MOMania

By JJ

June 26, 2008 8:03 AM | Link to this

I wholeheartedly believe teens should work during the summer. It gives them something to do, and teaches them about money.

My daughter is babysitting this summer. One of my co-workers has hired her for his kids. She sits for them 3 days a week, and they have a blast. They can go swimming, fishing, walking, or play in their back yard.

They also pay cash, which is good, because she doesn’t have any taxes taken out, and she actually SEES the money she makes. Right now, 1/2 HAS to go into her savings account, which she cannot touch until 21.

I want her to get used to “paying herself first” by putting at least 30-40% of her money into savings when she gets a fall job and makes a paycheck..

I’ve told her she needs to put as much away as she can now, while still living at home. Then she will have built up a nice “nest egg”.

By Bob

June 26, 2008 8:20 AM | Link to this

Teens should work, volunteer, and/or participate in sports or other organized summer activities. What my parents said about an idol mind remains true today.

By catlady

June 26, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this

While I am a big fan of responsibility, I am not a big fan of a student holding down a regular summer job UNLESS the student has irresponsible tendencies. The way I see it, your child is going to work ALL THEIR LIVES. If they are lucky, that will be a long time.

In the summer my children recharged their batteries and they did volunteer work. Occasionally they had a chance to put a little money in their pockets, such as the odd babysitting job or mowing job.

I would NEVER let my children work during the school year, except for the odd job or occasional babysitting gig. Being a student and putting themselves into school activities fully WAS their job.

I realize I differ markedly from other parents on this, but I had 3 already-responsible kids who didn’t need the lesson. Also, I take seriously my responsibility as a parent to provide what they need, and a little of what they want. We had some tough times (single parent, in grad school) but they also learned that some things are worth sacrificing for, even as a family.

I guess I followed my parents’ lead on this. Until I graduated from college, the only jobs I had for money were occasional baby and pet sitting and yardwork. I concentrated on school, church, and helping others.

By ManOfTeal

June 26, 2008 8:31 AM | Link to this

I worked at Publix as my first job ever when I was 16. I treasure the experience I had there. I even met the woman who would become my wife there - 14 great years ago. We’ve been married for five years now and have two kids and I couldn’t be happier. She was a cashier and I was a bagger that summer in 1994. Oh the memories.

By Jeff

June 26, 2008 8:32 AM | Link to this

Of course they should work. How is it going to help them if they graduate from college and have never filed a tax return? If they can’t find a job outside the home, let them work around the house. Surely there is a room that needs to be painted, a lawn that needs to be mowed, a refrigerator that needs to be cleaned, a garage or basement that needs to be straightened out, weeding that needs to be done. If no jobs are available (which I absolutely do not believe), send them to cooking lessons and make them your personal chef five nights a week.

By Jeff

June 26, 2008 8:35 AM | Link to this

All three of us brothers worked during the summer. Depending on the year, I had several jobs that ranged from bagging groceries at Publix to working as a counselor at a couple of different camps (troubled youth one summer, computer camp another summer). Another summer, I hung signs on front doors advertising a new DSL service in a rural area. Fortunately, that summer gas was under (or maybe just above) $2/gallon, otherwise I would have been in DEEP crap!

Youngest bro has his official first summer job this summer, at 18. Previous summers he has helped my dad in his delivery job. (Interestingly enough, youngest bro now works in the same lab I spent several YEARS in, but actually running the lab whereas I was a programming tutor.)

Mom and dad always provided the necessities, our jobs were for anything extra we wanted (including cars/gas).

By jct

June 26, 2008 8:36 AM | Link to this

My 17 son is working. Second year working a summer job. He makes $8.00 per hour and works 40 hours per week. When he started last year he was making $6.50 per hour. The job is close enough to our house where he can walk. Win - win for us all around.

By Mike

June 26, 2008 8:39 AM | Link to this

Absolutely teens should be working. Are you kidding me? The amount that the teens make is irrelevant. They gain valuable lessons about hard work and time management. Find me a CEO of a major company that didn’t have a summer job. I doubt that you can.

By GeoffDawg

June 26, 2008 8:47 AM | Link to this

Before you left for university? Are you British? You didn’t go to college like the rest of us?

By Jemma

June 26, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

I agree with Mike!

