“Tried everything in town, and most of them say that you have to have prior work experience,” said Torrington High School junior Sam Riley. “I don’t have prior work experience, so it’s been quite difficult.”
Riley’s frustration reflects a wider trend. According to The Heritage Foundation, the number of teens working has decreased 15% in the past 20 years. For THS students, fewer opportunities mean it’s harder than ever to land that first job.
Summer is usually when teens look for work to earn money and gain experience. But in Torrington, openings are limited. “There are a handful of kids who do lifeguarding and camp counseling over the summer. Probably a lot of retail too,” said Ms. Kupec, a THS guidance counselor. She explained that younger teens, especially around 16, have the toughest time finding opportunities in Connecticut.
For many, that lack of access matters. Kupec noted that jobs don’t just provide a paycheck — they help students develop independence and workplace skills. “It makes it a lot harder for teens to establish their independence and get themselves started with thinking about: What do they even want to do for a job? What is it like to actually work? You don’t know yet because you haven’t done it yet.”
At the same time, some students choose to focus on schoolwork and activities instead of adding the stress of a job. “Have to make sure that you’re always doing academics. Don’t forget about school, and make sure to set aside time for yourself,” Kupec said.
Whether they work or not, today’s students are navigating fewer job openings, higher expectations, and a tougher path to gaining the early experience that prepares them for life beyond high school.
