Curt Dunlop was born and raised in Bracebridge. Champion of small-town living, engaged Dad, busy body, pot-stirrer, sporty musical nerd. Enjoy this glimpse into the questions that bounce around my head.
As I remember it, my parents told me I was expected to have a summer job once I was in high school. There were some gentle reminders that it wasn’t optional, but I didn’t take them seriously. I wanted to bike around in my bathing suit with my friends with our backpacks full of baseball gloves, frisbees, and snacks. Well, day one of summer came, and my dad asked if I had a job lined up, which I did not. Day two of summer began with a 5am wake-up from Dad, and the great news that my summer job would be painting his office rooms and deck. I’m sure I was miserable. Most mornings started early, and I’ve never been wired that way. The summer dragged. Painting by yourself mostly outside in the sun in a time before Bluetooth speakers and iPhones with unlimited music was not my idea of a dream job. I remember begging Dad to let me go find my own job; I’d forgone that option for that summer he’d respond. The message was received loud and clear. In all remaining high school summers I had jobs lined up well before exams ended.
Are you a teenager who isn’t working?
Are you a parent of a teenager who’s kid(s) aren’t working?
Why?
There are lots of different opportunities here in Muskoka. Kids can try out different job styles. They can learn what kind of an employer/boss they respond well to. They can see the differences between small business and big business. They can gain skills, confidence, some cash flow: heck, they might even fall in love with an industry, find a mentor, or start a career.
There’s a labour shortage. I’ve never seen so many businesses with HELP WANTED signs out. So many local businesses are trying to rebound after a hard 16 months, and many of them can’t open enough because they don’t have the staff. The labour market needs an injection. There’s no excuse for teenagers and young adults to not be working. Most jobs won’t require much beyond a confident handshake and a (very) short resume.
Maybe I should warn my 9 year old that she’s got 4 summers of freedom left.
What are your thoughts? Leave them in the comments section below.
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So very important for young teenagers to have a summer job. So many life lessons are learned through employment.
Well said Curt.
Well put Curt…Your Dad was right. Not teaching your kids how important making their own way is a huge mistake. Skills acquired in summer jobs follow you your whole life,no matter what path you follow. I think my adult sons would echo this too !