Recently, the unemployment rate dropped to 3.8 percent, which is the longest stretch it has been below four percent in over 50 years. The labor market has been booming so far in 2024, which is helping bolster the U.S. economy. In March, there were over 200,000 more jobs added to the market, increased wages, and more working hours. In February, the Virginia unemployment rate was 2.9 percent and 2.6 in Loudoun County.
However, unemployment is more than simply not having a job. Social Science teacher Richard Balas explains there is an important difference between being ‘unemployed’ and ‘not in the labor force’. The Bureau of Labor Statistics classifies students in a different category than unemployed, whether or not they are actively seeking for work. Additionally, simply because one may not have a job does not classify them as unemployed. In order to be classified as unemployed, one needs to be actively looking for a job, without concurrently having one. There are types of unemployment such as voluntary and involuntary, which is basically the difference between quitting a job and being asked to leave.
Specifically speaking about unemployment at Woodgrove, Balas explains that for his economic classes each semester, they calculate the unemployment rates and statistics. Since the only people filling out the forms are students, full-time employment is incredibly low. He also explains that although a significant portion of students work, it varies class to class. “Our sample is obviously much smaller than the national sample, but in some classes, we are sitting at full employment while in others, we may be up to 15-20%,” he said. While it may not be an applicable sample to the rest of the country, the lesson teaches students about unemployment and how it is calculated.
For anyone who is looking for a job, Balas suggests, “Fast food and restaurant jobs are always a good ‘first’ job because they offer relational skills like customer service.” Students could try working in local restaurants in your hometown.
Places like Chick-Fil-A or Dunkin’ Donuts seem like popular options for teenagers. Additionally, those looking for a job with more responsibility should apply through Parks and Recreation to be a lifeguard or referee. Businesses in and around Purcellville hire students not only to help the business, but to teach students how to be held accountable and interact in a work environment.