One thing many kids may or may not look forward to every summer is getting a job. Every year high school students across the country flood from desks to lifeguard chairs and restaurants as they begin their summer jobs. From April to July the number of employed youth increases from 2.1 million to a staggering 18 million, making the workforce aged 16-24, 20.1 million strong. But what does having a summer mean to someone? Why do so many kids choose to get one? Junior Ian Oxman may have put it best when saying “I needed money.” Oxman began working at John’s Pool and Spa at the beginning of this season and enjoys working in the warehouse. Although, not everyone enjoys working when school gets out. Junior Dan McClure has been working for his father doing masonry work for over 3 years, and when asked if he enjoyed the job, his answer was simply and sternly “no.” He elaborated by saying “I really really really, don’t like it.” McClure did have one thing in common with Ian Oxman, though. He gave almost the same answer as to why he chose to take a summer job when he said “It’s nice to have money.” But how much can an average your worker expect? On

Junior Dan McClure has been working for his father doing masonry work for over three years, and when asked if he enjoyed the job, his answer was simply and sternly “no.” He elaborated by saying “I really really really, don’t like it.” McClure did have one thing in common with Ian Oxman, though. He gave almost the same answer as to why he chose to take a summer job when he said, “It’s nice to have money.” But how much can an average young worker expect? On average, a youth worker in the United States can have a salary of $11.64 per hour and have almost no benefits. Some portion of the youth population choose to pass up a summer job, as the number of unemployed youth was 3.4 million in the summer last year. Why don’t particular youth have the same yearning for cash as so many others do? Well, there could be many reasons, some kids go

Some portion of the youth population choose to pass up a summer job, as the number of unemployed youth was 3.4 million in the summer last year. Why don’t particular youth have the same yearning for cash as so many others do? Well, there could be many reasons, some kids go to camp, have long family vacations, are plain lazy, or just want to really enjoy their summer break a little more.There seems to be a kind of kid that falls into some sort of middle ground between those who work for money, and those who don’t work at all. Ones who work for fun. Junior Justin Andreoli is one of those kids. Andreoli will be working for his second summer at the Westhampton Beach Country Club as a golf caddy. When asked why he chose to get this job he responded by saying “I like to play golf so I figured it would be a good fit to be on the golf course all the time.” When asked if he liked having this job he answered “yes, it’s fun to ride around in golf carts all day.” Whether getting a job serves a purpose of making money or enjoyment, summer jobs instill values of responsibility into youth that money cant’t buy.