3 minute read
WORKING HARD OR HARDLY WORKING
HIGH SCHOOL TEENS ARE BEING OVERWORKED IN RESULT OF LABOR SHORTAGE
Fifty-four-and-a-half percent of teenagers were employed this summer according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In today’s society it’s normalized for high schoolers to have jobs. Whether they were pressured by parents, wanted to bring in some extra money, or wanted an extracurricular activity, many teens have spent their days working. However, the because of the e ects of a labor shortage and employed teens are being pushed to their limits more than ever. Last year’s pandemic greatly e ected the world’s labor force. The World Economic Forum states that 114 million people had lost their jobs in 2020. The pandemic resulted in many businesses closing their doors anywhere between a couple months and indefi nitely. Several workplaces were forced to lay people o in order to keep their businesses afl oat. Several families have had to make the decision to quit their jobs, because of the lack of childcare facilities. According to Pew Research, 28.6 million people between the ages of 57 and 75 retired last year. Businesses have tried to accommodate employees’ needs when fi nding new hires.
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“I love the pay and easy to get a raise and working a good amount. I don’t like the management and uncooperative and don’t communicate well.”
Aman Sarai, 11 Shake Shack
Associated Press News has found that the average hourly wage has jumped 6.4% higher than they were last year in businesses like restaurants, hotels and amusement parks. Although many have returned to work, whether it’s remotely at home or on-site, the employment rate is not looking to go down greatly any time soon. Indiana laws state that teenagers aged 16 and 17 are restricted to working 8 hours on a school day and 30 hours per week unless they have an agreement and permission between parents and employer. A survey of HSE students showed that most worked 4-6 hours a day with a total of 20 hours a week. Students commented that while they may not be working a whole lot, when they are at work they are constantly running around, doing multiple things at once. Students noticed they were not able to spend a whole lot of time with friends and family while balancing academics, their jobs, and extracurricular activities. “I worked every day this summer, so I didn’t have much time to spend with family and friends.” Senior Jake Jerman, who owns his own businesses at Jerman Lawn Care said. Some students have commented on how COVID has played a part in their job. One student shared that some people would get hired, work for a bit to get their fi rst paycheck, and then put in their two weeks’ notice, a situation that’s been happening around the world. Several students noted that people would get sick, or have symptoms, leaving many open shifts for people to cover, meaning they’ve been working more. “A lot fewer people are wanting to work, and being contact traced can make shifts more stressed with people not being able to work,” senior Sophie Haven said. “Finding people to cover shifts is more di cult in times of absence and any kind of cold symptoms can get you sent home.” Although in response to these busy teenagers, many pose the idea to quit their job. For some, it’s not all that easy. “it’s frustrating, as teenagers are regarded for having all the time in the world to do whatever they please, when that couldn’t be farther from true,” junior, Chelsea Murdock said. Pressure on teens to build skills needed for college and beyond. Jobs teach teenagers such as responsibility, communication, and independence. Besides, stepping down from a position unless really needed would not be solving the overarching issue. Story by Hannah Elkins
“Work inhibits my ability to get homework done at times. I end up staying up late to complete assignments”
Kenzie Lytle, 12 Smoothie King
“I love the community and my coworkers are all very kind and hardworking, sometimes the customers at Starbucks are crazy and put a lot of pressure on the sta
Ryan Haag, 12 Starbucks and Crumbl Cookie
“I have nonstop wrok school or practice all day. It takes away my time with friends”
