Can you get a job when you're 15?

Im 15 and my parents want me to get a job...?

• Okay, so I'm a 15 year old girl and recently my parents have been hounding on me and telling me that I should get a dang job. So I mean I guess I understand where they are coming from, but I mean my mom gets mad at me when I tell her that I will think about it. It's like I'm 15 years old, I just started high school and turned down sports to focus on my school work. They just keep on telling me that I need to make my own money and get a job and start my life and all, but I barely go out with friends, I rarely ask for money because I know money is a bit tight at the moment and all so it is no big deal that I don't have money. I get good grades and I am very, VERY honest with both of my parents (have been more often with my dad), I asked my parents about weed before I tried it and then promised both of them I would tell them when I tried it, which I did. I don't go out every Friday night and get high or drunk I am a good kid. Of course I would love to go to the movie theatre and just give people their tickets for their movie and get paid for that, I mean THAT WOULD BE AWESOME!!! I would love to do that, but I want to focus on school and have a relaxing life. And yes, of course I'm always wanting things, I don't always ask for them, but I am always thinking of different things that I want like a new pair of shoes or to go get my hair done, but those things can wait and I don't NEED them just as I don't NEED a job because I don't NEED money. I know some people my age whom have a job, but other than that not so much... I feel like they are being cheap...and a bit unfair..am I being immature? Am I being unfair? I just feel like they are pushing this on me when really it's okay that I don't have a job at 15, it's okay that I don't have money, it's okay that I don't go to concerts and the movies with my friends. My mom continues to tell me I should get a business card and start baby sitting the kids in my neighborhood (which I would love to do) but I have only babysat one kid once and other times the parent asked me I had to turn them down because I was busy the days they needed me. The other kids in the neighborhood, I don't know, AND my MOM doesn't even know the neighbors so how does she expect me go introduce myself to BABYSIT their kids. They would have to trust a complete stranger with their children which just doesn't sound right...My dad tells me I should get a job so I can do things with my friends when really I don't do that many things with my friends that require money. Yeah, I want stuff for myself, but I don't really need money to hang out with friends, I'd rather just hang out at someones house or something you know? I guess I should get a job, but then where do I start? I hate going to the high school job fairs because I don't want to do those stupid little jobs, if I'm going to work I want a real job like McDonald's or a clothing store. Like I said for jobs like those, where in hell do I start?! Do I just waltz in and ask them for a job application???? SO thanks all for your time! (:

• Answer:

  I had a job at 14 and while it's not for everyone, if you have a part time job and go to school, when it comes time to get a well paying job after school it stands for you against other people going for it they may not have the experience you do. I have friends from school that didn't work till 18-20 and they find it hard to find work - i don't and never have. I think your parents are trying to help you out for your future. Maybe you should sit down and discuss their reasoning for it, and you might come to a conclusion that it could be for the best?? And believe me... the money you earn at a part time job will make you feel happy and independent, even if working does suck. Oh and to find a job, get your rents to help do you up a CV, go to the place, ask for a application form, and do your thing.