As each summer rolls around, articles flood the internet about the value of summer jobs for teenagers. Many recount their own experiences tackling grueling tasks—lifting heavy machinery at a foundry, working as an inexperienced home health aide, or shoveling waste at the town dump. We’ve all heard the tales of how our generation walked miles to school, and now, it seems, the lessons learned through work are even more crucial. For my eldest, landing a job provided the life lessons my husband and I struggled to impart, despite our best efforts.
When Jake turned 16, he had a learner’s permit, poor grades, and an intense longing for a driver’s license. Our only bargaining chip was to withhold that coveted privilege. Although he was a loving, humorous, and helpful kid, he had spent much of his freshman year grounded and was even evaluated for learning disabilities, which was a common practice back then. After a particularly tumultuous sophomore year, we decided to send him to a summer boarding school in New Hampshire, where he lived in a tent and attended classes six days a week. It provided temporary relief, but by the end of his junior year, he was back to his old habits, struggling with grades and feeling alone among his peers who had licenses.
We offered Jake two alternatives: either raise his grades to all Bs or find a job. As junior year wrapped up, he had managed mediocre grades and hadn’t pursued employment. However, on the third day of summer break, he donned a collared shirt and set out to job hunt. After a week of being turned down, he was disheartened. Feeling sympathetic, I decided to help him, driving through nearby towns while offering encouragement. Sometimes I’d even accompany him inside businesses, relieved when he didn’t land a job at a place that looked unappealing.
“I’ll work anywhere that pays,” he declared, showing determination in the face of adversity. He began heeding his father’s advice, making follow-up calls and sending thank-you notes, even reaching out to his employed friends for connections. With business cards in hand, he submitted applications and faced rejection after rejection. It was heartbreaking to see him exit yet another establishment, a bustling restaurant in our area, feeling defeated. But I reminded him, “You only need one yes; think of it like selling a house or finding a partner.”
On the drive home, he casually mentioned that a waitress had told him there might be openings in the mornings. I encouraged him to call the next day, although he hesitated; he eventually made the call and surprisingly reached the owner, who had just told him there were no openings.
“Hi, may I speak to Jake?” The owner, Mr. Thompson, was on the line again, wanting to talk. I raced upstairs to grab the phone. A few minutes later, Jake bounded downstairs, a newfound energy in his stride. “I have an interview this morning!”
I drove him to the restaurant and waited outside, my phone buzzing moments later with a text that read, “I got it!” In a whirlwind of excitement, we celebrated with a breakfast feast. That morning, he left as a hopeful teen and returned as a young man with a job. True to our word, we then headed to the DMV, where he got his license—his pride was palpable.
Throughout the summer and into the next year, Jake worked diligently. While his work ethic flourished, his grades fell short, reflecting in his college applications. Disheartened with his options, he committed to improving during his final semester, ultimately applying for a gap year after high school. The following summer, after an enriching experience in Central America, he worked two jobs and realized how much easier it was to secure employment once he had experience under his belt. His hunger for independence and financial stability grew.
By the end of summer, he headed off to a college that had initially rejected him but welcomed him back after a re-evaluation. During his freshman year, he excelled academically and secured a paid internship in California for the summer.
Securing a job was a pivotal moment for Jake, teaching him independence and resilience. It demonstrated that with determination, strategy, adaptability, and a sprinkle of luck, he could achieve his goals. When his younger brother expressed interest in finding employment, Jake chuckled and said, “Absolutely! Just hit the pavement and check out 40 businesses; you’ll land something.”
In this journey, I learned that sometimes, letting go and allowing our kids to navigate their own paths offers them invaluable lessons. For more insights on parenting and fertility, you can explore articles like this one, which provides great information on related topics. Also, check out this resource for helpful guidance on fertility treatments. If you’re interested in home insemination kits, this article has everything you need.
In summary, helping my son find a job opened doors for him that I couldn’t unlock through traditional parenting methods. His experience taught him essential life skills that will serve him well in the future.
Keyphrase: How a job transformed my child
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