AND if your teen wants a job, here’s a big hint for parents (as I own a business and have had this happen several times), please do not walk into the business with gum smacking teen in tow and ask “Are you hiring because he/she needs a job”? Every time I see this, I can’t help but think to myself “Yep, that kid will most likely be living at home at 35” and those teens are never hired by me.

By new mom

June 26, 2008 9:13 AM | Link to this

I was that responsible kid, who volunteered and did mission projects, who got her first job the summer before her senior year. All through school my parents wanted me to wait to get a job, saying school was my job. (I do agree with that!) However, there were lessons I learned from having a real job, not just babysitting for cash, that I never could have learned any other way.

I worked at the mall in a retail store, and had to learn how to get along with a boss who doesn’t care about you. (very different than getting along with parents, teachers, church leaders, etc.) I also met adults who were doing the same job I was—and realized why it was so important that I go to college! I also learned how important customer service is, no matter your profession, but also to have respect for working people. I am a very sympathetic customer when I enter a store, and can relate to working in a retail environment. (I can always tell if friends I shop with ever worked retail—by how they treat employees while they are out!)

Perhaps the most valuable lesson came from trying to figure out how much my paycheck should be, then seeing the reality of taxes. Hearing about that is one thing, but learning that lesson with your hard-earned money is another.

I am very thankful for the working experiences I had during high school and college. I think the lessons I learned there have stayed with me far beyond what I learned in the classroom. :)

(Oh dear, I just realized this didn’t answer a single question that Keith posed!)

By abc

June 26, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

Teens should work. Learning a work ethic through having a job is an indispensable characteristic that will benefit them all their lives. Those that lack it are missing big pieces from their puzzle.

My kids haven’t had a hard time finding jobs, either. The difficulty is in getting them off their butts to go look for one. The real motivator for them was that if they wanted a car, they’d have to cover expenses for it, so no job, no car. Responsibility is something that a child must be taught.

By A. Nony Mouse.

June 26, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

I let some folks talk me out of making my oldest kid work. I deeply regret it. I have been really clear that wont fly with the younger. In fact at 13 she has a dog walking job. Not much money but it gives her something to do and a sense of accomplishment.

Also it is great fun watching an 85 pound girl wrangle an adoring 170 pound French Mastif.

By Ed

June 26, 2008 9:39 AM | Link to this

I grew up dirt floor poor in the south. The people I lived around seemed to accept being poor as their lot in life. Not me. At fifteen I started working and haven’t stopped since. Having my own money back then gave me a taste of freedom from poverty and a hope that I could escape all the ills that go along with being poor. Having a few bucks each week inspired me to want to earn more money. I knew to earn more money I had to have a better job than the one I had then then so college was the next natural step in the process. The feeling of freedom, hope and empowerment that my summer jobs in high school gave me stuck with me all through my life.

By blowya

June 26, 2008 9:45 AM | Link to this

IM RICH I DONT WORK AND WHEN I DO IT IS NOT GOING TO BE FOR LESS THAN 4O0/hr!!!!!

By catlady

June 26, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

Jeff, I never filed a tax return till I was 21 (I graduated 10 days after I turned 21), and it did not hamper me.

I am NOT saying kids should lay around the house all summer, watching TV. There are many things they can be doing that does not require full time paid work. The parent should help identify these things. My kids volunteered (especially for the elderly), took care of the yard, helped with VBS, went to church camp, read, pursued hobbies, swam, and spent time doing family activities.

Now, I am not saying it is the right thing for every child. If I had had a child who needed the discipline of working like that outside the home, I would have pushed it.

Part of this is probably because I don’t think a high school student has any business paying for a car; many parents do not agree with me on this.

By Sandy_G

June 26, 2008 9:54 AM | Link to this

I got my first job at age 16, working part-time at McDonalds’. I don’t even remember what I did with the money. The money wasn’t important in the long run, but my goodness, the experience surely was. I learned how to treat co-workers with respect, work as a team to accomplish goals, get along with a boss who was stressed, do the jobs that everyone hated doing because it was my turn to do it.

Without that job experience, I would not have done nearly as well in other subsequent jobs. It also taught me how to manage my time because I also had to study and do assignments for school or risk losing my job.

Another thing it taught me is that I would survive not being able to hang out with my friends 24-7 all summer. In fact, most of my friends also had part-time jobs. I worked part-time all through college as well. It made the transition to the 9 - 5, M-F work-life a lot easier. In fact, compared to working and going to school, working five days a week was no big deal.

