During my own high school years, I was employed at a local grocery store, slicing meats, preparing sandwiches, and managing various other deli tasks. I donned a polyester uniform that seemed to absorb grease, regardless of how often it was laundered. My earnings went towards a few personal expenses, but I found little value in the experience itself.
Reflecting on my time there, I realize it wasn’t a particularly safe or healthy environment for a teenager. I witnessed accidents and injuries, and the skills I learned were not ones I would carry into adulthood. My focus then was on social activities rather than career ambitions. I even earned high school credit for my job, which allowed me to bypass classes, something that wouldn’t likely happen today.
When my children entered school, I firmly stated to my partner that I did not want them to take on jobs during their high school years. This surprised him, as he had always worked from a young age. However, I believed their primary responsibilities should include studying, engaging in extracurricular activities, volunteering, and spending quality time with friends and family. While I understand that some families rely on teen income for additional support, my children were not in that position.
Many other parents expressed the importance of part-time jobs for teaching responsibility and financial literacy. Yet, my personal experience led me to believe that employment could detract from academic focus. I worked to fund my social life, rather than learning to save or manage money wisely.
In contrast, my children developed skills such as commitment, discipline, and time management through their academic and extracurricular engagements. They were actively involved in school life, contributing to their community and participating in various activities.
Once they turned 16, we provided them with a car, allowing them to manage their schedules independently. Some may argue that this made them spoiled, but they were expected to uphold family values, maintain their academic performance, and fulfill their commitments.
Upon entering college, both children secured part-time positions to support themselves financially. They graduated on time and are now successfully living independently with minimal assistance from us. While this approach may not suit every family, it worked for us, and I would choose the same path again.
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In summary, while high school jobs can offer some benefits, prioritizing academics and personal development can lead to long-term success. Each family must determine what works best for them, and in our case, focusing on education and extracurricular activities proved to be the right choice.
Keyphrase: Why my children didn’t have jobs in high school
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