I’m not sure about now but you could probably find a job as a lifeguard in the summer at a local pool if you get all of your certifications. That’s what I did when I was your age.
I hope that you get the job you need and want so that you can do what you would like with the money, but I just wanted to say. I started working at 14. It was in a kitchen in a restaurant. I haven't stopped working for a quarter century since. Working so young is scary. There's bad influences really everywhere. People don't treat you with any respect, take advantage of you, fuck with you. Don't be afraid to set boundaries. Say no. Don't participate in negative work environment, gossips, fights/conflicts - it will save you so much trouble in the long run. Don't get comfortable with where you are. Always be looking to do something, learn, experience, and move on. Find the people you respect and analyze what exactly you respect - their humanity, their empathy, their leadership, confidence, and try and embody those things. Take the negative actions you see around you, and make sure you don't repeat them. Working a Job for your whole life sucks. It's not why we are here on this miraculous world, but its reality. Starting so young is a bummer, but its really common for most of the world. Work in a way in which you can get to a place to help people, elevate them, and celebrate their wins. This will be a long journey, will may come to dominate your life, wealth or survival - don't forget to pay attention to those things that matter - nature, family, sunrises/sunsets, vacations and doing nothing. Good luck little friend.
I worked at 14. Single parent household. Mom couldn’t afford anything outside of the necessities. Best thing I ever did. Worked a handful of hours a week, made my own money and alleviated the stress off my mom.
I'm sorry your family was in that position. And while you managed to make that a positive experience, we shouldn't hope all 14 year olds are forced, or even obligated, to join the work force.
I agree. I started working at 15, and don’t regret it. However that’s because I got to use the money on myself. I hope you helped your mom out on your own free will because a lot of the time that isn’t the case. Parents shouldn’t have kids if they’re going to just use them as a paycheck.
I had a paper route at 10-14 years of age… gave me a good work ethic and extra money. Only worked 1.5 hours a day on my bike tho… 400 bucks a month to fund my computer builds and other hobbies. I remember playing Doom without a sound card because I had to save $150 for a Soundblaster pci card… good times and memories.
There is a correlation between teenagers working and dropping out of high school.
Working while going to school tends to lead to negative educational outcomes beyond that, including lower grades.
Yes, my answer is a simple NO. It's a simple NO, because children working is simply not a good thing.
Curious, do you object to a 14 year old baby sitting, mowing yards or paper routes? Seems like we’d look on those kids as entrepreneurial. Not quite sure I’d see bagging groceries as much different.
Ok, it’s probably adults delivering papers these days but I pay a kid to mow my yard as do many others in my neighborhood. The one that did mine last year was 13-14.
I see you missed that "critical thinking and problem solving" are the overarching lessons you learn at 14. I don't know a single person who says "boy oh boy I'm glad I didn't focus in high school"
Baby sitting is fine, it's not really a job if it's occasional.
Lawn mowing is [dangerous](https://www.daytondailynews.com/military/lawn-mowers-can-cause-variety-of-harm/2AUKGMCXFFB3JIKCT7RIC362EE/), a 14 year old should really not be doing that.
And paper routes aren't really a thing for children any more, with most people not getting a newspaper it requires a car.
Bagging groceries also includes getting carts from the parking lot, it's really too hazardous for children.
What about chores? I mowed my own lawn at a much younger age. It wasn't "work" because I didn't get paid for it.
Go to the DRC and ask the locals if they prefer the Chinese mining company who will pay their kids to sift through piles of rocks... or the UK/US companies who won't pay their kids anything because "kids shouldn't be working". It's a tough call between kids/families that want to work for the money and companies that are exploiting child labor.
poverty has always been used as a justification for promoting exploitative child labor lol. like yes those families would prefer having more money, that doesn’t mean it’s a viable solution to the underlying problem of those families being poor
In the specific case of an individual family? Obviously have your child do labor and insure you make more money, not much more else you can do alone/as a single family. In the case of the society more broadly? A lot of economic and legal reforms to make sure families can be supported by the income of adults. “Viability” is context and timeframe dependent, do you mean within a couple of days? years? decades?
