All Teens Should Work a Grubby Job...So Says Time Mag. (1 Viewer)

[fatguyinalittlecoat]

I would prefer to have my kid do sports or theater or dance or music or volunteering or other enriching stuff like that.

Is there an age where you'd prefer they work instead of playing baseball?

I said "sports", not baseball. Baseball sucks.

 

[parasaurolophus]

I see lots of interesting arguments against kids working crappy jobs but they all still mostly come down to them being your special snowflakes.

It doesn't even have to be a crappy job. My son will be required to get a job when he turns 16. If he can land a great appealing job that pays as much as a less desirable job, more power to him. He will still learn time mgmt., money mgmt., and responsibility. However if he doesn't have that great job landed he sure as heck isn't going to use "I don't like it" as an excuse to not have a job right away. He can land a job and keep looking for a new job if he wants in order to find a better one he likes more.

That's how life works. Take care of your responsibilities before looking for greener pastures. Well at least that is how it should work.

 

[snogger]

I see lots of interesting arguments against kids working crappy jobs but they all still mostly come down to them being your special snowflakes.

I don't think that at all. There is a finite amount of time in the day. If having a job replaces playing video games and underage drinking, I'd say it's a net positive. But if having a job replaces more worthwhile activities, then it isn't such a great idea. This is true whether it's my kid or somebody else's kid we're talking about.

What are more worthwhile activities?

IMO... High school clubs like Key Club, Forensic's, Honor Society, Science Olympiad, etc..... or being a Mentor/Tutor to others..

 

[fatguyinalittlecoat]

Forensic's what?

 

[Cjw_55106]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Not sure why people are trying to give anecdotal evidence as to why their way is the “right way”. It worked for me, so it must be the best way, right? Everyone is different. What works for one, doesn’t for another. There is no right or wrong way IMO. As a parent, my job is to prepare my kids to survive on their own someday. At some point, that will obviously mean they will need a career. I’m sure we all can list tons of examples were we’d take a 20 year old who has never worked over a 30 year old that has had jobs for the past 15 years. Experience can matter, but work ethic can be instilled in more ways than punching a clock. [/SIZE]

 

[El Floppo]

Having a job early made a huge difference in my career. I had a successful internship in college because I knew how to work for someone else - which is an important life skill in and if itself. I parlayed that success into a better first job, and was more successful once I got there.

I don't know if that made my life better or worse than it otherwise would have been, but my early work ethic played a huge part in my life.

I mentioned earlier that my folks made it clear we weren't supposed to work as kids, treating school and extracurriculars as our "jobs".

my brother and I worked our asses off- just not at jobs. that early work ethic also played a huge part in my life.

I appreciate the idea of "work ethic". and I also appreciate that there's something to be learned from being responsible for duties that are focused on somebody/thing else outside of your own life/gratification that comes with working a job, especially a more menial job. But shoveling #### for McDonalds or in your back yard... outside of the societal contact in the former, not sure I see too much of a difference.

 

[snogger]

Forensic's what?

Let me Google that for you

or were you trying to be cute because I added the " ' "

Forensic science is the scientific method of gathering and examining information about the past which is then used in a court of law.

My daughter wants to become a Detective and this is one of the clubs her counselor in High school recommend she join..

 

[Guest]

I see lots of interesting arguments against kids working crappy jobs but they all still mostly come down to them being your special snowflakes.

I don't think that at all. There is a finite amount of time in the day. If having a job replaces playing video games and underage drinking, I'd say it's a net positive. But if having a job replaces more worthwhile activities, then it isn't such a great idea. This is true whether it's my kid or somebody else's kid we're talking about.

What are more worthwhile activities?

IMO... High school clubs like Key Club,

They have those in high school?

 

[bostonfred]

Having a job early made a huge difference in my career. I had a successful internship in college because I knew how to work for someone else - which is an important life skill in and if itself. I parlayed that success into a better first job, and was more successful once I got there.

I don't know if that made my life better or worse than it otherwise would have been, but my early work ethic played a huge part in my life.

That job doesn't sound grubby enough. Imagine how much better off you could have been.

my first jobs included building houses, working at a small restaurant, and doing landscaping. I also worked produce at a grocery store, did fundraising telemarketing, worked at blockbuster and was an r.a. in college. With the help of a scholarship, i paid my entire way through school and paid off my loans before I was 30. the experience I got in those early jobs helped me immeasurably when I got later jobs. No question in my mind. Having a well rounded education did too . Not sure what's better.

