As a first-time expectant parent, I shared with my spouse a single expectation for our children: they must seek summer employment during their teenage years. Currently, with our children aged 7 and 4, their summers primarily involve playful activities like cartwheeling, swimming, and perhaps launching that lemonade stand they’ve envisioned since winter’s snow buried our town.
When they reach the age of 14—when they can legally obtain working papers in Massachusetts—I intend to do as my father did with me: have a meaningful conversation about the path to securing a summer job. Growing up in an upper-middle-class family, my parents’ financial stability didn’t depend on my summer earnings. However, they came from modest backgrounds and understood the value of hard work in building a better life for our family. They aimed to instill that same work ethic in my siblings and me, which is where summer jobs come into play.
My first job was at a local ice cream shop, where I was informed that my mopping skills were lacking. As a high-achieving student, I had never been told I was inadequate before that moment. At 14, I learned a crucial lesson: I wasn’t as exceptional as I thought. I also improved my mopping technique.
Before I became a teacher at 22, I held various roles including bank teller, waitress, preschool assistant, shoe store employee, nanny, and caregiver for a couple with multiple sclerosis. Each job taught me invaluable lessons: how to manage difficult customers, change diapers, handle criticism, and the importance of punctuality. I want my children to experience these lessons as well.
Comedian Max Rivers, an unintentional advocate for less-than-glamorous jobs, echoes this sentiment. He once expressed hope that his daughters would have “gritty” minimum-wage jobs as teenagers, emphasizing the significance of doing such jobs well. He highlights a truth that resonates with many: young people often receive without giving back, accumulating education, love, and material possessions without contributing to society. This mirrors the sentiment expressed in Marge Piercy’s poem, “To be of use,” which underscores the human desire for meaningful work.
I aspire to provide my children with the opportunity to engage in genuine work.
You may wonder about community service. My daughter plans to assist in constructing a school in Peru this summer. In my previous role editing a community service section for a youth magazine, I encountered numerous submissions. Often, these essays exuded an air of self-satisfaction as if to say, “Look at how I helped these less fortunate individuals.” Although there are indeed young people who are sincerely committed to service, many volunteer experiences can feel contrived. For instance, I participated in a Habitat for Humanity trip, where I contributed minimally and felt more like a bystander than a helper.
While volunteer positions can foster a sense of purpose, it’s equally essential for young adults to experience being the “newbie.” They should learn the value of even the smallest tasks, from making copies to mopping floors. Understanding the effort required to earn a dollar and managing different personalities will instill a sense of responsibility and work ethic that is fundamentally beneficial.
In summary, encouraging our children to take on summer jobs is vital for their development. Engaging in real work fosters responsibility and offers lessons that transcend mere monetary gain. For more on this topic, consider checking out this post or the insights from Make A Mom, an authority in this field. Furthermore, the CDC offers excellent resources for understanding pregnancy and home insemination.