Too young? Options

[livwho]

"We have to push you because you won't push yourself."

A direct quote from my mother regarding swim team. (Just so you know, I'm an extremely driven individual.)
It's time to assume some responsibility and get a summer job, but my parents believe otherwise. In their minds, fifteen is too young to be working.

All I'm asking for is some independence to buy what I want with my own money, and (maybe) pay half of my college tuition when the time comes. Is that too much?

[*yrrnotelekktric*]

No. I think it`s good that people work at 15, Olivia. I don`t even work, but i should.
It`s good to experience and understand handling money, etc, to prepare you for more serious jobs in the future.

IMO.

[1angel3]

No not at all. But at most jobs you're too young, it's not just your parents. At some jobs, you at least have to be sixteen or older and at some jobs sixteen is too young. So good luck finding a job that will hire you.

[livwho]

No not at all. But at most jobs you're too young, it's not just your parents. At some jobs, you at least have to be sixteen or older and at some jobs sixteen is too young. So good luck finding a job that will hire you.

I've already got several job applications that accept persons under age sixteen. My town is very work-friendly. Thank you though.

[Cattt]

I'm 16 and I think I have to work because my parents are NOT paying for my college tuition. With that in mind, I an NOT allowed to get a job because I have to study (what my mom says) to get into a good college. Put that all together and I'm predicting I am going to face a lot of student loans later in life.

A lot of people this age works part time. It is not too young. Where I live you have to be at least 15 to just volunteer so a job in my area is hard.

[DoubleJ]

I believe that you must get the experience that you can. I was ahead of the curve, because I got hired at a Wall Street firm at 17. Although people said that I was entirely too young, I am still there today 4 years later. I say to you, gain as much knowledge about the job requirements in your state as possible, and then search for a job. I am a firm believer in being independent, because there is nothing like being able to get what you want, when you want it, or have something done, the way you want it. Although having a job does have its drawbacks, i.e. spending less time with friends, occasionally being stressed and tired, it ultimately gains you the reward that we all strive for, freedom. I totally hope that you take this experience and soak it all up, and I commend you for having such a drive at such a young age.

[michellerrific]

Well most jobs (like, store jobs) are at least 16 yo but most of them are actually around 18. I don't find it a problem if you know how to manage your time wisely and are mature enough to be around mostly older responsible people. But if you have too much on your hands, don't even attempt it.

[1angel3]

I've already got several job applications that accept persons under age sixteen. My town is very work-friendly. Thank you though.

Oh that's great. My town need more jobs like that. I couldn't harly find a job that would hire me at fifteen.

What type of jobs? Do you have to have parents signature? Some jobs around here ask for parent signatures.

[superficial]

Actually, I don't think that you're too young to work when you're 15. As long as your neighborhood (and the place where you're working's neighborhood) is safe for a 15 year old to be walking in. It's definitely not too much. If you really do start to work, they'll think that you're more independent and that you don't have to rely on them as much. Independence! Yeeahh.

[fameONE]

No, there's nothing wrong with that at all. More power to you for being 15 and actually having the presence of mind to be independent.

[livwho]

Oh that's great. My town need more jobs like that. I couldn't harly find a job that would hire me at fifteen.

What type of jobs? Do you have to have parents signature? Some jobs around her ask for parent signatures.

Well, during the summer, my library offers an apprenticeship that I'd like to take advantage of. Also, our local grocery store would be willing to hire me (I know the owner), so that's always an option.

No parent siggy needed. As long as I have a method of transportation (and I will by June), you're good to go.

[DoubleJ]

Well, during the summer, my library offers an apprenticeship that I'd like to take advantage of. Also, our local grocery store would be willing to hire me since my brother worked there for five years (he was hired at fifteen also T-T.)

Grocery stores are usually easier to do, being as they are more flexible, and they won't let the youngins do the overnight shift.

[1angel3]

Well, during the summer, my library offers an apprenticeship that I'd like to take advantage of. Also, our local grocery store would be willing to hire me (I know the owner), so that's always an option.

I don't blame you at all. I would take advantage of that too.

[livwho]

Grocery stores are usually easier to do, being as they are more flexible, and they won't let the youngins do the overnight shift.

It closes at nine. :P

Keep in mind folks that I live in a small town. Minuscule actually.

[DoubleJ]

I know that, but even the small towns up here, the groceries are 24

[livwho]

Okay, let's call it the _____ Food Market. :D

[pedophile]

i think dunkin donuts hires 15 year olds.

[missnh]

All I'm asking for is some independence to buy what I want with my own money, and (maybe) pay half of my college tuition when the time comes. Is that too much?

