For High School Kids, Traditional Jobs May Not Be As Readily Available

Coronavirus has impacted many of us. The job landscape has changed. Some of it may be permanent.

For high school aged kids, their job provides freedom; freedom to have their own spending money, and the ability to make financial decisions of their own. I think this is especially important for any young adult. They need to learn financial concepts like budgeting, taxes, and the value of the dollar before they head out on their own. These concepts are often lacking in the education system, and are usually learned through their first job. I can remember working at Berklee College as an internal accountant and the day a college student came in to receive his first paycheck. I handed it to him, only to have what ended up being an eye-opening conversation.

He stared at the check in silence.

“Is something wrong?” I asked.

“What do I do with this…?” was his response.

“Deposit the check at your bank. Or you could cash it if you go to (the bank it was drawn on)”

“How does that work?”

We talked for a few more minutes, but you get the idea. He didn’t know anything about banking and money. Working at the café was his first job, and he was behind the curve. Kids need to learn finance before they enter the real world. I’m sure this wasn’t this student’s only shortcoming with personal finance.

With school right around the corner, it got me thinking of how kid’s lives have been impacted by this virus. No sports, limited interaction with friends, and quite possibly, lack of work. This could be a void that is overlooked by many. Adults understand that a lack of a job is a concern. Living on a shoestring budget when your wages are reduced or lost entirely is difficult. But for kids it may not seem like that big of a deal. For many, there is no true cost of living. There is no imminent bill that must be paid. But surviving isn’t the point. They’re missing out on important life lessons.

My suggestion is that kids who are out of work find alternative means to earn some income. I started a lawn care company when I was 16 (That’s me in the blog photo), and grew that company for 12 years. I learned more from that experience than I did in all of high school and college. I don’t think I’d be who I am today without that experience.

If kids can’t find work, create it.

They could create fliers and pass them around the neighborhood to cut lawns. That work will be steady through at least mid October. After that they can rakes leaves. Come winter they can shovel driveways.

It doesn’t have to be landscaping either. They could wash cars. They could offer to pick up groceries for older neighbors who are afraid to go the grocery store these days. Maybe virtual tutoring is an option. I made Christmas wreaths in December and sold them door to door. Get creative.

Most likely, this won’t pay what their previous job did. But that’s not the point. All that means is they’ll have to budget even more, which is the real payout. They’ll have to plan what they can spend on fliers and harness creativity to learn how to promote their business. Speaking with adults can be intimidating for some. They’ll learn valuable people and organizational skills.

This has been a difficult time for a lot of kids, and not having work may make things worse. I think creating a source of income can instill pride, teach the value of the dollar, and valuable life lessons.

If anyone wants to pick my brain on how to get started or practice their interview skills if they’re still holding out for a more traditional job, let me know. I’m happy to help.