as communication, responsibility, and problem solving.
From expert advice to real student experiences, it’s evident that having a job as a teen can be difficult to balance, but it helps students grow and prepare for the future.