 

[snogger]

I see lots of interesting arguments against kids working crappy jobs but they all still mostly come down to them being your special snowflakes.

I don't think that at all. There is a finite amount of time in the day. If having a job replaces playing video games and underage drinking, I'd say it's a net positive. But if having a job replaces more worthwhile activities, then it isn't such a great idea. This is true whether it's my kid or somebody else's kid we're talking about.

What are more worthwhile activities?

IMO... High school clubs like Key Club,

They have those in high school?

Key Club

My daughter was "promoted" to an International Officer this year

 

[El Floppo]

I see lots of interesting arguments against kids working crappy jobs but they all still mostly come down to them being your special snowflakes.

I don't think that at all. There is a finite amount of time in the day. If having a job replaces playing video games and underage drinking, I'd say it's a net positive. But if having a job replaces more worthwhile activities, then it isn't such a great idea. This is true whether it's my kid or somebody else's kid we're talking about.

What are more worthwhile activities?

IMO... High school clubs like Key Club,

They have those in high school?

Key Club

My daughter was "promoted" to an International Officer this year

I'm not clicking that link.

you're not in Marin, are you?

 

[snogger]

I see lots of interesting arguments against kids working crappy jobs but they all still mostly come down to them being your special snowflakes.

I don't think that at all. There is a finite amount of time in the day. If having a job replaces playing video games and underage drinking, I'd say it's a net positive. But if having a job replaces more worthwhile activities, then it isn't such a great idea. This is true whether it's my kid or somebody else's kid we're talking about.

What are more worthwhile activities?

IMO... High school clubs like Key Club,

They have those in high school?

Key Club

My daughter was "promoted" to an International Officer this year

I'm not clicking that link.

you're not in Marin, are you?

on "I'm not clicking that link"

But in case you are truly afraid to do so:

Mission statementKey Club is an international student-led organization which provides its members with opportunities to provide service, build character and develop leadership.

and no, we live in Western Wisconsin.

 

[El Floppo]

I see lots of interesting arguments against kids working crappy jobs but they all still mostly come down to them being your special snowflakes.

I don't think that at all. There is a finite amount of time in the day. If having a job replaces playing video games and underage drinking, I'd say it's a net positive. But if having a job replaces more worthwhile activities, then it isn't such a great idea. This is true whether it's my kid or somebody else's kid we're talking about.

What are more worthwhile activities?

IMO... High school clubs like Key Club,

They have those in high school?

Key Club

My daughter was "promoted" to an International Officer this year

I'm not clicking that link.

you're not in Marin, are you?

on "I'm not clicking that link"

But in case you are truly afraid to do so:

Mission statementKey Club is an international student-led organization which provides its members with opportunities to provide service, build character and develop leadership.

and no, we live in Western Wisconsin.

that's pretty much what the original key clubs were telling themselves too.

 

[snogger]

I see lots of interesting arguments against kids working crappy jobs but they all still mostly come down to them being your special snowflakes.

I don't think that at all. There is a finite amount of time in the day. If having a job replaces playing video games and underage drinking, I'd say it's a net positive. But if having a job replaces more worthwhile activities, then it isn't such a great idea. This is true whether it's my kid or somebody else's kid we're talking about.

What are more worthwhile activities?

IMO... High school clubs like Key Club,

They have those in high school?

Key Club

My daughter was "promoted" to an International Officer this year

I'm not clicking that link.

you're not in Marin, are you?

on "I'm not clicking that link"

But in case you are truly afraid to do so:

Mission statementKey Club is an international student-led organization which provides its members with opportunities to provide service, build character and develop leadership.

and no, we live in Western Wisconsin.

that's pretty much what the original key clubs were telling themselves too.

It took me a bit but I NOW get what you mean by "Key Club"

and shame on you for thinking that way about High School students!!!

 

[mr roboto]

at 'roadkils vortex of bitterness'.

 

[El Floppo]

at 'roadkils vortex of bitterness'.

 

[jwb]

As someone with no horse in this race (childfree), I do wonder if people/parents see the difference in available jobs and the (sometimes global) competitiveness for them.

I've been telling my friends with kids "make sure you kids can be counted on - make sure they are the ones who are willing and able to get @#$% done".

