Are Teenagers really swaying away from Entrepreneurism?

[Rob Ianelli]

http://blogs.wsj.com/independentstreet/2008/11/18/survey-fewer-teen...

What do you guys think?

[Kevin Mandeville]

this is an interesting topic of debate. first off, i don't think the numbers are down that much - only by 7%. considering the economic crisis we're going through, the drop isn't that significant. and i mean, come on, what do you expect - entrepreneurship interest to be going up when the economy is plummeting? people are afraid to spend, let alone start their own businesses right now. so, you would have to assume that entrepreneurship interest is down, even if it may seem like the smart thing to get into right now, because people are afraid of taking risks at this moment.

[Jared O'Toole]

I don't think the survey was that conclusive on the topic. As Kevin pointed out only %7 drop nothing very major. As far as I have seen it's the exact opposite for college kids. I think many people have seen what happened recently in the financial industry and said why should they put their careers in other peoples hands. I think this has all sparked a big interest in entrepreneurship.

People will be afraid to take risks right now and start their own business but for those who do start now there will be great rewards when the economy turns around.

[Greg Rollett]

Now is the time to start them for teenagers. Think about their resources, free time and pocket cash. Throwing up a website, getting your friends to help design and using your social networking skills is half the fun of being a teenager. Why not use that to develop a business.

Most kids are seeing their parents go through awful times right now with their mortgage, bills and businesses collapsing. Now is a chance to set themselves up for their future. Even if it's just a hobby selling gaming cards online or making Myspace layouts with AdSense filled pages, there is opportunity to supplement their allowance, no?

[Adrian Measures]

60% is still awesome compared to France where it is probbly more like 80% not willing to create a business thou in France figures are starting to evolve in the right direction

[Daniel Xavier]

I think that this topic is very debatable but very interesting. I semi - agree at the end of the article where it states: "today’s bad economy will spur more teens and young adults to consider joining the ranks of entrepreneurs". There needs to be entrepreneurs such as ourselves and organizations out there that motivate youth to get into entrepreneurship. The youth basically need a push to join the ranks, they will not do it on there own. I also agree with Kevin, where since the economy is down, people are scared to take risk and the idea of starting a business begins to diminish.