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Talk with Character- For centuries, teenagers have played a substantial role in the workforce. In earlier times, they were often regarded as “miniature adults,” working full-time in agriculture or factories to help support their families. However, the widespread of child labour laws alongside post–World War II industrialisation marked a turning point, significantly reducing youth employment as focus was shifted on education and school activities instead, with part-time work largely limited to earning pocket money.
- In recent years, however, teen employment has experienced a notable resurgence. According to recent reports, increased hiring demand across various sectors, coupled with rising wages, has driven what many describe as a “comeback” in teen participation. At the same time, data suggests that despite higher employment rates among Gen Z as of 2026, young people often prioritized work-life balance over traditional hustle, largely shaped by either academic pressure, parental support or high digital fluency. With this in mind, our team spoke with Nguyen Ha Anh, an acclaimed Vietnamese child actress who began her career as early as five years old, to gain insight into her perspective on entering the workforce at such an early age.
- From our team interview with Ha Anh, it seems that in today’s era of rapid economic change, adolescents are increasingly required to equip themselves with essential knowledge, skills and experiences to make informed financial decisions, thus finding suitable career paths. From managing personal expenses and pursuing passions to building a personal “brand” while still in school, even the smallest choices reflect the influence of various underlying factors. This raises an even more pressing question: What are the key determinants that shape the economic behavior of young people, specifically teenagers today? Having conducted research, our team has concluded that the main forces are: personal factors, family factors and external factors.