A good work ethic goes a long way. Understanding that your efforts = your quality of life has never been more important.

I personally think a job is important. Now, if your kid is a straight A student and on a track for an Engineering scholarship, great - focus more on that. But today, I think a 16-year-old learning how to be the best worker in a fast food place trumps playing the trombone any day. I worked from 10 years old-onward. First in my father's iron shop (brutal stuff) to dishwasher in a restaurant at 16 to retail. I was always an excellent worker, because I was taught that work is important and, quite frankly, expected of you. I own my own biz now and call my own shots. But even when I had a job, I always rose fast, because I was good and could be counted on.

That's my view from the parenting cheap seats.

 

[Steve Tasker]

I don't really have a problem with someone valuing other activities above working, but are your kids really so busy in the summer that they can't pick up a part-time job? I think it's great to have other interests, and you're only a kid once, so let them pursue music or art or sports or <insert school club here> or whatever. But these are really full-time jobs in the summertime? I get that kids don't want to work, I hated my first job and my parents basically forced me to go. It was a 15-20 hour/week job, usually 2-3 6-8 hour shifts per week. Somewhat grubby but not as bad as some described here. I still had 4-5 days off entirely and was able to continue with competitive soccer on multiple teams, which was my dedicated hobby. Have things changed that much in the last ~10 years that these hobbies are now ~40 hour/week summer activities? Maybe I'm out of the loop and things really have changed that much.

 

[James Daulton]

I don't really have a problem with someone valuing other activities above working, but are your kids really so busy in the summer that they can't pick up a part-time job? I think it's great to have other interests, and you're only a kid once, so let them pursue music or art or sports or <insert school club here> or whatever. But these are really full-time jobs in the summertime? I get that kids don't want to work, I hated my first job and my parents basically forced me to go. It was a 15-20 hour/week job, usually 2-3 6-8 hour shifts per week. Somewhat grubby but not as bad as some described here. I still had 4-5 days off entirely and was able to continue with competitive soccer on multiple teams, which was my dedicated hobby. Have things changed that much in the last ~10 years that these hobbies are now ~40 hour/week summer activities? Maybe I'm out of the loop and things really have changed that much.

Of course the kids aren't too busy. Teens left to their own devices will sleep in until noon and waste the rest of the day.

The snowflake comment made earlier was accurate. Every single one of my friend group who have kids of driving age pay for their car insurance and give the kids a gas card. Maybe 1/4 of the kids have an actual part time job. The reason given is always the same, "I want Snowflake to be able to focus on school and sports." My kid meanwhile has paid for his own car insurance from jump street by having a part time job. He works around 8 hours per week during the school year, but picks up a ton of shifts during the summer and winter break. He #####es and moans about it but I really think that having the responsibility of having to get his ### out of bed and go to a job will benefit him in the long run. And he plays two sports.

 

[snogger]

I don't really have a problem with someone valuing other activities above working, but are your kids really so busy in the summer that they can't pick up a part-time job? I think it's great to have other interests, and you're only a kid once, so let them pursue music or art or sports or <insert school club here> or whatever. But these are really full-time jobs in the summertime? I get that kids don't want to work, I hated my first job and my parents basically forced me to go. It was a 15-20 hour/week job, usually 2-3 6-8 hour shifts per week. Somewhat grubby but not as bad as some described here. I still had 4-5 days off entirely and was able to continue with competitive soccer on multiple teams, which was my dedicated hobby. Have things changed that much in the last ~10 years that these hobbies are now ~40 hour/week summer activities? Maybe I'm out of the loop and things really have changed that much.

Most here I think... .. have been discussing working during the "School Year"..

There is no doubt that come summer, if my daughter hasn't already found a part-time job that fits her schedule, she is going to be working during the summer..

 

[FUBAR]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Not sure why people are trying to give anecdotal evidence as to why their way is the “right way”. It worked for me, so it must be the best way, right? Everyone is different. What works for one, doesn’t for another. There is no right or wrong way IMO. As a parent, my job is to prepare my kids to survive on their own someday. At some point, that will obviously mean they will need a career. I’m sure we all can list tons of examples were we’d take a 20 year old who has never worked over a 30 year old that has had jobs for the past 15 years. Experience can matter, but work ethic can be instilled in more ways than punching a clock. [/SIZE]

of course there are wrong ways to parent.

