When the economy was booming not so long ago, even the burger joints had to raise their hourly pay rates to attract enough workers.
We all know how things have changed during the past three years or so, but nobody sees it worse than teenagers at the bottom of the job chain. That’s why I was sympathetic, but not surprised, at an e-mail we got last week from 16-year-old Katrena Barnett of Marysville.
“I have been looking for a job for about three months now, so far no real luck,” she wrote. “However, I have been called back to two interviews, but they need more experienced people to work for them. I don’t know what to do at this point. It’s like no one will give me a leap of faith.
“My driver’s license is on the line here. I don’t think you know what I am going through here. My entire social life depends on me finding a job. I don’t know what to do. I’m what you call in a pickle.”
Katrena, I know this won’t make you feel better, but you’re not alone. The high unemployment rate means that adults and college students have been happy to take jobs that traditionally have gone to younger folks still in high school.
Businesses are always looking for the best employee they can afford, one with maturity and experience. So don’t take it personally that they’re choosing older candidates.
I think your only alternative at this point is to create your own job. Think like an entrepreneur. First assess your skills. If you’re good with kids, there’s baby-sitting. If you have sewing skills, consider clothing repairs and alterations. Since you have a car, you can certainly run errands, do shopping and maybe even take someone without a car to a doctor’s appointments or to the mall.
And if you don’t mind physical labor, there’s lawn care, weeding a garden, cleaning houses, etc.
Who do you do this for?
Think of people who will give you a leap of faith. Your parents, other relatives, neighbors, members of your church or your friends’ parents and neighbors. Don’t hesitate to play on their sympathy by telling them you’re desperate for work and don’t mind the hard jobs.
Put notices on the church bulletin board. Get friends working for you by asking their friends and relatives. Look around your neighborhood for opportunities. If a neighbor’s garage is so cluttered that she can’t get her car in there, offer to clean and organize the place.
Do the same thing with businesses in your areas. Maybe they don’t want a permanent employee. But they may hire you to do one task, such as weeding their grounds, doing some painting or cleanup jobs.
I realize that the jobs I’ve described are mostly those that nobody likes to do, but that’s the point. That’s where the opportunities are. And you shouldn’t feel like this is something you have to do forever. It should help you pay for your car and insurance until something better comes up.
When you do these jobs, work as well and as quickly as you can. You’re doing this not only to earn money, but also to create good references.
After you’ve completed some of these tasks, ask your customers if you can use them as a reference. And don’t hesitate to ask them if they know of jobs at their place of business that would be appropriate for a teenager.
Then the next time a business asks you for your experience, explain how you created your own jobs to prove that you’re hard-working and responsible, and provide the names and numbers of a couple of people the business person can call.
These odd jobs may not give you the skills to nail down the job you’re applying for, but they should increase the odds that someone will give you a leap of faith. That’s because you’ve demonstrated creativity, initiative and a willingness to work hard.
Good luck. And don’t give up.
Mike Benbow: 425-339-3459; benbow@heraldnet.com.
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