As summer rolls into full swing in Chicago, a significant number of teenagers are stepping into the workforce, eager to earn money and gain experience while balancing their leisure time.
This year, however, the path to summer employment has proven to be more challenging than in previous years.
Data from the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics reveal that the unemployment rate for 16- to 19-year-olds climbed to 14.4% in June 2023, an increase from 12.3% in June 2024.
Employers also hired 12% fewer workers in this age group in May and June compared to the same period last year, indicating a notable downturn in summer hiring.
Factors such as economic uncertainty and changes in the labor market are contributing to this reduction in hiring.
According to the Chicago outplacement firm Challenger, Gray and Christmas, anticipated lower demand due to higher prices, partly influenced by tariffs, has caused companies that typically hire in summer to hold off.
Despite these challenges, three Chicago-area teens have successfully navigated the hiring landscape, each securing their first jobs for the summer.
Their stories illustrate a variety of backgrounds and motivations, yet they share a common goal of fostering independence through work.
Carla Fernandez, a 17-year-old from Skokie, is embracing her role as a party host at Chuck E. Cheese.
In her position, she is tasked with setting up celebration areas, taking orders, and ensuring that birthday children enjoy their special day.
Carla describes the job as her first foray into the working world, inspired by her friends, who traditionally work during the summer.
Having two older sisters who started working at 16 also nudged her towards seeking employment.
With aspirations of becoming a lawyer, Carla feels the skills she’s acquiring, particularly in dealing with people, will serve her well in the future.
“Always just keep a smile because that actually does a lot, honestly,” Carla advises, sharing her perception that positivity can impact those around you.
She expresses a prudent approach to her earnings, aiming to save for a car rather than spending frivolously.
“I know a lot of people just like to spend. My cousin, she worked at 14. She just spent it really fast on, like, nails, makeup and all that. I’m just saving it up for…maybe a car,” she states.
Carla emphasizes the importance of taking initiative in the job search process, reinforcing that authenticity is key when applying for jobs.
Meanwhile, Jay Quirke Hornik, 16, hails from West Rogers Park, kicking off his summer job experience with a unique opportunity as an intern at the International Museum of Surgical Science.
Jay, who attends Jones College Prep, engages in various tasks at the museum, including managing social media for the institution.
In a recent project, he filmed a TikTok video featuring a skeleton prop across different exhibits, showcasing the diverse artifacts held within the museum.
His role also includes working at the front desk and assisting guests in the gift shop.
With ambitions to pursue a career in audio production or sound engineering, Jay views this summer opportunity as a valuable stepping stone.
His income is earmarked for his punk band, Akrasia, which he’s hoping to fund through collective earnings with his bandmates to produce an album.
Reflecting on his decision to work this summer, Jay explains, “Last summer, I feel like I wasted a lot by sleeping too late or sitting at home all day.”
He acknowledges that having a structured schedule has increased his motivation and productivity, expressing surprise at how beneficial the job has been for him.
“It’s really fixed my schedule and like, motivation to get things done,” he shares, adding a word of caution to his peers:
“I would say apply as early as you can. I waited too long, and I was definitely down to the line, and I was a little stressed about whether I was going to get a job or not.”
Belen Doss, also 16, brings her unique journey to the table, having completed the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago’s Water Works program.
This initiative prepares students from underserved communities for water-related careers, ultimately leading to her certification as a lifeguard.
Belen now oversees swimmers at the South Side YMCA pool in Woodlawn, where she enjoys engaging with children in swim lessons or simply cooling off during hot summer days.
Motivated by a desire for financial independence and useful skill development, Belen sought employment with the encouragement of her large family, which includes 12 siblings.
In the future, she hopes to become a dermatologist.
When it comes to her paycheck, she’s taking a strategic approach, aiming to save and possibly invest in stocks.
Belen reflects on valuable lessons learned through her job: patience, time management, and the art of interacting with children.
Her advice to fellow teens seeking summer jobs is straightforward yet impactful: “Take action. Don’t sit and wait. You have to be persistent in what you are doing and what you are saying. Continue applying, and don’t stop.”
While the broader teen employment landscape may present obstacles, the determination and resilience shown by these three individuals underscores the value of work experience during formative years.
As the summer progresses, their stories will continue to inspire other young people to pursue job opportunities, regardless of the current economic uncertainties.
image source from：chicago
