No Summer Job? How some teens are creating their own opportunities
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - As many teenagers across the region and country struggle to find traditional summer employment, some local entrepreneurs say the solution may not be waiting for a job opening... but creating one.
Last week, Local News 8 reported on national data from the Wall Street Journal showing that the teen summer job market has reached historic lows, with employers hiring fewer seasonal workers than in previous years. But according to Idaho Falls realtor, real estate investor, and entrepreneur Tyler Price, a tight labor market doesn't mean young people are out of options.
"There’s a ton of opportunity," Price said. "Unfortunately, kids are being taught the victim mentality from things like the Wall Street Journal versus, 'Hey, go do something and chase the dream.' It's just that the people willing to take the risk are the ones who ultimately get the reward."
Price believes entrepreneurship can fill the gap for teens unable to secure traditional summer jobs. He points to simple service-based businesses that require little startup capital but can provide valuable work experience and income.
"The opportunity is out there, whether it be walking people's dogs or window washing, painting," Price said. "There are all sorts of service jobs that are available."
Common examples include lawn care, babysitting, tutoring, car washing, pet sitting, house cleaning, and even helping local businesses manage their social media accounts.
For teens looking for inspiration, Price says some of today's successful businesses started as small side hustles.
"There are people who have taken their high school-age job that they kind of made for themselves in high school and turned them into full-blown careers," he said.
He points to industries that many people - or teens - might overlook.
"If you look at some of the top opportunities out there, waste management is a multibillion-dollar industry," Price said. "A kid with a driver's license could get an old dump truck that has very few miles on it for three grand and probably do really well through the summer just going and picking up trash."
Harvard Business experts agree that entrepreneurship can teach valuable skills beyond earning money. Learning how to market services, communicate with customers, manage schedules, and solve problems can help young people later in their longterm careers.
According to guidance from business educators and entrepreneurship programs, successful teen-run businesses often start with a simple formula: choose a service people need, build a small customer base, be reliable, and treat the work like a real business.
Price says developing that mindset can be just as valuable as a summer paycheck.
"I went to a four-year college and got a degree and everything," he said. "But ultimately, the school of hard knocks is the better place to go and learn how to make things work."
He encourages teens to focus on becoming experts in whatever service they choose to provide.
"Once you decide on a direction that you're going to go, then landing on that and becoming an expert in that — whether it is garbage removal or what have you — just create a great client experience," Price said.
Price also points young people toward local resources that can help them develop leadership and business skills, including programs offered through the local Chamber of Commerce and the College of Eastern Idaho.
"Our region has some great resources for youth," Price said. "Whether it's CEI or the Chamber of Commerce, there's an emerging leadership program for high school kids that they can come and be part of and learn some amazing things."
While landing a traditional summer job may be more difficult this year, Price believes the changing job market could encourage more young people to explore entrepreneurship, develop practical skills, and discover opportunities they might not otherwise consider.
For some teens, the best summer job may not be one they apply for — but one they create themselves.
