Time After Time in the Teen Years
Joseph A. Montagna
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WORK
Work is a significant factor in the lives of today’s adolescent in America, more so than of those in other modern societies. In Japan, for example, adolescents spend a mere 2-3 hours per week in part-time jobs, while American adolescents work an average of 18-22 hours per week in part-time jobs. There have also been some changes in youth employment over the last several decades in our country. In 1940 the number of youths who were employed on a part-time basis was negligible. In 1980 approximately 2/3 of American adolescents were employed part-time.
There are common assumptions that work helps to build an adolescent’s character and increase his self-reliance. These assumptions may or may not be true, however, there are certain trade-offs which are made for the working adolescent. More time spent at work translates into less time devoted to school, family and friends. Further research into the work settings of adolescents and the impact of work on their development is needed.
