It has become a recent phenomenon that adolescents are entering the workforce at the tender age of 14. In fact, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (1999), 57% of 14 year olds have had some working experience. Sixty-four percent of 15 year olds have also worked at some point in their short lives. These increasing numbers may be "spurred by the booming economy and an ongoing labor shortage in the retail and service sectors (Lewis, 1999)". US employers are looking to higher these teens for an array of different job positions. These positions range from sales clerk, to waitress, to cashier. Employers like to higher younger because they feel that teens are new and fresh. This allows the employer to train them properly and also have them around for future positions later down the road (Lewis, 1999).

Reasons Teens Work

Just as these teens are working in various positions, they are doing it for various reasons. One major reason is the higher material expectation that teens today tend to have. They want many things for themselves such as CD's, a car, they want to travel, or they simply like expensive clothes. In order for teens to meet these expensive needs, they must work (Lewis, 1999). Many of these kids are also working in order to pay their tuition for college. Working teens understand that they are young, but they know that if they save for college now, the less they will have to worry later (Lewis, 1999). They are working for economic reasons in order to benefit themselves.

Guidelines for Ensuring Positive Work Experiences

In order to ensure the best possible environment for the working teen, a few preliminary guidelines for adolescents should be adhered to. First, make sure to limit the amount of hours an adolescent is working. Try to help them find a job that may be weekends only or has flexible scheduling hours. Second, try to find a job that is enjoyable for the teenager. Life for adolescents is stressful enough without having to worry about your job at that age (Ezarik, 2002). And lastly, know what a teen's employment rights are. It is important to know that the adolescent must be provided with a safe and healthy work place that is free of any hazards. Adolescents must also be provided with the proper training and safety instructions (Rubenstein and Sternbach, 1999). Following these simple guidelines, will lower the chances of negative outcomes and enhance the chance for positive work experiences.