Unfortunately, in my area of Gwinnett, summer jobs are hard to find for teenagers. All of the fast food jobs, mall jobs, etc. are being increasingly filled by illegal immigrants, so teens do have to be diligent and creative in order to find employment these days.

By JJ

June 26, 2008 10:17 AM | Link to this

If you want your kid to get a summer job, you have to begin the search in Early May, before school gets out. If you wait until June, the good “teen” jobs are not available.

Catlady I agree with high school kids not having car payments. However, As a single parent, I need for her to have her own vehicle to get to work and school. Her first vehicle will be no more than $2,000, as I refuse to go back into a monthly payment (my car is paid off). My daughter will be a a senior this year, and will have an internship requiring her to work after school. I work 17 miles from home, and there is just no way I could go back and forth, and get her to work, and me to work, etc. Not with these gas prices.

Right now, during the summer, she babysits. If she were to get another job, say hostessing, then she would have to work nights, after I get home.

By Mike

June 26, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

Catlady..

My two teenagers both work and pay for their auto insurance. While this is certainly not the entire expense of the car, it does prepare them for the reality of life. They are both very hard workers and very responsible. The interesting thing is that they both came to me and wanted to work. I feel like your implying that the only instance when it’s okay for a child to work is if he needs discipline outside the home. I respectfully disagree.

By new mom

June 26, 2008 10:39 AM | Link to this

I would like to offer a bit of practical advice to parents—some we’ll be using too someday (our 9 mth old is just a bit young…)

We need to teach our children how to be ‘professional’. Yes, they are kids, but in order to get that good summer job, or any other job in the future, they need to look and act like they have it together.

When I worked places that hired teenagers, it seemed that 90% or more of them came in dressed slouchy, in shorts, t-shirts, you name it. They used sloppy english, asked ‘hey, you hiring?’, had no resume, never put out a hand to shake, nothing. These are not skills children and young teens are born with, but they are what employers want. The rare teenager who came in professionally (even just pressed khakis and a polo!), spoke respectfully, had a resume, made eye contact and shook hands was the teenager who got the job.

At that age, few teens have job experiences that really give them an advantage over another teen—so it’s their manners and professionalism that make them stand out. And employers will say that they can teach teenagers the ‘stuff’ of the job, but they can’t teach them the manners or respect the employers wants.

(Oh, and for goodness sake, do NOT go with them inside the store/company/business! Make them go on their own!)

And yes, it’s possible (and a good experience) for a teenager to write a resume. They can list what they have accomplished in school, their good grades, hobbies, or any other paying jobs (babysitting, etc.) Just offering a resume to a prosective employer will give them such an advantage!

I know that times are so different from when I was a teenager, 20 years ago (gulp!) with gas prices and fewer jobs out there. But I still believe that getting, and keeping, a full or part time job teaches even the most responsible teenager lessons that will stick with them for years to come.

By lawrencevillemom

June 26, 2008 10:48 AM | Link to this

My 17 yo is working for the 3rd summer and I feel it is very important. Teenagers need to be productive instead of just hanging out around the house. The first summer she worked for a friend’s business (wholesale jewelry) and loved it. Last summer she worked for a music store and it wasn’t great…they gave her almost no hours during the summer but wanted her to work 20-30 hours in Aug & Sept for the rental season. This year she is working for a movie theater…not bad and they whole family gets to see movies for free.

My 14 yo is not working this summer as she took health & PE in summer school to allow extra elective in high school. She babysits, mows the lawn & helps around the house.

By JJ

June 26, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

NewMom I totally agree. I had to pull my daughter back in the house the other day, when she was going to interview at Taco Mac in shorts and flip flops. Of couse, she has WAY more experience interviewing for jobs than I do (sarcasim). She rolled her eyes at me. But I stood firm and insisted she change her attire.

What made me mad was, they told her to come in for an interview at 4:45, then when she got there, she was told they only interview between 2-4:00. She told them the manager called her, and set up the interview. THen another manager came out and told her they only interview between 2-4:00. It really p** me off, as I had to leave work early for her to get to the interview, and I had to babysit the kids she was sitting.

Needless to say, she didn’t go back.

But you are absolutely correct in how they present themselves to potential employers.

By Homeschool Mom

June 26, 2008 10:59 AM | Link to this

If they want a car(and with that responsibility the insurance, maintenance & gas)and all the cool clothes & electronic gadgets then yes they need a job! For boys that date…I’m certainly NOT paying for it! or prom or anything like that…those are privileges…not rights…if you give them everything they expect it and don’t value the things that they have.

