For teens, finding jobs is tiring

If you are a teenager currently trying to find a part-time job, I feel your pain. The job market is slowly on the mend since unemployment peaked in 2009, but very few jobs appearing seem to be open to teenagers. Before I landed my first official job, I had been applying for jobs for almost a year. Every time I applied, I was either told I was too young, or the establishment was not willing to work with my school schedule.

My frustration grew, and I almost gave up on my search. Fortunately, I was hired by Rita’s Italian Ice, which worked with my schedule, and willingly employed teens.

My job search story had a happy ending, but for many other teens it will not. Scheduling problems and age requirements make it extremely difficult for high school kids to find decent jobs. Most places now require employees to be at least 18 years old. While I do agree it is important to give the majority of jobs to adults, who have children to take care of and bills to pay, it is also important to give teenagers a chance.

My main reason for needing a job is to start saving for college. With tuitions rising, and a college degree now essential for most careers, saving for college has become a vital part in a teenager’s path to success. Gas money and car insurance are other major reasons teenagers want jobs.

Luckily for us Castro Valley teens, more businesses like Rita’s have been opening up all over the city. New establishments such as Nation’s Burgers and T.J. Maxx have been hiring CVHS students, as well as shops in the nearby Bayfair and Stoneridge shopping centers.
When applying for a job, always remember to look and speak professionally. Your interview is vitally important, as it is the first time your employer gets a sense of your personality. Remember to take it seriously, and try to keep the conversation upbeat. Sound sincere, and make eye contact every now and then.

Unfortunately, my first job did not work out. I was forced to quit my job at Rita’s due to my busy school schedule. But my first job has taught me many valuable lessons about the work force, and I am thankful for my time there.