DETROIT
JEWISH NEW S
JN
• T,
How the economy is affecting
local Jewish teens.
by Sam Gringlas
s I stumble in the door after a long day at
school, I begin my daily afternoon ritual.
Reaching across the table, I grab a snack
and search the newspaper. I can't help but be inter-
ested in all the current events that take place in our
community, our country and our world.
Most days, I find that the stock market has once
again taken a giant crash or another company has
closed its doors. It's tough not to think about the state
of the economy, especially living in Michigan, one
of the hardest hit states. While the United States' un-
employment rate was 6.5 percent in October, Mich-
igan's rate reached 9.3 percent that same month, as
reported by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Even with a new president-elect ready to take office,
our sick economy needs help — right now, it's like an
out-of-control tornado leaving destruction in its path.
Some teens think the economy is an issue only af-
fecting adults, like our parents. Teens don't have to
worry about retirement and paying the mortgage.
Even so, teens are taking a hit during these tough
economic times.
According to results from a Teen2Teen survey dis-
tributed to Jewish teens throughout the community,
many feel they haven't been affected at all by the
changing economy. Even when answering a question
asking, "How often do you think about the econo-
my?" a surprising amount of teens circled "never."
For others, though, the economy is definitely on
their minds. Many responded that they'd undoubt-
edly been affected by the condition of the economy
and have decreased their spending.
"I question whether or not I truly need an item
before I buy it these days," said a 16-year-old student
at the Frankel Jewish Academy in West Bloomfield.
It seems that when teens are waiting in line at the
checkout counter or deliberating between two prod-
ucts in a store aisle, they now are thinking more care-
fully about their purchases. More and more, teens
have to choose between that new iPod and gas for
their cars.
Many say they are cutting back on luxuries, such
as going out to eat or to the movies, and overall are
trying to be smarter about their spending habits. One
student at Hillel Day School of Metropolitan Detroit
in Farmington Hills says that instead of always buying
books, she checks them out from the library instead.
Another student says, "[I've been] saving money,
but at the same time supporting the economy.
[I] split my pay 50/50. One half goes to savings
and one half goes to my wallet"
It's not uncommon for teens to seek jobs,
like the boy who consistently splits his pay
50/50. Both of my parents had jobs in their youth; but
now, more teens find it necessary to get them. Why?
Teens want more spending money as some just
can't eliminate those late-night fast-food stops or mall
splurges. Older teens need this extra money just to
gas up their cars, especially because some are saying
that their parents have decreased their allowance.
When teens are looking for jobs, though, they're
finding it difficult because adults are taking part-time
jobs traditionally held by teens. Unemployment is the
highest it has been in 25 years and available positions
are far and few between. Out-of-work adults now are
resorting to working jobs that pay less and require
less experience, leaving fewer openings for teens.
Feeling The Pinch
In addition to spending money, teens also need jobs
to help pay for their college education.
Even with income from a part-time job, many find
continues on page B2
teen2teen January • 2009 Bi