Sunday, 20 January 2008 19:00
Ever since the horror stories began about the new generation of workers entering the workplace having never heard the word "no" and exhibiting a work ethic (or lack thereof) that didn’t exist when our generation started working, speculation has grown about why this is. Is it because of helicopter parents? Rising divorce rates that cause some distracted parents to give their kids less of the attention and discipline they need are instead replaced with bribes to pacify them? The desire of parents these days to be friends with their children first and parents second?
Well here comes a new theory, and it’s one I’ve believed in all along. The number of teenagers with part-time jobs has dropped significantly in recent years. While that number was once well above half, it has dropped to just over 40% nationwide and less in many states.
While some parents (and teens) may see this as a good thing, there’s a lot to be said for a part-time job, even if it’s just during the summer. Kids with jobs learn valuable lessons about responsibility and hard work, figure out how to deal with the social and political aspects of a job, learn how to manage both their money and their time, and often come away with a feeling of independence and accomplishment. It’s exactly this type of obligation that provides the growth necessary for college and the real world, something kids can’t really get anywhere else.
So why do so few have jobs today? That not so hard to figure out. With families overscheduled like never before, many kids don’t have time for a job between the lessons and the practices, and when they do have free time you can bet it’s spent preparing college applications or getting SAT tutoring. Jobs just don’t look as good on an application as piano performances and varsity athletics. It’s ironic that parents do everything possible to help their kids get ahead, and yet fail to see how so much of this is having the exact opposite effect.
When we were growing up, teens having a job was the norm. And in so many ways, it was for the better. So if you really want your kids to have success in the future, give them the necessary skills now. And I guarantee they’ll still be able to get their homework done.
» 1 Comment
1Comment
at Monday, 17 March 2008 10:21
I think you're right! I had a part time job growing up. I made insurance payments and bought my own clothes. If I didn't work, I didn't have anything to wear.
Since they were 15, I encouraged my kids to get part-time jobs. I felt it was more important for them to learn good work ethic than have another extra-curricular activity. I'm afraid the kids are used to being entertained and having their whole day planned. Jobs help teens learn to motivate themselves and to work as a team.
» Post Comment
Only registered users can write a comment.
Please login or register.
