How Productive Was It?

If you’re expecting some great gift this holiday season as a result of your teens’ summer paycheck, don’t! The Summer of 2018 seemed more about movie blockbusters then putting bucks away to contribute to the college tuition fund or holiday gift giving. 41% of 899 U.S. based teens claimed to have held Summer jobs primarily to cover the cash they needed to get through the Summer and nothing more.

41% of 899 U.S. based teens claimed to have held Summer jobs primarily to cover the cash they needed to get through the Summer and nothing more. Click To Tweet

Only 18% of those who responded to the WeRGenZ 2018 Summer Survey actually held down full-time jobs- not because they didn’t want them but because those coveted jobs simply weren’t available. There is good news though. More than 67% of teens were paid above minimum wage, even if only 25cents above minimum.

More than 67% of teens were paid above minimum wage, even if only 25cents above minimum. Click To Tweet

That doesn’t leave much left to put into college savings accounts or to buy lavish gifts this holiday season. Leisure activities claimed the lion’s share of earnings with movies and video games ranking high of their lists.

Did that job at least prepare them well for a future career? Less than 25% viewed their summer work as preparing them for the future in any way. And internships? Not even a priority.

Less than 25% viewed their summer work as preparing them for the future in any way. And internships? Not even a priority. Click To Tweet

If you’re a member of Generation Z, weigh in on how you spent your summer and where your paycheck went. If you employed members of GenZ, give us your take as well below.

Other posts you may like: Inside the Brain of GenZ

If you represent a brand, or media, or a teen yourself and would like to learn more about WeRGenZ and our original research with real teens CONTACT US: AskUs@WeRGenZ.com or call Kathleen Hessert at 704-906-3600

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