I lied when I was twelve saying I was 13 and got a job in a shoe shop. I worked every Saturday and every day during the Xmas and Summer holidays. I started at £2.50 a day. I never got pocket money after that and was expected to buy my own clothes. Mum bought school stuff. I loved it and worked for the same man until I was 18.
My son did a paper round.....for a day and his dad took him in the car because it was raining.
He did a week's job experience at 15 at our local golf course. I knew the professional. A week or two later I got a phone call asking if he would like a weekend job. He was the best paid 15 year old in the town £50 for a weekend. After that he was never without a job. At one point he had three at the one time. The golf club, a supermarket, and a hotel owned by a friend where he worked as a barman and waiter. It gave him a good work ethic.....needless to say he did not get pocket money. In fact I took £10 a week off him and saved it up and then treated the family to whatever he chose.
My daughter found it more difficult. She did voluntary work in a charity shop for ages to get work experience. I eventually had a word with a pal who is a manageress in a Spar shop. She got a five hour a week contract with the chance of overtime. She has now worked there for almost two years. Although it's a little Spar she has had to go through so much training to sell alcohol and cigarettes.
It's so much harder for employers to take on youngsters due to rules and regulations.
I have always encouraged my two to work and earn their own money. They have paid a token amount into the house but I think that has taught them the value of things and also how to budget.
Have to say though my daughter is totally blond. Clever girl who floats along in a dream. She has her student loan which is more than enough for her needs. Does she manage it properly.....does she heck. Her and I sit down every Sunday evening and check to make sure she has enough for the week ahead or does money need shuffling between accounts. I really do try with her but she is so bloomin ditzy with all financial stuff. I keep plugging away in the hope that at some point she will start to take an interest in her own money.
Honeyb
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