The sweet release of the last bell on the last day of school: students rejoice as they are freed from the toil that accompanies their academic lives. Some students choose to relish in their freedom, while others take on new responsibilities in the form of a summer job. 

Summer jobs have always been popular among teens. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 45% and 60% of teenagers worked during the summer from the 1950s through the 1990s. After a decline in the late 2000s and 2010s, the labor force participation rate for teens rebounded. In July 2023, there were 21.6 million young people with jobs, which is about 60.2% of the youth. 

Summer jobs can range from food service, to camp counseling, to tutoring and more. Regardless of the specific job, gaining work experience can be beneficial. Completing tasks, gaining feedback, then improving one’s work is crucial in all jobs, and having this disciplined experience may be helpful later on in a professional career. A job also gives teens structure during summer, which can prevent wasting the summer on one’s phone. 

“[I got a job because] I wanted the experience of working and just having some cool stuff to do during summer,” FHS junior and lifeguard Mango Doherty said. 

Additionally, getting a job typically requires an interview. In interviews, thinking on one’s feet and presenting a calm, collected and friendly attitude is vital. Practicing is the best way to improve, thus, getting a summer job gives the experience necessary to succeed in getting a professional job later in life. 

In a similar vein, having work experience can build one’s network. Most jobs require references, whom hiring officials contact to confirm the applicant’s skills, education, personality and character. Having a summer job increases the number of possible references that one can list on a resume. 

Beyond professional experience and benefits, there are also financial gains to a summer job. Having financial independence at a young age allows teens to spend, save and invest responsibly before they are burdened with their own expenses. 

The enduring tradition of summer jobs for teens has allowed young generations to gain valuable experiences that aid them in their future careers. Jobs allow for personal growth outside the classroom and give structure to summer, a period of time that teens often waste. As the school year winds down, a job could be a beneficial activity to pursue this summer.