Would you let your child get a job at 15?

gent1989 · Dec 1, 2004

I posted in teen forums and almost everyone siad it would be a good idea
to get a job. I'm 15 and I'm wanted to know from a parent's point of veiw.

mamaneenie · Dec 1, 2004

I had my first job at 15. My son is 3, so I'm not quite there yet in terms of parenting a teen.

I believe as long as the job is safe (say waitressing in a restaurant with a good reputation in a safe area) especially if your parents can have a chance to meet the boss and other staff you will regularly be working with, then it should be a good chance for you to earn a bit of spending money for yourself, and also learn how to budget. I found my job helped me learn a bit of new maths skills (my maths is pretty bad) and it helped a little bit when I left school.

I wouldn't take on more than one shift a week, unless it is school holidays because more than that could affect your studies (which is your most important "job" at the moment)

Sharae · Dec 1, 2004

A big yes from me. My son turned 15 in October, and he's been wanting to work for ages already. Now that he can legally get some part-time work, he's having great fun considering his options. I think it's great for young teens to be actively involved in earning a bit of their own money, picking up skills along the way and developing responsible work habits for later. I'd never force my kids but would certainly encourage it and support their efforts.

lucypevensie · Dec 1, 2004

I'd also say yes. As long as you don't flunk classes or anything.

HappyMomof4 · Dec 2, 2004

Sure. There are laws (at least in Ohio) about how many hours a 15 yo can work, and how late at night they can stay on the clock. I've worked at a restaurant for many years and I've seen lots of people this age work. I think it's nice when kids can earn some money for themselves, maybe save up for the car they will soon want. As long as the job is kind of relaxed. I don't think kids that young need the added stress of a bad job.

Gerry_NY · Dec 2, 2004

I think it shows awesome responsibility on your part to want to go to work at your age. Most children your age would rather be sitting in front of a computer or a PS2.
I think that getting a job at 15 prepares you for what you hear every adult around you talking about, "the real world."
Though I have not yet had the privilege to raise a teen, I am sure getting a job, for whatever reason, is great. As someone mentioned before...as long as it is safe, then go for it!!
I hope God blesses you with this new venture!

bliz · Dec 2, 2004

It would depend upon where and what the adults were like who worked there.

I have seen groups of adults at work places who I would not care to have influence my children in any way... smoking, language, attitude toward work...

But aside form that, sure!

LynnMcG · Dec 2, 2004

I also started working at 15. I had 4 brothers and sisters and they only way to get extras (like clothes that were actually in style!) in our house at that time was to have a job. I worked until I was 35 when I was blessed with the opportunity to become a stay at home mom.

My two younger sisters were treated a little differently than my older brothers and I and did not have to work until they were 18. I can tell you there's a HUGE difference in us, still today. I had more responsibility because I worked, but I had a greater understanding of finances and spending as I got older. I have always had a great work ethic and employers always appreciated my early work experience as a sign of my maturity and responsibility. Plus, it looks great on college applications!

If it won't hurt your school work, and it shouldn't if you work the hours permitted by law at your age, I think you should!

Andry · Dec 2, 2004

gent1989 said:
I posted in teen forums and almost everyone siad it would be a good idea
to get a job. I'm 15 and I'm wanted to know from a parent's point of veiw.

Well, you need to tell us first, why do you need a job?

Is it just because you could? Or because you need to? I mean, just because you can doesn't mean you should. Get it?

If you need to get a job to help support your family...then by all means (as long as the state/county you live in allows it of course). If it's for just a little extra cash in your jeans, Xbox games, movie money etc., then I'd be more picky on where I'd work, and not at the expense of your school or family time.

Lastly, as you are still probably living under your parents roof....like it or not, you need their permission as well.

LiberatedChick · Dec 2, 2004

Of course. At 15 kids need to start looking after themselves...they need to start learning how to do things round the house as well as how to look after money. Also especially need to start doing this at this age or before in the UK as here complusory education finishes when you're 16. I got my first small job at 14...it was just a paper round once a week but it gave me a bit of money to save and spend as I wanted.

OddRegularity · Dec 2, 2004

Well, this isn't from the perspective of a parent, but from someone who has literrally been working since they were eight years old.

Getting a "real" job now will make your life easier, paticularly when you leave high school, that tends to be a bit of culture shock for most teenagers.

