Effects of Unemployed Teens
Unemployment for Americans aged 16 to 19 is at an all time high – 27%. It’s a segment of our workforce that has been hard hit by the recession, yet largely overlooked. Though unemployment among adults is a pressing matter, the long term affects of unemployment among our youth is something we should be just as concerned about.
What affect will this have on teens’ work ethic?
Are there major consequences to young people not getting job experience in their most impressionable years?
Is this hindering their ability and interest to learn about financial literacy and money management?
Is this negatively shaping their views of money and finances or shifting it in some other way?
What are the psychological effects for teens that spend many months looking for a job only to be turned down repeatedly?
How does this affect their confidence and feeling of self worth/self esteem in a time when they are most self conscious?
Is this hurting some teens’ ability to gain higher education because they can’t find a job and save up for college, as many teens have had to do in the past?
The fact is these teens will soon be young adults out in the real world and a large part of our work force. The affects of teen unemployment is a discussion worth having as it may affect how financial educators approach and work with this age group for years to come.
Ace Elliott
Debtfreeu.org
Director of Content / Project Manager
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by collin schriver
On January 26, 2010 at 5:24 pm
I don’t see this as necessarily a cause for alarm.
If they need the money for rent, groceries, etc., well, then, this is a big deal.
But most teens want a job so they can go to the movies, gas up Dad’s car, or hit Mickey Dees.
Self-esteem? Go volunteer…they’ll feel better about “giving back” than collecting a paycheck. Plus they’ll learn very valuable life lessons.
Earning a paycheck and self esteem are not related, in my humble obviously uneducated mind.
College education is important. But all a kid has to do today is maintain a B average in high school and there are tons of cash available for college in states that have a lottery system.
My teen has worked as a cart attendant for a yr as he saves up money for college. Since then, 22 kids have started and quit. What does it say about their work ethic when they get a job and then quit simply because they do not like the job?
by Helen Gibson
On January 26, 2010 at 7:02 pm
I believe that teens without work is a decent problem. One, they often do not have activities after school to get involved in. Although many teens could be encouraged to volunteer, many teens will actually work for money to get a car (no encouragement needed).
I am surprised by how many teens do not have even an allowance, but just treat mom and/or dad as an ATM of funds. They are not learning how to manage money in a protected environment where their house isn’t on the line. We learn in stages, and I wish more teens were able to begin to manage money when the stakes are not as high.
by Mark Mitchell
On January 26, 2010 at 7:47 pm
The long term effect is bad. Especially for under-privedged boys. In a prior career, I worked with teenage drug addicts and saw that the steady job kept them out of trouble the most.
If you look world wide the current terriorism candiates are usually young unemployed youth.Lets us hope Obama comes up with good jobs program for all.:)
by Ace Elliott
On January 28, 2010 at 12:29 pm
This is definitley a blow to young Americans in ways we may not understand yet. And the psychological affects are significant.
In some cases, teens that are sending out dozens of resumes and hearing nothing back, even from fast food restuarants, are becoming extremely discouraged. Just like adults, their confidence in their self worth is shaken by it, however they haven’t had the life experince yet to realize it’s not as much personal a thing as it is circumstantial.
Not only could this lead to a discouraged, unmotivated portion of the work force, it also does have reprocussions on the future of some teens.
I myself worked from the age of 14 saving money for higher education, my car insurance and to have the means to have fun with my friends.
But most importantly, the experience got me involved with my finances from an early age - it taught me the real value of a dollar, made me accountable for my own money and ultimately made me more aware and responsible about my money.
Ace
by collin schriver
On February 1, 2010 at 4:46 pm
Kind of a stretch to link unemployed youth in America to worldwide recruitment of extremism, but I see your point.
They don’t need a “job.” Simply knock on doors to see if someone needs help shoveling snow, or mowing the lawns, or walking the dogs. Flipping burgers isn’t below these kids, yet they thumb their noses at this opportunity.
Should we excuse unlawful behavior because of unemployment?
by Glenn Muske
On July 12, 2010 at 8:28 am
I would ask where public service might fit into this mix? There are many jobs that need doing but not enough people power to get them all done. Do we encourage such alternatives? May not be a solution for all but from my limited perspective may help many.