By ManOfTeal

June 26, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

If you walk into a fast food restaurant or a grocery store looking for a job with a resume in your hand you will be laughed right out of the building. Those types of jobs don’t care how much experience you have, nor do they particularly care what kind of clothes you are wearing because they usually will provide you with a uniform plus, as an added bonus, you get a really cool nametag. Just FYI.

By Becky

June 26, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

There is nothing wrong with kids working during the summer..As other’s have said, it teaches them some responsibility..WhenI was 8, I took my younger (6) brother out with the lawn mower & we went door to door asking if we could cut grass..Idol minds & idol hands are good tools for trouble..

By catlady

June 26, 2008 11:15 AM | Link to this

Mike, I am not disagreeing with you. Each parent should do what is right for their particular family, and that particular child in that family. IF my children had had car accidents (with the family car) while in school then they WOULD have had to make up the “extra” in car insurance payments by working (it would have been a sign of lack of responsible behavior). Thankfully, that did not happen.

To some of the other posters: To me, it is circular reasoning to say that a child needs a car to have a job. Well, no job means no car is needed. I don’t see a kid working for the oil company, or working for the car financing company. Enough of that when they are adults!

I disagree with the parents who allow their childen to “string around” in a car. These parents say their child needs to work for gas money. Well, if the “up and down the road” were curtailed, no extra gas money would be needed. Then the parents are “surprised” when the child has an accident or gets a ticket or gets in some kind of trouble because they were flittering around.

My children were allowed to use the car when needed. This meant inconvenience on all our parts (sometimes I took the bus, and had to walk to the bus stop in the rain, for example) or they had to miss some “fun” activity because I needed the car. That kind of adjustment is part of the give and take of family life, IMHO, like sharing a bedroom, the TV or a computer.

As to those who say working as a teen taught them how to get along with people: I am sure in retail you get exposed to all kinds of odd people. I don’t think waiting a few years on that kind of knowledge would hurt your success in life. Goodness know, when you meet your college roommate you will learn a lot pretty quickly! lol I think most of the kinds of skills bloggers have listed CAN and SHOULD be taught in daily family life (addressing others politely, shaking hands, eye contact, correct dress for the occasion, managing money, getting along with others).

I am out of touch with the way most families do things, but I really don’t mind. I have told my children, “You can always tell your shrink you are so messed up because you weren’t allowed to work as a teen, and because your mother and siblings came to all your ‘stuff’ when you were in school.” I don’t mind taking the blame. : )

By catlady

June 26, 2008 11:19 AM | Link to this

Becky and Bob—please don’t talk about idols! This is not a religious blog! If you mean “not working” use idle.

By ayoungmom

June 26, 2008 11:21 AM | Link to this

Of course teens should have summer job and a job during the school year if their schedule will allow it. Even if it only on the weekends. I had one and my dd will have one when she gets old enough. But I have a question for all you seasoned parents out there. What do you think is a good age for a child to be able to fly alone? My dd has been up north with her grandparents for a few weeks and it is about time for her to come home. The original plan was for her Dad to fly up and get her, then they fly back together. Well with the gas prices, the plane tickets are sky high. We are thinking of arranging w/the airline for her to come home alone. She is a smart 5 year old girl. She is pretty well travelled for a little kid as she has flown several times before on various family trips. FYI—I took my first flight alone at the age of 6, back in the 80s of course, so I know times have changed. Her Dad and I think it’ll be okay, but was wondering what other parents may think.

By MotherOf3

June 26, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

All three of my teens worked during the summer and they all earned more than “minimum wage”.

By Becky

June 26, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

Catlady, sorry for the mispelling..Take a valium & relax…

By new mom

June 26, 2008 11:35 AM | Link to this

ManofTeal, you’re right, presenting a resume might get you laughed at—by the other minimum wage workers. But the hiring manager, even if he/she says it’s unnecessary, will remember the teen (or adult for that matter) who went to the effort to look and act professional.

I think the bigger picture here is the lesson we are (or are not) teaching our kids. We worry so much about their grades, but when they are out on their own, they need to know how to dress properly, how to shake hands, speak clearly and succinctly, and write their own resume. These skills don’t just magically appear on their own, and are certainly not on HS or college curriculum. They have to be taught when kids first start to enter the working world. I remember hearing my dad tell me to dress for an interview like I was interviewing for the president’s job, not for the position I was applying for.

