When most people hear the term “Gen Z,” they think of phone-addicted, Netflix-binging, unmotivated kids. But that is far from the truth.
USA Today states that Gen Z is comprised of individuals born between 1997 and 2012, although some would argue that those born after 2010 also fall into the newest generational group, Gen Alpha. They also add that this generation is the most diverse and best educated.
Some would be surprised to learn that
Gen Z is ready to work and have resurrected the part-time job according to new statistics. However, if you know a Gen Z-er, you’re probably not surprised.
Why Part-Time Jobs are Perfect for Gen Z
The Labor Department reports that 37% of students between the ages of 16 – 19 are looking for part-time jobs, which is the highest percentage since 2009.
Yahoo Finance adds that teens want to work for a variety of reasons, like financial independence and to try something new. Some teens are even working to help their parents cover necessary expenses.
Whatever the case, there’s more to these part-time jobs than a paycheck. Here are the benefits that Gen Z can expect to reap because of their strong work ethic.
Gain Important Experience
Picture your career as a ladder: your part-time job is the first rung. It provides the foundation for your work experience and makes it easier to land your next job – and the job after that, and so on.
These types of experiences teach you how to work with a team as well as under a manager. You’ll also learn communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills during their time at work.
Soft skills like these will not only help you in your future career but in your high school classroom and college as well.
Explore Different Career Paths
If you’re strategic about your part-time job search, you can use these work experiences to explore different careers. For instance, if you’re interested in the hospitality industry, you may want to get a job at a local hotel, gift shop, or restaurant.
Interested in business? Some teens are working in retail to get an idea of how the industry works. By starting at the bottom, you’ll have a better understanding of what it takes to make a business function effectively and successfully.
A Part-Time Job Can Support Your Education Goals
A part-time job can
impact your college application, believe it or not. Working while in school, and maintaining a good GPA, will show that you’re excellent at time management and balancing a variety of activities. These are exactly the types of students that colleges are looking to admit.
However, you should be careful not to let a part-time job derail your education goals. Sometimes, working after school can lead to a decline in grades, which can impact whether you graduate. Not graduating from high school can lead to lower lifetime earnings and limited job opportunities.
At the same time, employers are so desperate for part-time employees that they’re willing to work around student schedules, according to
Yahoo Finance. Gen Z is filling the shoes of all the employees lost throughout the pandemic and post-pandemic shuffle.
As a result, Gen Z has the negotiating power to set their weekly hours, change them as needed, and take time off during especially busy seasons. During your part-time job search, don’t be afraid to voice the need to put your academics and other school-related obligations first.
What Are Gen Z Workers Looking for In a Job
Gen Z wants a part-time job that offers a solid paycheck and flexibility. One of the positives that came out of the pandemic was an increase in
part-time job wages. High school and college students can find part-time opportunities that pay an average of $14 per hour or more.
They’re also seeking flexibility in their schedule. While teens can work long hours during the summer and during school breaks, their weekly schedule during the school year hinges on what’s happening in and outside of the classroom.
Student athletes need a part-time job that fits around their practices and games, for example. Most students will need to work less hours during midterm or final exam weeks. Naturally, Gen Z is seeking employers who understand that their schedule is fluid and needs to be accommodated if they hope to retain their workforce.
Tuition Reimbursement
Gen Z should also factor in
tuition reimbursement to their part-time job strategy. Many large companies and chains can offer to help pay college tuition for part-time employees.
Jobs procured during high school can transfer to your college town. By working a minimum of hours each week, you can qualify for a significant amount of tuition reimbursement.
Companies offering these benefits include:
• Target
• Amazon
• Walmart
• UPS
• Home Depot
• Publix
• Lowe’s
• Apple
• Wells Fargo
If you’re curious about whether your employer offers tuition reimbursement, it’s ok to ask during the job interview!
Gen Z Part-Time Jobs
The
best part time jobs for teens are opportunities that provide flexibility, seasonality, and minimal stress. After all, you’re just getting your feet wet in the working world. It’s ok to start at the bottom with an easy, low-key job.
Babysitter
Babysitting is an ideal gig for high school and college students. You truly have control over your own hours and the hourly rate is very high. Furthermore, babysitting jobs could lead to summer nanny stints, which typically pay more.
Barista
Working as barista prepares students for a job in any field. While you will undoubtedly leave the roll with the ability to
craft the perfect latte, you’ll also disembark with a long list of soft skills, like multi-tasking, customer service, and working in a fast-paced environment with a team.
Cashier
Even though everyone pays with plastic these days, cashiers are still an in-demand job. That’s because they do so much more than helping people pay for their purchases. As a cashier, you’ll learn how to interact with clients, make change, and assist with store inventory.
Camp Counselor
Camp
counselor jobs are seasonal favorites for Gen Z. It’s steady work throughout the summer that is mostly spent outdoors and constantly changing, thanks to a revolving door of young campers.
Car Wash Attendant
Have you noticed that car washes are run by Gen Z? These roles allow teens to start in an entry-level role and move up in the company, all while being a student. Some car wash companies will even help with college tuition.
Lawn Care
This is another job for those with an entrepreneurial spirit. While you could find work with an established lawn care company, it’s also a venture that you can try on your own. Make sure you have some experience under your belt and a free calendar during the summer months.
Umpire/Referee
Did you know that there is a nationwide referee shortage? This bodes well for Gen Z students searching for a job! Umpires and referees receive plenty of training, so even if you aren’t overly familiar with the rules of the game, you can learn them.
Waiter/Host
No list of part-time jobs for teens is complete without a nod to the restaurant industry. Students can find a variety of roles, like waiter, host, busser, and dishwasher. These jobs teach students how to provide a service, interact with customers, and
manage their time wisely.
