Dutchy wrote:Lightning McQueen wrote:Dutchy wrote:14yo lad starting his working career at H/Jacks, working hard for his $11.30 per hour, bit of a come down from his $90 for 2 hours of umpiring during winter but he has embraced it and enjoying it which is half the battle.
How good is the independence and how they realise that money doesn't just grow on trees?
My lad doesn't really apply himself at school as well as he should and has found himself two jobs, he goes to school on the days that he isn't working and has been keeping up with his school work after hours.
It's hard for me to accept given my two girls were pretty much straight A students and as much as I used to stuff about at school my grades were generally immaculate, he isn't thick but has generally lacked enthusiasm for anything that doesn't involve a ball.
I've had to succumb though and allow him to work, he's never going to be running for congress so it's probably best that he learns what the real life is all about, it probably hasn't helped that he knows he has a job lined up the day he turns 18.
One thing Ive learnt about watching my (and mates) teenagers growing up and going thru school is that they all find their way in life and school results are not the be all and end all that many parents feel they are. Real life experience and work is so much more valuable in growing their character and building relationships/social skills IMO.
Absolutely. My daughter left school in the middle of year 10, her school counsellor was no help to us as parents and lots to her as a student, we weren't happy at the time but it's turned out just fine. She's got an amazing work ethic and has forged herself a career as a barber. She's 21 at the end of the month and earns around $60k per year with growth to come.
What you will probably find is those kids ( like LM ) have good role models in the home who set good examples for work ethic.
