May 8, 2009 -- The economy is at its worst state since the 1930s and for many work clearly seems to be out of sight, but certainly not out of mind. For sixteen-year-old sophomore, Olivia Vickson, the search for a job has been tougher than ever. With age, work hours, and the fact that the economy is spiraling down into the abyss, finding somewhere to work seems to be, frankly, too much work. Not only does this fall in the economy affect the daily lives’ of adults, it is affecting students all around campus.

“I would like a job because I want money to be able to drive. I might have to pay for car insurance. Money will give me more freedom,” she says. Earning money does bring a sense of freedom since the spending of it depends entirely on the person.

However, the economy’s condition is making the search and conquest hard. Keeping a job takes extra strength and finding one is even tougher. “I believe in luck, and I find that my luck can get me pretty far. It’s not impossible, it’s more luck and who is where first,” Vickson said in regards to her views on obtaining a job.

Luck is a factor, but there’s also the fact that so many older people are getting laid-off or fired and the part-time jobs are being taken over, leaving fewer open positions for teenagers. In a report filed by the Northeastern University Center for Labor Market Studies, last summer was deemed the worst teen employment market in six decades. For teens alike, jobs seem to be a no-go as the economy has plummeted into the worst recession in half a century. According to the Bureau of Labors Statistics, the unemployment rate for teens has risen from 15.5 in March 2008 to 21.5 in March 2009, a surprising high.

Scouting out a job that accepts teenagers is already difficult, but nowadays with the increased minimum wage, fewer companies are hiring minors. “I've already gotten a no from the Glendale Youth Alliance and stationary shop only because of my age,” Vickson says. “We live in a hypocrital society, they say work, but have too many restrictions. I’m probably going to apply to ten and get only one, if I'm lucky.”

While a recession in the economy isn’t as severe as a depression, times are still tough. Thoughts of finally being able to earn their own money and finally gaining the experience of a job are slim at best. On the sunny side of things however, jobs are beginning to look up for the summer. The 2009 Stimulus Act is providing $1.2 billion for youth activities, which in turn will create one million summer jobs for youths. As Chairman of the Federal Reserve Ben Bernanke said, the worst of the recession will end later this year and recovery will slowly begin.