Jobs for Student

Teenage employment has fallen by 17%. The amount of student workers has continued to decline over a 40-year downward spiral. Now, only one-third of teenagers are employed.

These facts paint the scene of high schoolers in the workforce today: teenage workers are few and far between.

These, however, are national trends. Here at Liberty, many students have jobs, whether it’s for the learning opportunity, furthering future goals, or spending money in their pockets.

“I’m working for the experience, not the money,” junior Leo Fan said. “The money is a nice bonus, but I enjoy the work.”

Having a job leads many students to learn life skills they might not develop until much later in life. No matter the job, these lessons will propel them through school and build their character.

“Having a job teaches some ‘common sense’ skills,” senior Lucy Hegenderfer said. “Especially working in food and customer service. The skills I gain are ones I’m going to use in the future.”

Alongside physical abilities—such as cooking food, managing money, and communicating in a team—many individuals also learn core values.

“My job at Frosty Barrel – an ice cream shop – has taught me a lot,” junior Casey Keegan said. “But mainly, I’ve learned to be kind and patient to everybody.”

Applying for a job often seems like the hardest part. But many places that employ teenagers are always looking for new people to hire.

Whether it’s a part-time or full-time job offer, applying does not need to be scary. For many working students, the process was easy and efficient.

“The managers at Frosty Barrel actually asked me to apply,” Keegan said. “I met with the hiring manager for ten minutes, and she hired me. The entire experience was easier than I expected.”

As students begin to finish out the school year these next couple months, several will start to apply. For those still deciding whether to try for a job, senior Peyton Coleman gives resounding support.

“Get one! There are jobs everywhere and no harm in trying. Going to work can help people get out of the mindset that they can’t do anything,” Coleman said.