It's summer, and the buck stops here for many teens. The break is the perfect opportunity for teens to get their feet wet in becoming gainfully employed. In addition to getting workplace experience, the income can also ease the burden on Mom and Dad's purse. Although summer jobs were a dime a dozen decades ago, it's not as easy for young adults to land a summer gig with job market being as saturated by unemployed adults. Positions such as bag boys and fast food cashiers are now going to adults who need the money to keep a roof over their heads. According to the Center for Labor Market Studies, only one in four teens between 16 and 19 will have a summer job. Even more discouraging is that many parents rely on their teen children to help pay the bills. That's not to say that teens still can't find a way to earn extra income. The first step is to contact the local government for upcoming job fairs. These are a great opportunity for networking.
Go prepared with a resume that showcases any work experience you might have. If you're a newbie, include grades, extracurricular activities, awards and a list of references whom are willing to be contacted. It goes without saying that summertime is the season for camp counselors and life guards. Start contacting the different camps, parks, pools and beaches for any openings months in advance. Follow up on any potential leads. Check with local grocery stores, fast food restaurants, retail stores and all of the other usual suspects for any openings. Opt for places that your teens will be able to get to and from without any issue. If you're looking for other alternatives, consider these options. Have your teen seek out babysitting opportunities in the neighborhood. And if child care isn't up his alley, have your teen option himself out for dog walking or pet sitting, which can also become lucrative as he takes on more clients. If your teen excels in school, offer tutoring services for kids who are enrolled in summer school and need an extra helping hand. You may also consult with friends and family who own a business. Find out if they need an intern or extra set of hands around the business during the summer. These opportunities may also give your teen some hands-on experience in a professional work place.