I have a friend who is in HR and conducts interviews daily, for a 2000+ employee company. She is so discouraged by the appearances of interviewees who apparently never learned how to dress properly, how to shake hands, make eye contact, or otherwise act professional. She turns so many people away because, although they may have plenty of ‘skills’, she says she can’t have them representing her company and could never put them in front of a client. I guess their only interview experiences were those fast food joints or grocery stores. But hey, let’s just continue to teach our kids not to stand out—we certainly don’t want them to get laughed at!

By BeerOnTheBeach

June 26, 2008 11:48 AM | Link to this

As a professional, i can spot in a second whether the fresh-out-of-college new-hire ever had a summer job. Those who did are more courteous and professional, while those who did not have that deer-in-the-headlight look.

I had a job starting after my sophomore year in high school - warehouse work at $10/hour. I worked 7am until 2pm, Mon-Fri which gave me plenty of time to “play”, too. I learned responsibility and money management, had my own money for dates and cars, and had a nice sum saved up for each year in college. It wasn’t glamorous work, but it sure kept me in shape.

After paying some of my own bills, I quickly realized my parents weren’t running a hotel with free room-and-board. I quickly realized they had sacrificed nicer things they wanted so I could have the newest Nike shoes or the top-of-the-line trumpet. I instantly began buying my own clothes and paying for my own food. Self sufficiency was another learned trait from summer work.

I see the spoiled kids from well-to-do families driving their own BMWs and wearing the most expensive clothes. In every aspect of their life they have grown to “expect” to have things handed to them.

When I hire someone, I only hire one’s I know had to scrub a toilet sometime in their life.

By Aquarius

June 26, 2008 11:54 AM | Link to this

I have two grown children, both of whom worked part-time jobs after school from the time they were 16 as well as full-time jobs during the summer. We did provide them with a used car, but they had to pay for their own insurance, gas and spending money. I am proud to say both kids grew into responsible young adults who knew how to budget their money. My son bought his first house at 21 and the mortage company said he had one of the best credit scores they had ever seen for someone his age. On the other hand, my stepson’s oldest daughter who just graduated high school has never worked a day in her life, has no sense of responsibility and is as lazy as the day is long. Whenever anyone suggested she get a part-time job, her parents said they wanted her to focus on school and not be distracted with a job. Well here she is now 18 years old, still expects her parents to give her money for anything she wants, and they wonder why she’s so clueless. I absolutely do believe teens should work during the summer. In addition to learning that you have to make money if you want to buy/pay for something, it also teaches them to have a good work ethic.

By faye

June 26, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

My 17 year old son is working his first formal summer job (movie theater - slightly above minimum wage - free movies for me, yay!). He has also een mowing lawns in the neighborhood since he was about 13, and occasionally babysits for family & friends.

He makes enough to save some, put gas in the car, buy himself clothes (beyond what his dad and I would shell out for), and hang out with his friends. He just saved up $1000 and put it in a 2 year CD - it was his idea. He’s also saving up for a car (or a motor scooter - he’s looking to save money on gas).

The posts about teens interviewing reminded me of my daughter (who at 21 is only working her second summer job). When she was in high school, and was interviewing for a retail job, she went out wearing a T-shirt that said, “I’ll try being nicer if you try being smarter.” And she wonders why no one called her back!

By catlady

June 26, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this

Thanks, Becky, you are very gracious. It is just that an earlier blogger had made the same error. Churlish of me to point it out…. Guess I should have worked when I was a teen :)

By Becky

June 26, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

Catlady, guess it was me that was in the wrong…I’m leaving in 2 days for vacation & I took out my stress from having to get everything cleared up on my desk out on you..

By b

June 26, 2008 12:16 PM | Link to this

My dd had summer work all through high school. Most of the time it was a hodge podge of various things: babysitting, cat sitting, and working a few weeks at camps. We did not expect her to work during the school year, although she did babysit for a couple of families. Her focus was school and she played a sport at an elite level. Now that she is in college, we don’t want her working during the semester as she has Hope and we want her to keep it and she is playing her sport in college which is like having a full time job. Of course she is working in the summer. She learned how to save…at least 1/2 went into savings, she learned what things cose aswe let her use the car when she needed to but she had to pay her insurance, and it helped her learn how to be independent. Her nest egg is a goodly amount and she is very furgul with her money. Our younger child is not quite there yet,but we expect that next year there will be a summer job. Same thing, 1/2 saved and learn what things cost.

