So, I was examining some publications from UVa recently and found one really interesting. Up until I realized it was really from the gin mill run by Rick Berman. (I‘ve written about Rick Berman and his Employment Policies Institute . But, most of the time, the articles (biased and conclusions developed BEFORE the research is completed) are written by a different author. As such, I kept reading- and now will share them with you. I will be editorializing at points- but, as opposed to Berman’s minions, I will make sure you know when, where, and why.)
As you know, the US economy is still shaky. And, while some folks have gotten their jobs back- or found new ones, their salaries (or wages) have not risen. But, if you are a kid- a teenager between 16 and 19, the unemployment rates are still north of 20%! Which is a real problem, if this research turns out to be completely correct.
This paper, written by Dr. Christopher Ruhm (UVa) and Dr. Charles Baum (MIddle Tennessee State U), claim this teenage experience provides such benefits some three decades later. Their paper states that, if a high school senior was employed 20 hours a week around 2000 (the turn of the milennium), then about a decade later (6 to 9 years post graduation), s/he earned about 20% more than his (her) compatriots that did not work during their teen years. Those folks who were studied from 30 or 30 years ago were also found to have 7% higher wages than their peers who did not work during their teen ages.
The data is derived from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY), conducted by the US Department of Labor. This study began with kids way back in the 1970s and 1980s. An additional group was included in this study, who hailed from the turn of the millenium. So, there are results for those 10 years post graduation, as well as those 30 years post graduation.
So, it seems that folks who had part-time jobs in high school end up making more money in later life than those who didn’t have such opportunities. It’s not just the extra cash, it’s the work experiences that help them learn employment practices and rules they won’t get a chance to assimilate, should they not get such jobs.
Now, we get into what may or may not be true. The authors suggest that hiring those that worked part time may be a much better bet for employers – because their attitudes and efforts may exceed those that never had that opportunity. Which means that kids who were shut out of the employment system due to recession should be punished forever. (That’s my response to the authors’ conclusion.)
Of course, I also have anecdotal information. I worked part-time (ok, by the time I was 17, it was full-time, but I was not in high school, either) and managed to do a little better than most. My son worked part-time and has succeeded (so far- knock on wood.) But, my daughters have done well- and never worked during high school.
I await further data…
I was already 21 when I started working. Although I must agree that most young people are more zealous than those older, maybe because they’re more ambitious and youth brings about a certain energy and hunger, I think the efficiency really depends on the person’s attitude in working and not all about age. I have colleagues who are young and irresponsible, old and complacent, young and serious and driven and old who are diligent too. It really depends I believe.
Thanks for sharing this.
Lux recently posted..A Story In 25 Words: Only Wish
I’m not sure, Lux, that the research indicated who would be more responsible. It just inferred that working while a teenager established good work habits- like insuring one arrives on time, dealing with tasks that may not be high on one’s priorities, reporting to others, etc.
But, I WHOLEHEARTEDLY agree that age is – and has- no significance as to who is the best able to accomplish business tasks.
I think that having some work experience is always an added bonus. I used to tutor kids when I was growing up. That said, it is all about finding the right balance.
Muriel recently posted..My Idyllic French Holidays
The right balance is, indeed, critical, Muriel. We don’t want kids to learn about business and fail in school- that provides ZERO benefit.
Thanks for bringing that up.
1. Never trust statistics. They are easily manipulated.
2. You might find that if the statics are separated by gender, the boys and girls who worked part time in high school and received higher pay will be vastly different. Unfortunately whether a girl worked part time or not in general the girls are paid less.
3. Again you can make the stats say what ever you like.
Ann Mullen recently posted..Why Hire an Inbound Marketing Company in San Francisco to Develop Strategy Solutions
I disagree vehemently.
Never trust statistics when they are not in the hands of scientists- ok, I can buy that. Although, I admit that scientists are slowly being subverted from their acclaimed positions.
I do not have any such data for your thoughts in 2, but we are not discussing pay rates, either. Because, pay was not the issue or the symptom in this study.
I leave the perfidy to folks who have that desire.
I will stick with the facts and data.