Ah, the golden days of summer jobs! Remember when teens spent their summers flipping burgers or scooping ice cream? Well, times have changed, and it seems like those classic summer gigs are becoming a distant memory. According to writer Tara Johnson, many families now prioritize educational or volunteer experiences—like building latrines in Guatemala or meditating at a yoga retreat—over the good ol’ fashioned labor of our youth. But at what cost?
Tara’s friends often share what their kids are up to during summer break, leaving her scratching her head. Building latrines? Meditating? She can’t help but think about her own formative summers spent working construction or delivering newspapers. With the backdrop of a tractor accident that nearly ended her summers, Tara reflects on how these experiences shaped her character and work ethic.
Sure, today’s parents want to protect their kids from potential workplace mishaps, and let’s face it, a summer spent at a trendy internship might look better on college applications than working at the local diner. But those old-school jobs taught invaluable lessons—like how to manage a chaotic rush at a busy restaurant or how to truly appreciate the value of a dollar earned.
In her youth, Tara worked hard for her spending money, but jobs for teens are much harder to come by nowadays. The unemployment rate for 16- to 19-year-olds was an eye-popping 22.2% in 2013, compared to just 7.3% for the overall population. And let’s be real—many teens might find that their summer earnings barely put a dent in looming college tuition costs. So why not opt for that yoga retreat or the construction project abroad?
While those experiences are enriching, Tara believes missing out on traditional summer jobs is a loss. The truth is, delaying that first job until after college extends the childhood bubble, which can make adulting feel like a rude awakening.
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In summary, while summer jobs for teens may be waning due to changing priorities and economic factors, the lessons learned from those early work experiences are irreplaceable. Delaying entry into the workforce can impact maturity and essential life skills.