The snowflake comment made earlier was accurate. Every single one of my friend group who have kids of driving age pay for their car insurance and give the kids a gas card. Maybe 1/4 of the kids have an actual part time job. The reason given is always the same, "I want Snowflake to be able to focus on school and sports." My kid meanwhile has paid for his own car insurance from jump street by having a part time job. He works around 8 hours per week during the school year, but picks up a ton of shifts during the summer and winter break. He #####es and moans about it but I really think that having the responsibility of having to get his ### out of bed and go to a job will benefit him in the long run. And he plays two sports.

that seems to be the problem; many parents don't want to hear their kids complain, so they give in.

 

[roadkill1292]

I see lots of interesting arguments against kids working crappy jobs but they all still mostly come down to them being your special snowflakes.

I don't think that at all. There is a finite amount of time in the day. If having a job replaces playing video games and underage drinking, I'd say it's a net positive. But if having a job replaces more worthwhile activities, then it isn't such a great idea. This is true whether it's my kid or somebody else's kid we're talking about.

What are more worthwhile activities?

I would prefer to have my kid do sports or theater or dance or music or volunteering or other enriching stuff like that.

So, special snowflakes. Got it.

No, special snowflakes would be saying "I don't want my kid to work because he needs to focus on his baseball so he can go pro" or something like that. Having a difference of opinion on priorities has nothing to do with special snowflakes.

Don't get sucked into roadkill's vortex of bitterness.

If I ever get back into FF, this might be my team name.

 

[Cjw_55106]

[SIZE=10.5pt]Not sure why people are trying to give anecdotal evidence as to why their way is the “right way”. It worked for me, so it must be the best way, right? Everyone is different. What works for one, doesn’t for another. There is no right or wrong way IMO. As a parent, my job is to prepare my kids to survive on their own someday. At some point, that will obviously mean they will need a career. I’m sure we all can list tons of examples were we’d take a 20 year old who has never worked over a 30 year old that has had jobs for the past 15 years. Experience can matter, but work ethic can be instilled in more ways than punching a clock. [/SIZE]

of course there are wrong ways to parent.

The snowflake comment made earlier was accurate. Every single one of my friend group who have kids of driving age pay for their car insurance and give the kids a gas card. Maybe 1/4 of the kids have an actual part time job. The reason given is always the same, "I want Snowflake to be able to focus on school and sports." My kid meanwhile has paid for his own car insurance from jump street by having a part time job. He works around 8 hours per week during the school year, but picks up a ton of shifts during the summer and winter break. He #####es and moans about it but I really think that having the responsibility of having to get his ### out of bed and go to a job will benefit him in the long run. And he plays two sports.

that seems to be the problem; many parents don't want to hear their kids complain, so they give in.

Wrong ways to parent? Of course. Forgive me as I thought we pretty much were discussing making kids get a job or not.

 

[DocHolliday]

There is no one way to do things. Every kid is different. Some kids are going to be active in band, sports, church stuff, choir, etc. and not have time for a job during the school year. Some kids will want to do nothing. Those are the kids that need a kick in the pants to get them moving towards the right direction in life. Some kids will need to be taught a work ethic. It is up to the parents to determine.

All kids should have a summer job. Depending on their summer activities, they may only be able to work 10 hrs/week or something. Getting that paycheck for doing something that you really do not want to be doing is a valuable lesson. Learning to be some place on time and how to manage time in general is hugely important for rest of their lives.

Seeing the taxes come out of that paycheck is also eye-opening. The summer before I started college, I made $3.35/hr at a cheese plant. My shift started at 6 AM. and my job was pulling blocks of cheese out of brine tanks It was cold. It was wet. It smelled like puke. It was difficult work. That was some motivation to finish college.

 

[bigbottom]

There are only around 4 million federal government employees total I believe, and that includes all of our elected officials and all four branches of the military. I guess you could reach down and oust a couple million state and local government employees, but I imagine getting rid of a city comptroller to fund two 18-year-olds to pick up trash would be a bit disruptive.

Might be the best thing for them though too. My understanding is that happened to O'Shea Jackson, and instead of complaining about losing his job, he changed his name to Ice Cube, and went from compting to a very successful music and acting career.

Oh come on. Because he was straight outta compting? Nothing on that?

It was good. Quite good in fact. Took me a sec, but I got it. Gold star for you!