I don’t see many teenagers working anymore. I don’t know if employers are choosing adults over teens because the economy is so bad, or if teenagers just don’t feel the need to work like they once did.
I worked full time in high school. I got on a half day program where I was able to leave school at one in the afternoon and head to work, where I stayed until nine or so.
Since I worked full time, I was able to buy my own car, make my own insurance payments, and buy my own clothes. My parents provided a roof and a certain amount of guidance and protection. My grades dropped slightly, but most of that was because of attitude rather than a result of overextending myself.
Having a job forced me to grow up. I had responsibilities and adults to answer to that were not my parents. You don’t get defiant with your boss if you want to continue to pull that paycheck. I did homework on my breaks and lunches. Although I didn’t graduate in the top of my class, I wasn’t in the bottom either.
I have heard people say that they don’t want their teen to work in high school. The parent believes that working will keep the teen from concentrating fully on his (or her) studies. I don’t know about that.
Most of my experiences with high school kids (including myself) lead me to believe that 16 to 18 year olds don’t concentrate fully on their studies anyway.
I think that in many, if not most cases, kids will be playing video games, texting, and watching television during the time that they would otherwise be working at a job.
My thought is that learning responsibility and a good work ethic is as important as good grades. What is your opinion on this one?
photo credit: martinak15 via photopin cc
