A Longitudinal Investigation of Employment Among Low-Income Youth: Patterns, Predictors, and Correlates

Drawing on previous research linking patterns of adolescent employment-defined in terms of duration and intensity-to educational and occupational outcomes later in life (Staff & Mortimer, 2008), the present study (a) examined positive social behavior and academic variables as longitudinal predictors of patterns of adolescent employment during the school year in a low-income, ethnically diverse sample and (b) assessed patterns of employment as correlates of adolescents' optimism for the future and perceived efficacy. Results revealed a predictive relationship between youths' autonomy and steady employment 3 years later. Furthermore, steady employment during adolescence was related to greater optimism about the future and higher levels of efficacy.