The Benefits And Risks Of Adolescent Employment

Researchers across different planes of study, including psychologists, sociologists, and economists, have been methodically examining adolescent employment for several years.The question, “Is working good for teenagers,” is the hypothesis that many experiments are based off. According to the article, teens and adolescents themselves think that having a job helps them to develop a wide range of beneficial qualities, this includes the ability to take responsibility, develop time-management skills, overcome bashfulness with peers and adults, and become familiar with handling money.Furthermore, at least while they are in the work setting, employment makes them feel more like an adult.The findings in this article state that working as a young adult can yield both negative and positive outcomes, but can be particularly beneficial to those who will attend college but also those who don’t see a future attending a university.

Youth Employment in the Hospitality Sector, Bradley R. SchillerIn this report, Bradley Schiller of American University gives a written account of crucial characteristics of the individuals who are employed in the hospitality industry.One of the most vital discoveries of Dr.Schiller's investigation is the degree to which the hospitality industry is a basis of employment for individuals who are in school or are seeking to enrich their education.In this article, it is found that while college and non-college seekers have differences in terms of what they seek in their future, both groups have positive experiences while working in the hospitality industry before adulthood. Schiller discusses that the hospitality market is responsible for 1 in every 5 first paying jobs, thus marking the start of one’s professional career. He continues by discussing how many young adults that are employed in the hospitality industry are also continuing or plan on continuing their education through a 2-year or 4-year college.

Employment and Unemployment Among Youth Summary, Bureau of Labor Statistics

The Bureau of Labor Statistics often provides a factual summary of employment and unemployment rates for a wide variety of ages. In this summary, the BLS reported on the ages of 16-24. It was found that employment in this range of ages increased by 2 million to 20. 9 million young adults that were either employed or seeking employment. The article then continued by stating that during the summer months, lots of adolescents join the work force. This is due to the amount of time not designated to personal studies increasing. This past summer, the youth labor force participation rate grew 12. 7% or 2. 6 million, now totaling 23. 0 million. The statement continued by giving more in-depth accounts of employment and unemployment categorized by race and gender. In terms of unemployment, the rate stands at 9. 2, which is the lowest unemployment rate for young adults since 1966. Synthesis ReflectionShould adolescents be encouraged to have a job before college? This question is often debated among parents, teachers and employers. Many people believe that having experience in the hospitality field, whether that be in lodging, recreation, tourism among many others, before entering college will not only provide experience for those employed, but also offer numerous transferrable skills that these individuals can use in other job sectors. Although, some are often concerned that having a job while in high school will distract teens from their studies, thus negatively impacting them. People often think that having a professional job at a young age will also take away from experiencing life as a teen; they fear that having a career during youth will force children to grow up too quickly, ultimately missing numerous life experiences resulting in unhappiness in adulthood. While some may think that having a job early on will have a negative impact, as an adolescent employee, a job in the hospitality field aids in the development of necessary professional, life and transferrable skills that will ultimately benefit them well into adulthood.

There are negative and positive factors of working at a young age, but the positive aspects outweigh the negative. The ability to balance work and school may come as a challenge to some. Students who work and are unsuccessful at balancing academics and employment may see a decrease in grades and participation in school activities leading to an unsatisfying high school experience (Schiller, 1995). However, those who are successful at maintaining this balance experience a promotion of healthy development in professional and everyday life skills. Attributes gained during this work experience may foster the development of the time management skills that will aid in the successful transition from high school to college, since most college students tend to continue to work to support themselves while attending a university (Mortimer, 2010). Furthermore, those who are less interested in college or do not have the familial or personal monetary support, still gain an immense amount of experience. Although they may not experience the socio-economic benefit of entering the work force with a four-year college degree in tow later in life, having steady work with prospects of a future career is an achievement that young adults can be proud of (Mortimer, 2010). Additionally, because the hospitality field is so diverse, experience in this field will support those under 18 when they seek employment in another field. Moreover, working in the hospitality field as teen will provide them with transferrable skills that will be necessary in your future line of work. Whether it be the hotel industry, resorts, restaurants, sports venues, and even live entertainment, the amount of jobs in hospitality industry are endless. As a teen, barista, server, and hotel receptionist are some of the jobs that many seek out.

To some, time spent in these jobs may often be viewed as wasted and referred to as “dead-end” jobs – although there is no significant data to support the difference in earnings growth between those who start in the hospitality industry and those who do not (Schiller, 1995). However, time spent in these positions showcase major qualities and develops valuable skills that are transferrable across a wide variety of fields. Communication skills are tremendously needed and further developed in service industry positions. Routine contact with new people from diverse backgrounds and different ways of expressing their needs, wants and opinions, involves constantly adapting your communication style. This skill will be useful in all work environments as well as everyday life. Resiliency is a trait that employees in this job have prior to working, but strengthen while on the job. Instead of expecting opportunities to be provided on a silver platter, people in these jobs show that they can balance the stress of a physically demanding job while also still searching for experience in their desired profession. The drive and professionalism of adolescent hospitality employees will have the greatest positive impact on their adult careers due to the many skills developed while working in the industry. As of July 2018, the youth labor participation rate is at 60. 6 percent (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018).

This means that 60. 6 percent of youth ages 16-24 in the United States were either looking for a job or were employed. Young adults who seek jobs before college or at a young age in general will develop needed professional and life skills that will aid in their success in the long run. Recently, a close friend proceeded to get a management position at an esteemed hotel right after graduating with her degree in hospitality management due to the 5 years of experience that she already had in the lodging market starting as a junior in high school. Although teens might not have the time to do other extracurricular activities that they will enjoy, having this work experience will prove to support the personal and professional development of those who choose to work. Work in the hospitality industry provides workers the opportunity to develop skills necessary for careers in other areas. Young adults who are employed will not only gain work experience and transferrable skills, but will ultimately develop into a more responsible, socially adept adult.