A summer interrupted, on pause for longer and longer increments of time. The summer job is an essential part of many teen’s lives, but as COVID-19 seeps into more and more elements of day to day life, it takes things with it.
It’s been made very clear that for many people during the pandemic, finding any kind of work is a burdensome task. Unfortunately, it seems that this, in many ways, is even worse for teenagers. Finding financial independence is a hallmark of young adulthood. It’s another inch on the tether to one’s parents; an entirely new source of freedom. However, many teenagers may not get to experience it.
According to USA today, teenage unemployment is on the rise, and not by any choice of the individual. Unemployment rates soared to a record high that America hasn’t seen since the Great Depression. Part of that percentage is a staggering 30% of teens ages 16-19. According to one Bella Vista sophomore, it’s because jobs are harder to find than ever.
“People don’t really wanna hire you if you’re a kid, but I really can’t wait to make my own money.”
In difficult times, especially periods of such economic uncertainty, employers aren’t looking for new employees when COVID-19 regulations require them to lay off or rely less on their current workers. More saliently, employers really are not looking for inexperienced or younger workers among a growing population of unemployed adults. This can be a crushing blow to high schoolers and incoming college students who are looking to get a head start on book payments or student debts, and an especially hard time for those who have to provide for themselves without any parental aid, or for their families entirely.
As more and more stores begin to shut down or temporarily close, they remove their source of employment with them. Moreover, among the essential businesses left open, there are very few with job openings for teenagers. The only strong options left are fast food chains and grocery stores, giving a very small window of opportunity for those who may have already been employed by another retailer.
Despite the rousing amount of employers that do not look for younger and less experienced workers, there are a number of options for students.
It is paramount to stay safe, it’s not worth risking personal health and wellbeing for a job opportunity
Virtual options such as online tutoring or internships don’t require risking COVID exposure, but be warned, there is a very large pool of those applying. You can apply directly for math tutoring through a counselor/math teacher if you are in a sufficient math level, or alternatively, seek out private tutoring with a younger family member/relative.
Temporary employment is the best option for going out currently, under companies like DoorDash, or if you’re 18 Uber, Lyft, or UberEats
Freelance work from neighbors or family friends lowers COVID risks since it involves a group of people who already are in contact with each other. This includes jobs like pet-sitting, dog-walking, and babysitting. Many communities have an online area messageboard where you can post ads for your services
Apply as a day camp counselor or youth advisor (this of course involves social distancing restrictions)
Set up an online store or offer commissions. If you are capable with arts and crafts you may be able to make a significant amount of money selling your creations over your own site or via another like Etsy or Redbubble.
Though it doesn’t feel like it, this period is temporary. Eventually, though it seems like a dimly lit future, things will improve and go back to a new normal. Even if things don’t go back to the way they were before, normalcy is not a lost cause. It may seem now like the most formative years of life are being taken away, but in reality, there are many more years to come and many more changes to experience.