Working teens

This summer’s job market is looking tough for teens, according to this story in The Chicago Tribune.

First, there aren’t a lot of openings with the poor economy. And second, they’re competing with adults for the few positions that are out there.

But most teens want to work. According to the story, 46 percent of teenagers have jobs, and they typically put in more than 14 hours a week and take home an average of $474 a month to save for college, invest in electronics or spend on entertainment.

Although work might be harder to find this summer, the National Consumers League continues to caution young workers about the type of work they choose to do. Not all jobs are safe so that’s why the NCL puts out a list of the worst teen jobs every year.

Here’s the top five for 2007:

1. Agriculture: Fieldwork and Processing
2. Construction and Work in Heights
3. Outside Helper: Landscaping, Groundskeeping, and Lawn Service
4. Driver/Operator: Forklifts, Tractors, and ATVs
5. Traveling Youth Crews

What did you do as a teen to earn extra money? What advice would you give young people as they prepare for the summer job hunt?