Another distinction that is often used to categorize jobs is that between the primary and secondary labor market. Jobs in the primary labor market are characterized by high wages and stable employment relationships. Workers employed in the secondary labor market receive low wages and experience unstable employment relationships. Examples of jobs in the primary labor market include: accountant, lawyer, teacher, carpenter, and plumber. Workers in fast-food restaurants, gas station attendants, dishwashers, janitors, etc. are employed in the secondary labor market. While primary labor market jobs have obvious advantages, the secondary labor market offers job opportunities that would not be available in the primary labor market to high school and college students, adults engaged in extensive child-care activities, and retired individuals. High school and college students are not likely to find primary labor market jobs during summer vacations or for part-time work during the academic year. Those adults who are "stuck" in secondary labor market occupations because of limited job skills and education, however, are not as pleased with finding their only employment prospects in this sector.
