In high school, many students take on part-time jobs not just to earn money but also to gain real-world experience. From balancing homework with work schedules to learning how to communicate with managers and customers, part-time jobs teach responsibility in ways a classroom may not. Students are quick to realize that being on time, staying organized, accepting feedback, and managing money are skills that truly matter outside of school. These experiences help prepare teens for adulthood and show that part-time jobs teach real-world responsibilities in meaningful, lasting ways.
It may be surprising, but even before COVID-19, teen employment rates had been decreasing for years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, teen participation rates in part-time jobs fluctuated between 20% and 34% from 2011 to 2020, which is a significant decrease from 52% in 2000. Then, after 2022, the rates slightly increased to 32.7 percent. Employment rates increase with age, ranging from 21% of 16-year-olds to over 53% of 19-year-olds.
Noelle Bowen is an example of a part-time worker who has gained skills from her job. Over the summer, she worked at the Hamburg Pool as a concession stand employee and is overly willing to share her experience. She says, “After working at the pool, I gained social skills like communication and teamwork by taking care of multiple customers at a time, which helped me manage my time better and work together with my other coworkers to make sure everything ran smoothly.” Noelle believes there are advantages to having a part-time job as early as possible. She states, “Saving money for later, having previous experience for later opportunities, and learning social skills are all advantages of having a part-time job.” Noelle thinks part-time jobs do not just fill schedules, but build the foundation for future success.
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