By mayretter local

June 26, 2008 12:40 PM | Link to this

It’s very funny the pun some of y’all are inadvertently using: “Idol time” instead of “Idle time” - har har. Maybe teens that use their idle time watching American Idol really need to get a job because their American brain is becoming an idle mush from too much Idol time.

By Melissa

June 26, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

From the time I was 16, I have worked. I couldn’t wait to turn 16 so that I could get a job. Every last one of my friends were already working and in order to see them, I had to work there. :-) In high school, I worked nearly full time during the summers and part time during the school year (Junior and Senior years). In college, I came home to work part time my first summer, and for the other two summers, I had internships. Those internships turned into a permanent position for me when I graduated. My grades never suffered, and I still participated in activities throughout high school and college.

I agree with the others, who have said that working taught them numerous lessons in customer service, dealing with difficult people, time management, finances, even being able to decide what was a “need” and what was a “want”. I even had two checking accounts at 16, and never once bounced a check. I paid for my own gas once I had my own car (mom took care of the insurance).

My kids will work also. No question about it.

By abc

June 26, 2008 2:15 PM | Link to this

Catlady, teens that don’t at least participate in paying for their own car don’t have their own car. They have mommy’s car, or the car daddy bought for them. It’s different.

Teens who don’t have their own car are lacking one only because of themselves. That alone does and should indicate they are of lesser character and maturity than their peers.

Now, maybe you got a pass from all that because you were a girl. Any male teen that can’t get a job, get their own car and still get good grades is a simp.

Not having a job until one is 21 years old is ludicrous. It’d put one quite far behind everyone else who is unafraid of a little work. Work is good for you, and good for teenagers, too.

By catlady

June 26, 2008 5:45 PM | Link to this

abc, I agree. They don’t have their own car. Why, exactly, should they? Is there some kind of a law?

You are right; maybe I did get a pass from being a girl. I grew up with very few boys who were pushed into adulthood, either. I grew up in a middle class home with well educated parents who were pretty strict with me. They provided what I needed (like the use of a car for NEEDS) and some of what I wanted (I got to go out to McDonalds and drive around occasionally). Sometimes I chafed under their rules.

It worked out okay for me. Got a PhD, good job, good children. My kids were kept on a pretty tight leash as well. You do what works for your family, I guess. I have seen too many kids pushed into situations they were not ready for, both as a teacher and as a parent, that had unhappy endings.

Please be aware that where my kids grew up, most of the time, we were in a very rural area with no public transportation. We just made choices based on priorities.

Nothing is wrong with work. My problem is kids having to have a JOB.

By fk

June 26, 2008 7:09 PM | Link to this

My son is 17. He has a part-time job that he works at during the school year, too, not just during the summer. He makes $7/hour. (When I was in high school, minimum wage was $2.75 and my first raise came when minimum wage was raised to $2.90/hr.). He plays three sports at school. The extra-curricular stuff helps him to be an efficient manager of his time, because he has to keep up his grades. The job teaches him responsibility and the value of money. He no longer suffers from that “gotta-have-it-now” syndrome since he is paying for his fun stuff, including gas, etc.

By creative

June 26, 2008 7:48 PM | Link to this

I worked at a local pool from the time I was 12 years old, teaching swimming lessons in the mornings, then I became a lifeguard when older. When we began raising our four kids, we taught them to work from very young…they all had responsibilities to help things run. I have a friend who thought we were cruel for requiring our children to help…she said that “they’re only kids once”. Her kids have always seemed miserable to me, ungrateful and sullen. They were given a lot and indulged, yet they never seemed happy.Now that mine are grown they all are grounded, unafraid of work, and are happy, grateful people. They all have entrepreneurial skills and the ability to do almost anything they want to do. Most of today’s teens are a bunch of losers, I’m afraid. They’ve been given too much, have not learned to work for anything, and are not prepared for the coming economic tsunami.

By HB

June 26, 2008 8:23 PM | Link to this

Nothing is wrong with work. My problem is kids having to have a JOB.

