Why are many jobs abusive to teenagers?

There are many jobs out there right now that teens are working in that have horrible conditions and it worries me. A friend of mine once worked at a Party City when he was 17 and his boss required him to do all sorts of dangerous and risky jobs that were inappropriate for his age (such as going up high ladders and into the vents without any kind of assistance whatsoever).





When I started my first job when I was 16 I worked in retail (Rite Aid), but I was right away expected to know and do everything and if I asked something or for help I would get tiraded and put down (verbally) by both bosses and co-workers. The customers really don't help, i noticed that they can be especially cruel to young people. Please don't get me wrong, i've seen plenty of teens and young people who were absolutely rude and didn't do their job right, but for those of us teens/college kids who are nice and do our job right why do people feel it is okay to treat us in such a rude manner?

Why are many jobs abusive to teenagers?
I agree with you. I work at a place where most of the ppl are way older than me and they always assume that I dont know what I am doing.





As people get older they also get less patient.





I worked at a major retail chain and I heard ppl complain all the time. They would also be more comfortable with the older workers helping them.





I believe we feel at easy with ppl we can relate too, adults cant relate to younger people because they simply think they know more than us.





Sometimes it is true though, they've been there done that. Attitude should be respectful regardless of age.





I say just keep your head up and do your job the best you can, ppl will eventually give you recognition for it.
Reply:people are in such a hurry these days that they forget that these kids are still developing the skills to survive in this world. I just went through this with a boy that worked with me. Sometimes you are understaffed or have too much to do and you need to just get it done. I started getting frustrated with this boy. He did a good job, but took 3 times as long as everyone else. I reminded myself that he is still learning in life and while eventually he will have to deal with harsh realities I was in a position to help him. I decided what can wait and do later and spend time with this boy teaching him how to be more efficent. People just need to think instead of react. I do wish more people in general would learn better manners.
Reply:Not all jobs are like this. Unfortunately, retail offers the most jobs available to young people and retail is notorious for bad working conditions.
Reply:Because since the turnover is so high, it is felt that we will get whatever work we can from them before they leave
Reply:It's not just teenagers. Many jobs are like that to everybody. Not all jobs are like that, but it's sad for the people who have to deal with that.
Reply:No all jobs but they're is alot from what i see


and hear








Some people dont think they are smart enough so they take advantage of them


As if they were little kids


They try to communicate


in the way the boss thinks teens understand


"bad,harmful" language


Just because of their age


It is very discriminative


of some people


but that wont change for a while





unfortunatly we can help the world little by little





If it was an older man the boss may respect them more because


They think they are more wise


It is very sad
Reply:When you are a kid. You have to learn the hard way. Especially at work. There is nothing worse than a whiny teenager at work. Suck it up and tough it out.
Reply:Because many of the older managers and owners know that these kids are relatively new to the job market and can take advantage of their in-experience. These kids dont understand if its not part of their job, they dont have to do it, and they feel they might lose their jobs if they say no.


I used to work at the movie theater, and im scared of heights so I hated getting on the ladder to change times etc... So I always said no, you handle it, or get someone else to. They cant fire me for that, and if they try and have a talk with me, I brought my dad in, and he told the dumbass 20 year old manager to smarten up, or he'd deck him in the face.





When managers try to make an example of me in front of customers at my various jobs, and I know ive done a great job, and its not my fault, Ill argue right back. You dont let people talk **** to you.