While school is very important and you need to keep up your grades, make sure you put your job ahead of "fun" stuff, etc. That is why most people hate hiring teenagers, they don't take their job seriously. It is rather serious, you want a good referral for your next job, and depending where you work, even fast food, you can meet a myriad of interesting people who notice your work ethic and offer you jobs. That is what happened to me time and time again when I was younger.

Always remember you are representing yourself, your family and Christ.

Andry · Dec 2, 2004

starelda said:
Of course. At 15 kids need to start looking after themselves...they need to start learning how to do things round the house as well as how to look after money. Also especially need to start doing this at this age or before in the UK as here complusory education finishes when you're 16.

That's fine and dandy. But what happened to the parent's role all along about teaching responsibility and money matters? It should be happening prior to them getting their first job.

My son's only 4.5, and he looks after his own things (with our help as needed of course), and looks after his 'bank'. He's already decided what he should buy or not buy based on how much money is left in the bank - which we tell him, such as if you get 'this' now, there won't be enough left over for 'that' later.

I pity the poor 15 y.o. who's handed money responsibilities the first time at his first job. The fault would lie on the parents if that were to happen.

LiberatedChick · Dec 2, 2004

andry said:
That's fine and dandy. But what happened to the parent's role all along about teaching responsibility and money matters? It should be happening prior to them getting their first job.

My son's only 4.5, and he looks after his own things (with our help as needed of course), and looks after his 'bank'. He's already decided what he should buy or not buy based on how much money is left in the bank - which we tell him, such as if you get 'this' now, there won't be enough left over for 'that' later.

I pity the poor 15 y.o. who's handed money responsibilities the first time at his first job. The fault would lie on the parents if that were to happen.

Of course the parent has a responsibility to teach kids these things when they're young and that all starts with pocket money and then maybe working up to being "paid" pocket money depending on what you do around the house. However, many parents can't give there children much money for this so true responsibility doesn't come in until the kid gets their first job.

For example, my mother would give me £2 a week pocket money...when I got my job I was getting £14 a week. At first it can be a shock to the system as in "whoa I have loads now" and your mind starts wondering about all the things you could possibly use your new money for. Responsibility may need to be relearned again this time the hard way.

OddRegularity · Dec 2, 2004

My parents never gave me an allowance, pocket money, anything. They did, however, provide opporortunities, at a very early age to genuinely earn money. Not doing house chores for money, chores were not a choice. But doing surplus work that was valuable enough for them to pay.

Mustaphile · Dec 3, 2004

I can't see a problem with getting a job. The only questions I would ask is where are you getting a job? How are you getting there? What hours are you working? What type of environment are you working in?

murron · Dec 6, 2004

gent1989 said:
I posted in teen forums and almost everyone siad it would be a good idea
to get a job. I'm 15 and I'm wanted to know from a parent's point of veiw.

My 15 year old wants a job. She is taking weighted classes in high school as a sophomore. She is tutoring at a local elementary school two nights a week as part of a program that helps pay college expenses. She refuses to miss school, even when sick (I have to literally force her to stay home if she is ill), she gets very upset with herself if she gets grade that she feels she could have worked harder at for a higher grade. In other words, this child is responsible, dedicated AND motivated.

I have no problem with her taking on a job because I know what she will and won't sacrifice. She will not let her grades slip, she will not give up donating her time in exchange for help with college. She will not work Sundays. If she were less responsible, I may have second thoughts about it.

She has been looking for the right job for several weeks now. She hasn't turned in applications, she is evaluating where she feels she would be most comfortable and where would work best with her schedule. Did I mention she's really responsible? Right now she is looking at the grocery store down the street (convenient location) and Best Buy. I wouldn't have a problem with her choosing either place to work.

Andy Broadley · Dec 6, 2004

Yea sure, go for it. My 13 year old is wanting a job already, but he is still too young. It does young people good to work for what they have as this develops appreciation (hope I don't sound Victorian). Besides, if you've earned it, it's totally up to you how you spend it. Sorry to have to admit this on a Christian web site, but I remember having a blazing row with my mother because I wanted to buy a Sex Pistols album (we had 'proper' music in my day!!). Because I'd earned the money myself the end result was that my mother told me that I might as well 'do as you like, you usually do anyway'.

Melbelle · Dec 6, 2004

I had my first job at 13.

Would you let your child get a job at 15?

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