THE ECHO

By Idowu Adeleke // Reporter

From complaints of the “Gen Z stare,” to the censoring of words regarding employment, the youths of today have not been particularly encouraged to fill out those job applications.   

With a rapidly changing economy, many teens today struggle to find jobs as they grapple with their changing role in society. Senior Jenna Oussey said she understands the apprehension to pursue an occupation.

“I think we discourage ourselves with the whole ‘jobless narrative’ on social media, and I guess with the stressors of school,” said Oussey. “A lot of people put so much pressure on themselves.”

Oussey herself works part-time at Pizzaville. She said she values the experience.

“My job has helped me get money, which has helped me afford to do different clubs around the school and have some more fun opportunities while I’m outside of school, but it has been a little stressful to balance,” said Oussey.         

There are plenty of common misconceptions about entering the work force. Preconceived notions may be a deterrent to employment.    

“Jobs are not as monotonous as everybody makes them seem,” said Oussey. “They are often portrayed as just routine, but there’s a lot more human interaction from day to day.”

Freshman Nate Muchai had a lot to say on the matter. He said he admits to the indulging nature of postponing finding a job.

“We’re used to convenience, and we want to find out ways to make money without doing as much work,” said Muchai.

Myriad factors contribute to where one applies to work. Muchai has shown interest in employment but said he isn’t sure whether entry-level jobs are financially sustainable.

“People hear about the struggling economy and might want to figure out what jobs pay the most,” said Muchai.

Social media and the economy may not be the only factors deterring high schoolers from employment. Freshman Abigail Akinwekomi says that her hesitancy is more personal.

“Many are not good with social jobs, and that’s what you’re offered first,” said Akinwekomi. “You have to know how to talk and associate yourself with other people.”

English Teacher Ms. Oresko said the job market was far more different than it is now. As a teen, her outlook toward work was on the positive side.

“I was excited to enter the workforce, to be able to make my own money,” said Oresko.

While the need for employment has continued, the attitude towards obtaining a job has not stayed constant. Oresko said she has noticed a difference in the way teens think of jobs today.

“Being a teen now is much more difficult than being a teen when I was in high school,” said Oresko. “It’s always been tough to be a teen, but students have such busy lives and are under so much pressure now, much more I feel than when I was in high school. It doesn’t seem like they have time for jobs.”