See I think this is the important distinction. I do think summer jobs can be good, but I agree that people have to be careful about school year jobs and encouraging kids to acquire bills like a car payment. I did have a car provided for me — my mom’s hand-me-down. We were in a spread-out area with no public transportation, and I was responsible for getting myself to school, afterschool practices, etc. I was only responsible for gas, but that was because I was very serious about school and extracurriculars. And it certainly did make me think about my spending even at only .99/gallon. I arranged carpools with friends to cut costs.

I babysat to earn gas money and for extra clothes, entertainment, etc, but my mom preferred I earn moneyon a very flexible schedule so that a job would NEVER take priority over school. I knew too many kids, especially those with car payments, who were willing to take on extra work hours and get a B on that test or project, when they could of easily gotten an A if school was their main focus. I worked as many hours as they did, but was able to turn down work during busy weeks and pick up extra when school and activities were lighter. For many of my friends, a job was the first priority the minute they showed up on campus when they started college because that monthly car payment was due. Courses were to be scheduled around work instead of the other way around. I also knew families that had to schedule Christmas events around movie and restaurant hours because their kid would get fired if he didn’t show up to tear tickets or wait tables. Why start that sort hing so early? Bad enough to deal with that as a grown up :(.

Of course, some kids may need to have formal jobs in order to pay for college, but if a family’s means don’t make it necessary, I think it’s best to stick to jobs with light weekend-only work hours and/or work where the student can control the schedule, like babysitting/lawn work. I also don’t think it’s necessary to have a “formal” job to learn professionalism. I learned it through babysitting, knowing I had to be on time and great at my job to be at the top of the market, and through college and scholarship interviews since being a student was my primary “job”. Babysitting was great for networking too — I had fantastic college semester and summer jobs, all obtained through building relationships with families who had faith and confidence in me because of the years I kept their children happy and safe.

By FCM

June 27, 2008 6:50 AM | Link to this

I had a job as early as 15. I was babysitting at 12. Look up responsible teen of 1983 and you’ll see my picture.

I paid for my car insurance and could not drive the car (parents vehicles did not ‘own’ a car until I graduated HS) unless my deductible was in the bank. Yes, I had to prove it was there by showing my bank book. I had to put 20% in savings too. I also became responsible for buying my own make-up and much of my ‘extras’ (Swatch Watch, name brand jeans etc). I continued to work weekends and holidays through HS.

Everyone has had good advice about how to go to the interview. One thing to add, don’t forget to send a thank you note to the interviewer. In the corporate world this is expected and you may not get the job without it. Might as well get them practicing that early.

By nurse&mother

June 27, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

FCM I meant to tell you congratulations on your new job!! I am very happy for you. I knew it would happen.

By DB

June 27, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

You betcha, they work! The 19 year old is a lifeguard and pool manager and is taking a summer school class. The 17 year old has three jobs this summer — two hostessing jobs for local restaurants and a weekly babysitting job. Her boyfriend has two jobs, and is averaging about 60 hours a week. They make between $8-10 an hour. This is only during the summer, though — during school, my daughter is only allowed to work one school night and one weekend day/night, plus occasional babysitting during the school week (she can do homework when the kids go to bed). So she’s stocking up, now! So I have a hard time believing it when kids say “they can’t find a job.”

I howled with laughter when they got their first paychecks that took out taxes, etc. The indignation!! My daughter quickly added it up and said, “I worked a WHOLE DAY just for the government?!?!?”

My son didn’t have a job his first year in college - he wanted to see the lay of the land and see exactly what he had gotten himself into, first! But he’s planning to work next year — frat fees and weekend beach and ski trips add up, and he wants to spend next summer doing summer session abroad.

One interesting thing my daughter ran into is the attitude of other kids she works with. One girl told her, flat-out, “You go to a private school, your parents are rich — why are you taking a job from someone who needs it?” My daughter was dumbfounded — knowing full well that we are FAR from rich, and the private school fees are a stretch. She finally decided to say, “Yeah, but my parents are cheap and won’t give me any money!” I can live with that!

By BigPerm

June 27, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

So where are the jobs? My 14 year old son needs one….

By catlady

June 27, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Thanks, HB, for commenting on the difference between working and a job. Someone once said, “Adulthood is forever.”

Bill Cosby once said, “I graduated from college and couldn’t find a job because the dropouts had already taken them.” I laughed then, but job searching, even for educated adults, isn’t so funny now. Good luck to all who are searching.

