The Summer Hustle: Seasonal Jobs Offer Opportunity and Challenges for Moroccan Youth
Summer break. For many students, it means lazy days and endless fun. But for resourceful young people in Morocco, it’s a chance to dive into the world of seasonal work, earning money and gaining valuable experience.
Picture this: the morocco-weather-forecast-august-8th-2024/” title=”Thursday's Weather Forecast: Partly Cloudy Skies Over the Atlas and Eastern Regions”>sun is shining, the waves are crashing, and the beaches of Rabat are bustling with locals and tourists alike. Amidst the crowds, you’ll find young entrepreneurs like Mohamed Amine, a university student, selling homemade pastries.
“I’ve been doing this for three years now,” says Mohamed, who spends his mornings selling “bini” – delicious Moroccan pastries – prepared by his mother. “It’s not just about the money, although that certainly helps my family. It’s about learning to be independent, to manage my time, and to interact with people from all walks of life.”
Mohamed’s story resonates with many young Moroccans. Seasonal work, from renting beach umbrellas to selling ice cream, offers a much-needed income boost during the summer months. This entrepreneurial spirit is admired by many, including Abdullah, a regular beachgoer in Rabat. “It’s inspiring to see these young people taking initiative,” he shares. “These jobs may be temporary, but the impact on their character and work ethic is significant.”
However, the rise of seasonal work in Morocco is a complex issue. While it provides immediate economic benefits, experts like Rachid Maataoui, an economics professor at Mohammed V University in Rabat, point out its limitations.
“Seasonal work, often tied to holidays and tourist seasons, does create job opportunities and stimulates the economy to some extent,” explains Professor Maataoui. “It teaches young people valuable skills like self-reliance and responsibility.”
However, he cautions, “The impact on the overall job market is limited due to the temporary nature of these jobs and the often low wages.” Professor Maataoui further highlights that this type of work contributes to the informal economy, which the Moroccan government is actively trying to formalize and regulate.
The summer hustle is a double-edged sword. It empowers Moroccan youth with financial independence and valuable life skills, yet it also highlights the need for more sustainable job creation strategies and a stronger formal economy. As the sun sets on another summer season, the question remains: how can Morocco translate this entrepreneurial spirit into long-term economic opportunities for its youth?
