New data indicates that last year's labor-force participation rate for 16- to 19-year-olds hit 41.3% -- down from a peak of 57.9% in 1979, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Experts cite increasing competition for jobs, as well as low wages and high pressure for college admittance as factors keeping kids out of the labor pool.
"They perceive that it's less beneficial for them to be working," says Steven Goodman, a college admissions consultant in Washington. "It's no longer possible to work at McDonald's and put yourself through college because the numbers don't add up."
Source: Market Watch
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/even-teens-shun-work-force/story.aspx?guid=%7B5DB75971-501A-439F-B3F9-5171AC3A5ED9%7D
Looking at the chart from the post, it's amazing to me that the current teen participation in the work force is lower now than any time going back to the 1950s. Now, there are a lot of good reasons to keep kids from taking traditional teen part-time jobs, like focusing on academics and involvement in sports or other extracurricular activities. But, there are also some good reasons for kids to have part-time jobs. According to a conversation about this topic that I recently had with some business owners, a college professor and a businesswoman in a large financial corporation, many young people (even those who have college degrees) entering the adult work force aren't prepared. They bemoaned a lack motivation, discipline, initiative, and ownership that they've seen in young adults today. I'm wondering whether or not the declining numbers of teen participation in the work force has contributed to this situation simply because these kids don't learn the skills and character traits they need in order to "hit the ground running" when they enter the adult work force. Any thoughts?
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