Why My Children Forewent Jobs in High School

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When reflecting on my own high school experience, I remember working at a local grocery store, where my responsibilities included slicing meat, preparing sandwiches, and managing deli items. This role, though it provided me with some financial independence, did not offer valuable skills for my future. My earnings primarily went towards clothes, social outings, and other non-essential expenses. The environment was often unhealthy, and I witnessed accidents that underscored its dangers. I found little merit in this experience, particularly since I had no aspirations in the hospitality field.

During my high school years, I was able to earn class credit through part-time work, which allowed me to prioritize employment over academics. However, the academic landscape has evolved significantly, and I appreciate that such leniency is no longer an option for today’s students.

When my children entered school, I made it clear to my partner that I didn’t want them to hold jobs during high school. His surprise was palpable, as he had held various jobs since his youth, including a paper route in harsh winters. My conviction was that their primary focus should be academics, extracurricular activities, and spending quality time with family and friends. While summer employment was acceptable, I firmly believed that they should not juggle work and school during the academic year.

There are certainly families where high school students must contribute financially. Fortunately, my children were not in that situation. Conversations with other parents often highlighted the idea that part-time jobs instill responsibility and an understanding of money management. However, based on my own experience, I found that my work did not teach me these lessons; instead, it simply funded my frivolous expenditures.

Conversely, I ensured that my children gained commitment, discipline, and time management skills through their schoolwork and activities. Their schedules were filled with classes and practices, fostering a sense of belonging in their community and school. When they turned 16, we provided them with a car, which one sibling later used, alleviating the need for my constant transportation.

Some might argue that my children were overly pampered, but that assumption would be incorrect. While they enjoyed financial support, we placed high expectations on their academic and extracurricular commitments. Missing rehearsals or practices was only permissible for legitimate reasons, typically illness. Dinnertime was a family affair, and they were expected to contribute to the household environment when guests visited.

Upon reaching college, both children sought part-time jobs to supplement their allowances and ultimately graduated in four years, now living independently with minimal financial assistance from us. While this approach may not be suitable for every family, it worked well for us, and I would choose the same path again.

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In summary, while my personal high school job experience was not beneficial, I opted for a different approach for my children, prioritizing their education and extracurricular involvement over part-time employment during the school year. This strategy proved effective, leading them to successful college careers and independence.