The Worst Teen Jobs

Like many, I spent part of this past weekend cruising through the local malls in search of holiday gifts.  In doing so, I encountered a wide variety of teen workers whose attitudes ranged from outright indifference to quiet hostility.    

Mall jobs were coveted when I was a young worker and it got me thinking that perhaps the perspective has changed (or maybe my local mall has anger management issues).  So, for all those youthful holiday employees who think they have it bad, I present 2007′s Five Worst Teen Jobs, as compiled by the National Consumers League:

1.  Agriculture: Fieldwork and Processing     

2.  Construction and Work in Heights

3.  Outside Helper: Landscaping, Groundskeeping, and Lawn Service

4.  Driver/Operator: Forklifts, Tractors, and ATVs

5.  Traveling Youth Crews

Not only does NCL feel that these are the worst jobs, but these are also the most dangerous to teens.  According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, a young worker is injured on the job every two minutes and dies due to workplace injury every five days.

I ask those disgruntled teen mall workers to watch for paper cuts, ink stains and overly stuffed bags.  Oh….and remember to be thankful that you’re not on the receiving end of a rogue forklift or hedge trimmer.

Let’s keep the conversation going.