meerdere tieners uit vriendenkring nemen bijbaantje in verpleeghuis
Nederland, dinsdag, 10 februari 2026.
Een verrassende trend onder Nederlandse tieners lijkt zich te verspreiden. In de vriendenkring van een 17-jarige jongen kozen meerdere jongeren spontaan voor een bijbaantje in een verpleeghuis. Ze werken als huiskamerassistent of gastheer, ondersteunen verzorgers en brengen tijd door met dementerende bewoners. Volgens journalist Angela de Jong, die de trend bij haar eigen zoon observeerde, valt dit op. Het verschilt sterk van klassieke tienerjobs in horeca of retail. Hoewel het goed betaalt, biedt het ook unieke menselijke ervaringen. Deze keuze wijst mogelijk op een groeiend sociaal bewustzijn bij jonge mensen.
a growing youth movement in care work
Multiple teenagers within the friend group of a 17-year-old boy have independently chosen to take on part-time roles in nursing homes. They work as huiskamerassistent or host, supporting caregivers by distributing meals, assisting with dishes, and engaging socially with residents, including those with dementia [1]. This shift marks a departure from traditional teenage employment in retail or hospitality sectors [1]. The phenomenon was observed firsthand by journalist Angela de Jong through her son’s social circle, lending direct personal insight into the emerging pattern [1].
motivations behind the shift
While financial incentives play a role—these positions reportedly pay better than typical entry-level jobs like shelf stacking—the responsibilities are substantial [1]. Teens are assigned to units housing residents with advanced dementia, indicating trust in their capabilities [1]. According to Angela de Jong, such interactions offer formative experiences beyond income generation [1]. Contact with elderly individuals facing physical and cognitive decline exposes young people to realities outside their usual environment [1]. This fosters empathy and broadens perspectives early in life [GPT].
intergenerational connections and societal reflection
The presence of young staff brings noticeable liveliness to care facilities, which often struggle with understaffing [1]. Residents frequently respond positively to youthful energy, echoing observations made during visits by family members to relatives in similar settings [1]. For adolescents, these jobs provide exposure to human vulnerability and aging processes rarely encountered in peer circles [GPT]. While some may initially join due to peer influence, the experience appears to cultivate deeper social awareness [alert! ‘long-term impact data unavailable’] [1]. This trend reflects potential shifts in values among today’s youth toward meaningful engagement [GPT].