Thread by @JonahLupton

I’ve seen a few people commenting on this post that some Dad posted about his 14 year old son having a job — figured I would chime in with my thoughts.

Spoiler alert:
I have no problem with a 14 year old working as long as it’s their decision and the employer follows the laws

I got my first job at a corner store & deli when I was 14 yrs old and the minimum wage was $4.75/hour.

My responsibilities included stocking shelves, checking in deliveries, sweeping/mopping, taking out the trash and working the cash register. Not fun stuff but it was a job.

I probably worked 10-15 hrs per week during the school year and 25-30 hours per week during the summer.

I wanted that job so I could show my parents that I was responsible, develop some work ethic, get some job experience and have a little money to buy stuff like video games and baseball cards.

I didn’t want to be like every other kid and just ask my parents for money every time I wanted something. I was old enough to work and it was 100% my decision to have a job. My parents actually asked me to work less but I knew I could handle it.

The next year when I was 15 years old I actually had two jobs but only during the summer months. I worked mornings at a bed & breakfast cleaning rooms and then I’d ride my bike down to the local bakery and spend 4 hours cutting fruits and making desserts.

Once again my parents were concerned that I was working 40+ hours a week but this was my decision. I worked with some of my friends at both places so it wasn’t that bad and I felt good every week getting a paycheck.

At 16 years old I got a job as a prep cook in a seafood restaurant and over the next few years worked my way up to line cook. This is where I worked every summer when I’d come back to Cape Cod during my college years. Sometimes I was working 60 hours/work but enjoyed it.

I had a ton of responsibility, I had my own keys to the restaurant, I was 20 years old and a big part of their success.

In my last year at this restaurant the owner was so impressed with our dedication that he sent me and 3 other employees to Vegas on an all expense paid trip.

I think it’s awesome that a 14 year old kid wants to get a job regardless of his reasons. I also think it’s awesome that his father supports this decision.

Not all kids want to spend their teenage years taking selfies and playing video games.

I guarantee this kid will be very successful in life and someday might even own his own Burger King franchise.

This kid is learning all kinds of valuable life skills while he’s working at Burger King.

To be honest I think it’s a little sad that more teenagers aren’t willing to get part time jobs.

Too many kids grow up without having to learn about hard work, responsibility, the value of money, how to work with others, dealing with customers and so on.

Just yesterday at the gym I was talking to one of my friends about how all the local restaurants are dealing with a massive labor shortage because teenagers refuse to get jobs.

My local Dunkin’ Donuts has to close at 4pm everyday because they can’t find help.

My local pizza place is only open 5 days per week because they can’t find help.

My local supermarket is paying $17.50 per hour to cashiers because it’s the only way they can find help.

If any 14 year old wants to get a job to show some responsibility, make some money, develop some skills/experience (as long as it’s their decision) then i support them and our society should to.

As long as that employer is following the labor laws then none of us should be judging that Father for supporting his son and letting him do what he wants.

I think it’s a little pathetic how many parents spoil their kids until they’re out of college — now they’re 21 years old and have never had a job before.

They’ve never interviewed for a job, never been rejected for a job, never had a conflict with another employee, never dealt with a rude customer.

Okay, enough from me, what does everyone else think about this?

Keep it respectful.
Thanks.

PS: this is one of the news articles that helped this story go viral newsweek.com/dad-sparks-twi…

In full disclosure I’m not a parent however if I was and my 14 year old son or daughter wanted to get a part time job I’d be really proud of them and I would fully support their decision.

One more fun fact I forgot to mention — the reason I was working at 14 years old was to buy baseball cards b/c I thought they’d make me rich someday. Sadly those baseball cards are mostly worthless now but it was still a fun experience with my brother to build our collections.