The Frugal Biddy

Teens and Working

When I was growing up my mother MADE me and my sister LITERALLY walk the streets of Boston looking for a job.  My mother told us that after the age of 14 we would be responsible for buying our back to school clothes.  After our first year in college we paid for our books, clothes, food outside of a meal plan and getting our hair done.

I have a daughter and I expect the same.  I expect for her to work 30 plus hours a week even if that means working two part time jobs during the summer. I believe that sleeping rather than making and saving money is overrated when you are a teenager.
I realize gaining access to jobs back when I was growing up is not the same as it is today.  Most employers back then hired full time teens over the summer and I got a steady paycheck knowing that when September came I would be returning to school. 

Many of us, myself included, grew up in poor to working class neighborhoods and have accomplished things our parents have not.  There is NOTHING wrong with teens working MULTIPLE jobs over the summer. There are temp agencies who have been contracted to supply a cheap workforce to an employer.  Kids these days can get paid $10 plus working being greeters, food runners, baby sitters and working in warehouses. 

If you have a kid make them do something.  Make them earn something. There are no free rides in life.