Jaelyn Chester, a 17-year-old high school student, has been searching for a summer job but to no avail. Despite being an A+ student and a high school basketball star, Chester has applied to numerous jobs but hasn’t received any offers. She’s not alone in her struggle, as many teens across the country are facing a similar situation.

Decline in Summer Jobs

About one-third of 16- to 19-year-olds in the U.S. were employed last summer, down from a peak of about 60% in the late 1970s. Experts attribute this decline to various factors, including inflation, oil prices, and cautious hiring. As a result, teens are finding it increasingly difficult to secure summer jobs.

Connor Vukelich, a 20-year-old student, experienced this struggle firsthand. After applying to numerous jobs, he ended up working on his parents’ lavender farm. However, his experience led him to launch Poppin’ Jobs, an employment search site aimed at teens and 20-somethings.

Challenges in the Job Market

Teens are facing stiff competition in the job market, with many entry-level positions being eliminated. Those that do exist often require more experience, making it challenging for teens to secure jobs. Additionally, the rise of artificial intelligence has reduced the number of available positions, further exacerbating the problem.

Despite these challenges, some teens have found success in their job search. Demie Njea, a 16-year-old from Lexington, Kentucky, applied to over 100 jobs before finally securing a position at Sonic. Her experience highlights the importance of perseverance and determination in the job search process.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.