By DB

June 27, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this

It’s a lot harder for the under-16 crowd to find a job, since most companies (fast food, retail, etc.) won’t hire under 16. (Although Brewsters will hire the occasional responsible 15 year old). 14 year olds are usually stuck in the babysitting/yardwork/house sitting type of thing. There’s one kid in our neighborhood that has a car wash business — goes to their house and washes cars, and does a great job detailing the inside. Basically, a job is not going to drop in their lap — they are going to have to be proactive. When my daughter was 13, she went through the neighborhood directory and pinpointed every family with kids under the age of 7. She did a nice flyer, hopped on her bike, and delivered about 60 flyers around the neighborhood. She was getting phone calls for jobs before she even got back home!

Also, if kids want to earn money, and they have an interesting art/craft talent, consider letting them sell their crafts at a craft fair — lots of those coming up this fall.

By Becky

June 27, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

I’m not sure, but I think Chick-fil-A hires at 14.

By rhetta

June 27, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this

I am blessed to be able to send my kids to youth summer sports programs, SAT Prep class or acting classes, and my college student was able to work a few weeks filing and answering the phone at my husband’s company before leaving to study abroad for 6 weeks.

By rhetta

June 27, 2008 5:07 PM | Link to this

I am blessed to be able to send my kids to youth summer sports programs, SAT Prep class or acting classes, and my college student was able to work a few weeks filing and answering the phone at my husband’s company before leaving to study abroad for 6 weeks.

By DB

June 30, 2008 12:42 PM | Link to this

@rhetta: Been there, done that with the summer camps for music, soccer, trips to Europe, etc, etc. Yes, it’s nice that they have those opportunties, but I think the kids with a job are also “blessed”, because they have the satisfaction of a taste of taking care of things themsevles, earning their own money — it’s one of the best self-esteem builders in the world.

By midtown mom

June 30, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

Does anyone know the details of the 14 year old work permit? I learned about it when it was too late (school was just out) and apparently you have to get the form from the school counselor. My teen has WAY too much “idle” time and I think it’s silly she can’t learn some reponsibilities. Also, how can you find employers that will accept a wok permit? I checked the rules from the US dept of labor, and it allows 14 and 15 year olds to work until 7pm in the school yr and til 9 pm from June 1 to labor day. Anyone know more about this?

By midtown mom

June 30, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

By the way I started working at 12…and loved it.

By DB

July 1, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

Usually, you don’t get a work permit until you have a job, because the employer has to fill out the permit, too. A lot of employers don’t bother with work permits during the summer months, so if he just wants to work during the summer, it may not be a problem.

Otherwise, the secretary at your son’s school should be able to take care of that for you — the school is open all summer, but it may just be on reduced hours. It’s an on-line process, and apparently it is pretty quick:

https://www.dol.state.ga.us/WS4-MW5/cics.jsp

By motherjanegoose

July 7, 2008 8:55 AM | Link to this

IMHO….teens need to have a job and not just babysitting or watering the neighbor’s flowers.

Our son has worked since he was 15 and will be a college Senior this fall. He fussed like crazy when we sent him to college with a job.

I tried to tell him that his peers who had $1000 for the semester from Mommy and Daddy would be out of cash by Halloween. He disagreed. It is a sweet thing when they come home and tell you ‘YOU WERE RIGHT MOM’.

He is the bank for his roommates who cannot seem to get their funds together. I am not thrilled with this arrangement but they do pay him eventually and since all the utilities are in his name, his credit score is great.

Live and learn but kids who have never entered the work force and balanced a budget will have to learn somewhere…better with a $10 per hour job than a $50,000 per year job and they have taken on way too much debt.

My daughter rolls her eyes with her friends who do not work and have no idea about the value of money…you can spot these kids a mile away!

By briana

July 7, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

i want to start working some were

By briana

July 7, 2008 4:26 PM | Link to this

i want to start working some were.

By briana

July 7, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

i want to start working some were.

By briana

July 7, 2008 4:27 PM | Link to this

i want to start working some were.

By Boys school

August 4, 2008 7:09 AM | Link to this

Boys School gives the boys the platform to grow and be much educated, sincere and hardworking individual. School has an atmosphere full of learned professional where boys get individualized treatment as well. http://www.teensprivateschools.com/

By tyenna smith

September 12, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

what is wrong with the government today what can anyone do with this less of money all i can say is that someone need to the read the government their rights

By tyenna smith

September 12, 2008 11:24 AM | Link to this

what is wrong with the government today what can anyone do with this less of money all i can say is that someone need to the read the government their rights