A majority of businesses around Derby are eagerly looking to hire. With new businesses opening up in Derby like Schlotzsky’s, McAlister’s and Five Below, the demand is high for employees. 

“There are now hiring signs on the front of many restaurants. If you drive on Rock they are everywhere,” junior Blayne Albright said.

The  “now hiring” signs plastered over businesses around the town of Derby hope to grasp the attention of people looking to earn some money. 

Covid-19 severely impacted businesses and many themselves had lost employees. Leaving businesses desperate for new hires. 

Wages have even been raised for many businesses as a hope to draw in new hires. Businesses raising their wages raises the amount of applicants as well. 

“I think it’s a great way to acquire new people, if no one wants to work your job increase the pay and eventually someone will come in and fill the position,” senior Jacob Vazquez said

Most of these applicants consist of teens ultimately because of the high wage and drive for money that draws them in.

Yet many teens are still having difficulty getting hired.

“I applied to around six jobs this past summer and was denied each time, which was very frustrating for me because I was really trying to make money and thought I was a good candidate,” junior Kela Schnelle said.

Some may argue that jobs can take teens away from getting their school work done, but many teens themselves have strategies on how to keep up with homework.

 “I try to finish my homework after work. I look over my schedules when they are in, so I can make sure I have the time to finish my assignment,” junior Ella Ahlmann said

For some teens work is an enjoyable experience and a way to make new friends and memories.

“I love the community that we have, I have a fun staff and we all work well together,” senior Amelia Phommachanh said.