Back in my high school days, I was employed at a local grocery store, slicing deli meats and preparing sandwiches in what was then called the “appetizing department.” Over the course of two years, I donned my orange polyester uniform—always faintly greasy despite countless washes—while working alongside a mix of middle-aged staff and fellow teens. I earned money for clothes, gas, outings with friends, and even the occasional indulgence in recreational activities.
Looking back, I realize that the job didn’t offer much in terms of valuable skills or experiences. I never touched a meat slicer again, and aside from the free orange juice, the work environment wasn’t particularly healthy for a teenager. I witnessed a colleague accidentally injure herself and even burned my arm on the grill. If I had aspirations in the hospitality field, it might have been different, but I was just trying to get through the day.
During that era, students could earn class credit through part-time work, which allowed me to skip afternoon classes. In the 70s, the academic bar for college admission was much lower, which I managed to navigate successfully.
When my husband and I had children, I made it clear from their kindergarten years that I didn’t want them to have jobs while in school. His surprise was evident—he’d started working at a young age too, delivering newspapers in harsh Wisconsin winters. But I firmly believed that their primary focus should be on academics, extracurricular activities, and spending quality time with family and friends. Summer jobs were acceptable, but not during the school year.
I understand that some families rely on their teens to contribute financially, but we were fortunate not to be in that position. Many parents argued that part-time jobs teach responsibility and financial literacy. Based on my own experience, I felt quite the opposite: my earnings went toward new outfits and social outings, with no emphasis on savings or budgeting.
Instead, my kids learned commitment, discipline, and time management by concentrating on school and their activities. They were deeply engaged in their academics and spent countless hours involved with their school community. Once our eldest turned 16, we purchased a car, which the younger sibling then used, allowing them to get to their various commitments independently.
You might think they were spoiled or had everything handed to them, but that’s not the case. While they enjoyed a comfortable lifestyle, we held them to high expectations. They were required to excel in school and actively participate in their chosen activities, and they couldn’t miss practices or rehearsals unless they were genuinely ill. Family dinners were non-negotiable, and they were expected to contribute to a positive home atmosphere.
Once they reached college, both found part-time jobs to help support themselves. They graduated on time and now live independently with minimal financial aid from us.
Would this approach suit every family? Probably not. But it worked for us, and I wouldn’t change a thing.
For more insights on family dynamics and parenting, check out our post on home insemination kit.
Also, if you’re looking for expert advice on fertility, Make a Mom is an excellent resource. For those interested in pregnancy information, Medline Plus offers a wealth of knowledge.
In summary, while my children didn’t hold jobs during high school, they developed essential life skills through their focus on education and extracurricular activities. This approach allowed them to thrive academically and socially, ultimately preparing them for success in college and beyond.