To enable adolescents to evaluate their motivation for working or not working.

OVERVIEW

LEADER PREPARATION

In order to have an effective discussion with a target adolescent group, it is necessary for the leaders to have the following information:

• A clear description of the difference between want and need.
• An accurate account of the types of work in which the targeted youth group is involved.
• An understanding of how these particular adolescents spend their money.
• Current statistics on the national (and community, if possible) use of money among adolescents.

GROUP BUILDING

Before engaging in any type of discussion, create a comfortable atmosphere within the group. Sing a familiar song or two; play a quick game. Consider selecting songs that are relevant to the topic (materialism—"Material Girl"; working youth—"Little Red Corvette"), as a natural lead into the discussion.

GROUP PRESENTATION

Television sitcoms often include segments dealing with youth and their involvement in part-time employment. Presenting a short clip from a show could create a natural avenue for discussion. It may also be beneficial to ask pre-selected students who are involved in various types of employment (regular, seasonal, irregular, and non-workers) to present their reasons for their employment choice and discuss the benefits and disadvantages that have resulted from their job.

GROUP DISCUSSION

• In order of importance, list activities and hobbies in which you are involved.
• Have you made an active decision to work or not to work while in high school? Why or why not?
• Are you satisfied with your decision to work or not to work? List the pros and cons of your decision.
• For those of you who do work, how do you manage your money? Are your parents involved in this process?
• Overall, do you view work as beneficial for high school students? Why or why not?

WRAP-UP

It is important that adolescents realize that part-time employment for their peers should not be viewed as either completely good or bad. Instead, it is situational. Employment can be a positive experience for some and a negative experience for others. Thoroughly discuss motivations for high school employment.

EVALUATION AND FOLLOW-UP

As a youth worker, it is important to know to what extent each of the adolescents you are involved with work. It is also essential to understand the reasons why they have chosen to work or not to work. With this in mind, a youth leader can follow up with youth about time and money management.

IMPLICATIONS

1. It is important for kids to realize that, within the adult community, there is disagreement about the benefits of high school employment. By presenting this topic to youth as an issue for discussion, it allows them to take ownership of a major decision in their lives.
2. As youth more clearly understand of the types of employment that are most beneficial to them, the community can be informed, and programs catering to everyone’s needs can be developed.
3. Money is a determining factor regarding the extent of involvement one has in the community; it is important to realize that not all kids have access to expandable income.