Classes have started again this week, and teenagers and young adults all over the country are no doubt slowly easing back into their daily routines (or in bed recovering) after the effects of Spring Break 2003. Many of my peers probably vacationed at a beach setting somewhere last week, yet others chose to spend a quiet break with family and friends at home. I chose the latter.
I started out my spring break with a hefty to-do list of things I needed to catch up on after a particularly unmotivating semester left me with a pile of school work that needed to be done. I’m happy to report that I managed to plow through most of my school work, but somewhere down the line the call of the couch and my new discovery of the American Classic Movie channel sidetracked me from checking off one of the most important items on my list: finding a summer job.
My week of rest and relaxation may end up hurting me more than I realize, because today’s economy woes and weak job market no longer are affecting only adults — many teenagers are now beginning to feel the pinch as well.
According to the Associated Press, a national unemployment rate of 5.8 percent is leaving many teenagers and young adults competing with adults for jobs that used to be designated for them, such as retail and restaurant jobs.
Junior Achievement Inc., an educational resource for teens and young adults about business and the economy, reports on its Web site in a poll it conducted on teens that about 80 percent of teens and young adults will look for a job this summer, but probably only half will get jobs. Last year only about 40 percent of teens and young adults surveyed found a job that paid.
So, what are teens and young adults supposed to do when they have to compete against older adults? Monster.com, one of the largest and most comprehensive resume-swapping sites on the Web, suggests networking as an option. Just turning in an application is not enough anymore.
Junior Achievement suggests the same. Talk to parents, talk to friends who have jobs, even talk to professors in order to get your name out and let people know you are looking for a job. It may seem like a lot of work and may not be enjoyable, but in order to get a decent job it may be necessary.
Don’t just look for the usual kinds of jobs either. Use your imagination and don’t apply just for retail or food industry jobs. Through talking to people, money-making opportunities might arise. It’s advisable to keep your mind as well as your eyes open.
Another piece of advice echoed from economists and other job hunters — don’t give up. It may take a little longer than usual to find a job this summer, but it’s not impossible.
So, if you have a job already, consider yourself lucky. And if you’re going to be going to summer school or traveling abroad and don’t have to put yourself in the job market, consider yourself even luckier. For the rest of you who are jobless like me, I wish you luck in your search. Remember, don’t give up. Consider looking for a job as an adventure. That’s what I’m telling myself.
And to any employers out there, I’m available!