[Julie Vazquez]

Have any of you moms with teenagers experienced the lack of jobs lately for our teens? It's been really hard for mine to find part time work because so many more adults are taking these jobs now. It's starting to get really frustrating for them

[Katy]

My youngest brother is 17 and he has been job hunting since the day he turned 16 but he just can't seem to find a job! He goes out at least once a week and applies at places, he's getting really frustrated because my dad has cut back on his allowance and my brother has been trying to save up for his own car.

[Julie Vazquez]

Since I posted this my oldest son, a 19 yr old college student, was able to find work, YAY! That was a huge stress reliever for me, and him. Best of luck to your brother Katy.

[simpki44]

My 16 year old took a Lifegaurd Class last winter. All spring she applied at every pool in SLC. Finally one gave her a shot. It's a good type of job for a teen to have! You should look into it!

[CreditCardMama]

Finding jobs for teens can be challenging. My daughter was fortunate in getting a job with Starbucks while in high school- from age 16-18. Since starting college, she has been able to find on-campus jobs at her school, Tulane University, as a tour guide and also works in the alumnae office- getting great exposure as well as making great contacts.

She has learned to make her $$$$ last throughout the year- as summer jobs are difficult to find. The bonus for having "on-campus" jobs, includes the added benefit of a resume builder. She has even worked for me in my business doing administrative tasks and errands and I will pay her the going rate.

Love that she works and doesn't come to the Bank of Mom- promotes independence. She is learning to budget her money, balance her time and studies.

So if your child in school- try on-campus jobs- or if you are a self-employed mom, let them work for you.

[bellba]

As a financial coach I often recommend that teens (and unemployed adults) do volunteer work if they can't find a job.

Volunteering offers great exposure to the workforce and networking opportunities which may lead to a job. Any experience is good experience, even if it's finding out what they've volunteered for is NOT what they want to do as a paid career.

There are tons of volunteer opportunities out there and commitment can be as little as a one day event, a few hours a month or full-time until a paying job becomes available.

Also, as an employer, if I see that someone has keeping busy and motivated during their unemployed stint I'd give their resume more consideration over someone whose just been sitting on the couch waiting for the phone to ring.

Energy begats energy!

[Auntielynn]

My oldest son is now 18 and has only had a couple jobs in the past and neither have gone well. He has since gone through being placed out of home for behavior and truancy and now that he is home, he is trying to get a job. It is very hard to keep him motivated when he is over a year away from graduating due to lack of credits and he has little work experinece in addition to hardly any jobs available.

[hthomas]

I have a 16 year old and am having the same problem. She has put out plenty of applications but I imagine since she doesn't have any work experience it is making it even harder. How will they ever get experience without that first job. She volunteers occasionally but that hasn't seemed to help her so far. Keeping my fingers crossed!

[murrays home again]

The secret is the kids have to follow up after they drop off the applications. Our daughter (age 16) did this and was able to land a job very quickly and got a offer on another. So many people are out of work right now that there are lots of applications for the employer to go through. If they show they are serious about working, they'll get an interview. Just teach them follow up!