Gainful Employment

Jobs for teens have been pretty hard to find this summer. Usual opportunities have been snatched up by adults who have found themselves glad for any kind of employment. Other businesses have just decided to make do and not hire part time for the summer. My daughter works for the Girl Scouts and lamented two sessions of Scout Camp were not filled. Parents are just not spending money on luxuries. This meant counselors were without their expected salaries for the summer.

Don't let summer go to waste. There are definitely constructive things that can be accomplished, even if a job has not materialized. If summer school was looking unattractive previously, it might be the best choice now. Getting ahead on credits, or expanding transcript-building attributes can be a big plus, and might be a most productive way for your teenager to spend time the rest of the summer.

Also, assess what you might be able to offer your teen. Does your house need work? Maybe doing some painting, gardening or organizing would be mutually beneficial. You could offer some kind of payment, barter or other mutually beneficial arrangement. How about neighbors and relative....might they have similar needs that your teen can meet? There are many stories of energetic teens developing highly successful businesses mowing lawns or cleaning garages.

In a recent Wall St. Journal article entitled "Cupcakes and Cattle Breeding: Teens turn to Summer Start-Ups" they report that finding a niche is a key to success. An Austin Texas 17 year old is designing and creating hand-made barrettes and selling them successfully to local boutiques. They offer other examples of teens creating web pages and selling unique baked goods, art work or dog-sitting services. Creativity may be the key to your teen's success this summer.

There is still plenty of time for your child to make this summer a productive one. Reading Lists, math tutoring, volunteering, learning to do something new and different......don't let your teen spend July and August in front of the TV just because they did not get a job. Direction and focus do not take the summer vacation off, they just redirect themselves! chrissie