I think it depends on the job you get. Don't get one that will stress you out, but one that is fun and not too time-consuming. It's good to start developing working skills and experience, and it's definitely good to make your own money so your parents can't pull the "ALL YOU DO IS ASK FOR MONEY" card.

[iDecay]

I'd actually do that if I had the time. I get way too stressed out over school and tennis, I don't get to even go out. It's good to start out younger.

[dannyordinary]

It's a good thing you are showing drive at such a young age.
But also, working might (in the eyes of your parents) distract you
from school and your grades might go down.

[MissFits]

Not at all!
I started working as soon as I turned 14, and I worked a lot. My parents never cared as long as it didn't affect how I did in school.

Maybe talk to your mom about how you need to learn the value of a dollar and cliche stuff like that.

[jaeman]

It's a good experience to start out at 15, you'll learn and you'll eventually know more than someone else that starts their own independent life at 18, when they leave the house.

[livwho]

All of you have excellent opinions; I finally have something to bring to the table. :D Thanks. *Hugs for all*

My sister had a job at fourteen, and my brother at fifteen, so I'm not sure why my parents are treating me differently. Maybe because I'm the youngest?

[jaeman]

They probably don't want to let you go, you're the one they want to keep forever.

[livwho]

^ Riiiight.

[stephinika]

That's lame though, there's nothing wrong with having a job at 15. I think thats when I had my first real job too. I think it shows you're maturity and independence that you want to go get your own job and make some money.

[MissHygienic]

I don't understand their rationale. They say that they push you because you won't push yourself, yet when you're asking permission to get a job (which, at 15, it's pushing yourself), they won't let you.

[jaeman]

I got my first job at 14, I was a floor sweeper.

[livwho]

I don't understand their rationale. They say that they push you because you won't push yourself, yet when you're asking permission to get a job (which, at 15, it's pushing yourself), they won't let you.

I told them I was quitting swim team. They think I'm only doing it because I'm lazy, which is complete bullshit. I'm sick of it; after ten years, you need a break. It's not worth wasting my summer over when I could be working and earning money for myself.

I'm sick of having to gain their approval on everything.

EDIT: SHIT. Triple post. Mergy please.

Reason for edit: fixed your triple post. =) - stephinika

[superstitious]

If I may, the "pushing" might only be in concern for academics and extracurricular activities (related to school, such as the swim team) and not necessarily a need to push on a personal level or a job related level. Obviously you are a motivated individual and I'm sure to some extent that they can see that.

I can see things from both side because I am a relatively young mom and I'm starting to understand (some) of my mother's perspectives on things when I was in school and of course I remember how it felt when it seemed like I wasn't given my own room to grow or felt like somehow my independence was being stifled.

At one point, you will have to work for the rest of your life (unless you get married and your spouse is able to completely support you. Despite that being a terribly boring notion, it doesn't happen as often as it used to). If you are able to focus on school, focus on participating in extracurricular activities (beit art, drama, music, sports, computers) and on friends then I would say do it. Live it and have as much fun and absorb as much as you can, while you still can. Not to say that life gets horrible, that the acquisition of knowledge ends and working is a bitch (ok, sometimes working IS a bitch) but there will be a point in your life when you will not get the choices that you have now and/or they will be pretty limited.

I just wanted to give an additional perspective.

And can someone help her out with the merging. LOL XD

[jesusisthebestth...]

I don't necessarily think that 15 is too young to get a job, but my sister is in your same position. She's 15, wants to work and mother refuses to let her get a job. I understand that your parents want what's best for you and they probably think that if you get a job you may have to take some time away from other areas they believe are more important. But trust me, honey, working isn't all that it's cracked up to be. Minimum wage is a bitch and there are pricks you will encounter on enough jobs you'll have in the future. There are other ways that you can express your need for independence without getting a job. You have your whole life to work, don't push the time. Be 15 and enjoy it.

[S-Majere]

I don't think 15 is too young - but in the UK anyone under the age of 18 has work hour limit. I'm not sure if it's the same in the States.

I think getting a part time job teaches you skills you simply can't learn at school. Try explaining that to your folks - it's a great experience.

[jaeman]

I think getting a part time job teaches you skills you simply can't learn at school. Try explaining that to your folks - it's a great experience.

You hit the spot, that's exactly why it's so good.

[karmakiller]

I think it's good that you're willing to get a job on your own and that your parents don't have to push you. Around here you can start working at the grocery store and McD's at 14. But if you're under 18 you have to get a work permit.

[YaGurlSukedMe2SL...]

depends on what kind of working. retail is a bitch, what happens when an 80 year old lady whose brother just died asks for a discount?

[Gryffindor-Girl]

Ok I DO NOT think you are too young you in my opinion are the perfect age to start working. Getting a job shows that you are strong enough to make your own way and it gives you the independence you probably crave.