This is an interesting article which raises the issue of pressures on pupils of today and the effects of having a part-time job (or not).
My first job was at Marks and Sparks in 1986, a seasonal post in Ayr.
I wonder what your first one was (if you had one) and whether you agree or disagree with the comments in this article.
I thought it was one where we could get some comments going, so as always, lend me your words!
All the best,
Mark
I find it interesting that Norfolk has the highest child employment rate. I would have thought that with many children being in upper class schools in a mostly upper class area that stresses on school work would mean these children are pushed in the direction of study rather than employment. I had a job in a hairdressers from when I was 14-16 years old and it really taught me how to time manage, respect authority, manage my own money and also to pay my way at home . I think a young person working teaches them some really important core values that young people are not being taught otherwise. I feel that the lack in young people getting a job is also to do with the way they are being coddled and parented in recent years. I’d like to see this rise and would actually encourage my own kids to go out there and experience the world of work or “life in the real world”.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back! It’s an interesting point you make about the recent younger generation. I often enquire at the first meeting of classes about the amount of hours learners work outside college. This to ascertain info about time management, priorities etc. Although by no means ‘scientific’, there’s no question that fewer ‘young people’ work these days. But let’s nog forget, the opportunities are diminished too. The issue of core values you raise is an important one, and you’re quite right about that.
DeleteI worked in a hairdressers at 12, chip shop at 14 then straight into retail when I got my national insurance number! - I was financially worse off because my mum stopped giving me pocket money yet my little brother seemed to be minted with no values or morals. I worked for me and I loved it and it's defo made me want to continue to work hard for my son to look up to me,my 'little' brother however has grown up a spoilt brat, no motivation to get a job (he has just been paid off from a job in my dad's work that was handed to him on a plate and big bucks!) and he feels the world owes him a living! He is just like one of today's teenagers and it's scary to think that this generation refuse to work, and why would they if all the have to do is put their hand out to their parents! - anyhoo rant over - I love my brother dearly but having seen the way I strive to work and he can't even lift a dish to help my parents out, I'll defo be pushing for my son to get a Saturday job 😀
ReplyDeleteMorning late night blogger! I wasn’t sure where you were going with this one re your brother, but I’m glad you slipped in the “I love him dearly” disclaimer! The issue of independence and values again are strong points you raise, both of which I agree with. Hopefully your brother will get another job soon. One of the main reasons for being on the SWAP course for the majority of students is not only to expand the mind, but to get the University qualifications and ultimately a well paid job. It takes time, but hopefully it’ll be worth it. Both of you clearly see the benefits of working as youngsters and that’ll be something you’ll encourage your children to do too it seems. Thanks for your comments.
DeleteI was waiting so I wouldn't be the first person commenting!
ReplyDeleteI had a job in what everyone wants when I was 16 (prior to that I tried these horrible things where you knock on doors and try to sell eggs/milk etc). I worked for £2.20 an hour which is a bit explotive.
On one hand I do agree that taking a part time job can help build values that will carry you through life, time management, organisation and money management however I'm not sure about part time jobs for kids, under 16's especially.
My stepson has a paper round every day. We've asked him to give it up but he won't as he likes the money in his pocket which he saves for his expensive downhill mountain biking.
Truthfully though we think it's too much. He never gets a lie in. He has full time school, with exams this year. Physically he is non stop with rugby several times a week, judo and downhill and stunt biking. He is exhausted and most days falls asleep on the couch. While I admire his commitment to his job, which he does hail, rain or shine, I think we'd prefer for him to rest more. He's got a whole lifetime of working his socks off ahead of him and I would like his childhood, and all my kids, to be full of activities and fun stuff before the adulting starts and ruins it all lol.
I do think my perspective is a little different as we almost lost Leo at the beginning of this year when he became very unwell, now our priorities are just making their childhoods last as long as possible and the notion of sending my kids to work (even with the benefits it brings) isn't on my list. I'm happy to provide for them as long as I can. Being an adult sucks and I'll put that off for them as long as I can.
Thanks Laura, you love a strategy! I think also when you are young you do so many things. I was in the football, rugby, volleyball, swimming teams and in numerous orchestras and so only did the seasonal job I cited. I always admire your openness on the blog and you are absolutely correct, life is all about perspective, in whatever context that may be. As always, thanks for your comments. Being an adult has certainly changed over the years, as has being a youngster in the world, no question about that. Mark
ReplyDeleteHi everyone! I had a job 2 days after I left school in Ink Spot in Hamilton. I worked full time but financially, I was worse off too. I think I only got something like £3.95 an hour so my monthly wage came to about £500 a month and I was working 6 days a week. It was tough being fresh out of school and taking on such a responsibilty. I ended up being moved to their fancy dress store and put out in Edinburgh. So traveling from Motherwell every morning, 6 days a week and sometimes 12 hour shifts really took a toll on my mental health at such a young age. If I think back to it now, I should have stayed in education where my parents could continue to provide for me and get the crappy £30 a week from EMA because despite all of this, I started to feel alienated from my friends and couldn't even afford my lunch some days out in Edinburgh!
ReplyDeleteWelcome Emma and lovely to hear from you! I have often heard of employees working and finding that aren't that much better off for doing so and this regrettably is one of those situations. I'm sorry to hear that this experience wasn't a positive one, but it is always good to reflect on these matters and move onwards and upwards. Thank you for your comments and I look forward to reading more of your reflections on the blog.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely weekend,
Mark