Our Viewpoint

Here we are nearing the end of June, with summer chugging along at a steady pace. Warmer weather, vacation plans and leisure time are all increasing. Thoughts of school – with its classes, books, and homework – have certainly faded long ago. So where are all the college and high school kids?

“Not working” appears to be the answer.

While this doesn’t apply to every person in the 16-24 age range, there does seem to be a steady unemployment trend for this group that becomes quite noticeable in June and July. Babysitting, lifeguarding, refereeing, farming … the typical summer positions filled by young adults have been relatively, well, unfilled.

Of course, many factors are at play here. The pandemic hit this age group hard, because most can’t work from home. They were also the first to have their positions cut and – if they returned – often found adults in their jobs. Relief efforts often don’t target this group, either, since most are still listed as dependents.

And yet despite these obstacles, young people still seem rather absent from the workforce, even two years after COVID. High school students bagged groceries, delivered pizza, mowed lawns, scooped ice cream, and baled hay. College students sought co-ops, internships, and entry-level jobs. What is keeping them from pursuing work?

Some point to sports, which are now yearlong and begin at an early age. Ensuring playing time and even keeping a spot on the team is a 365-day commitment. Others say parents and families should be more insistent, encouraging kids to get out of the house and earn a small paycheck. Just as likely is this generation’s reluctance or indifference to getting a job, because they are content at home with their phones and game consoles linking them to the outside world.

Whatever the hurdles keeping Gen Z out of the workforce, we need to get over them, or we’ll have a very inexperienced, uninformed workforce in another decade. Summer jobs are less about the paycheck and more about the valuable experience that’s gained: dependability, punctuality, money counting, time management, confidence, networking. The list of practical, lifelong skills is endless.

Labor demand is still high, and opportunity is everywhere. Young folks who miss the chance to dip their toes in the workforce will only find entering “real life” after high school or college more difficult. While the target age range might not be reading this, those of us who are can nudge, encourage and offer. When we encounter these young workers, remember they are learning and we can help make their experience in the workforce more positive. It’s ok to “let kids be kids,” but it’s also OK to show kids the value of work.

— Annie Wooden