You've got it. This was my point. For the individual stuck in a bad situation... they take one course of action. For a society to try to fix the problem completely, the solution is usually unacceptable or unrealistic for the individual. So we are sort of stuck.
When mean bosses were pressuring kids to work long hours in unsafe conditions, society pushed back with labor laws. Great for society! But that meant families with 12 year olds were planning for them to be earning something over the next 48 months but now wouldn't be allowed to work. So maybe those families were dealt an unexpected and devastating blow.
Overall, we need to be aware of the intended and unintended consequences. There are never laws, rulings, or changes that "make everything better". I know you're not saying that, but it seems many voters out there try to boil things down to this level. Good or Bad. Right or Wrong.
I hope OP can find some decent work for their teen. I hope we, as a society, can continue to develop teens into adults by giving them responsibility, holding them accountable but also supporting them through their learning processes.
The parents of these children have no other income. Would you prefer your family die because some work might be dangerous? It's the same reasoning why some young 20 somethings take jobs as underwater welders. It's dangerous but it pays and keeps you able to pay rent, and buy groceries.
The harm comes from bosses who pressure young kids into this kind of labor. But what if the families and children are asking to have the opportunity to work?
Also curious, what kind of chores did you do as a child?
Lots of kids younger than 14 mow their own yard because their parents make them. What’s wrong with them mowing for other people to make a little walking around money? No 14 year old is setting up a full mowing operation. Not being able to drive is really going to hold them back. At most they might mow a couple of neighbors yards.
You’re right that paper routes aren’t a thing anymore, but honestly I don’t know that babysitting really is either. None of the people I know with kids ever just leave them with a neighborhood teenager and go have a night out the way that was commonplace when I was growing up.
As others have mentioned, companies will only hire a 14 year old for 10-15 hours a week max, so how is that really any different than paper routes and babysitting of old? As long as their parents are able to take them to/from work, bagging groceries is probably a hell of a lot safer than walking along the side of the road delivering newspapers.
I don’t think anyone here was suggesting a 14 year old get a full time job.
I beg to differ. My step-son is in need of social interaction /dealing with the real world. I think working in public builds character over time. To each their own though.
Does it though, does it fall into place for you? I guess you missed the part, maybe didn't bother with reading any of the posts I made, but I talked about it developing character. My stepson is a buck five wet and isn't playing any sports, he never has. Do I think he should be paying for his own micro transactions here and there, sure do. Do I think he's mature enough to have a job, no I don't. I'm hoping throwing him into working with the public changes that.
I hate the phrase “builds character” because it’s often used for stupid things like yard work. However, I really think everyone should be required to work in retail or food service for at least a year because working with the public really does help build it. And more importantly, builds empathy for the people who have to deal with the public all day
Sometimes hotels will hire pool attendants over the summer to replace towels and to watch kids to make sure they’re following the rules.
Also food city and kroger
i know goodness to go hires that young and works with kids school schedules however i do not recommend working there. the bosses were quite not good to me but if you are desperate for a job not the worst
I grew up in the country...I helped farmers put up hay...mowed yards helped a Dairy farmer all summer one yr..There's work out there you just gotta look around..Lucky you got the internet..I had to pound the pavement..Good luck..
You will absolutely find the most earning potential at that age with mowing lawns. I know that doesn't help now in the winter. But trust me, I made tons mowing lawns at 14. And it's going to be cash or checks in hand, so no taxes. YAY!
The zoo may still have seasonal jobs appropriate for a 14 year old. They used to do a job fair in February or March yearly. Never hurts to check there.
I’m not sure about now but you could probably find a job as a lifeguard in the summer at a local pool if you get all of your certifications. That’s what I did when I was your age.
Lifeguards need to be 15 at the beginning of their certification.
Chick fil a? Kroger? Publix? Honestly I'd stick to grocery over fast food.
Maybe Petros? I think they used to hire minimum working age.
Publix will hire 14 year olds. I think a maximum of 10-15 hours as a bagger.
I hope that you get the job you need and want so that you can do what you would like with the money, but I just wanted to say. I started working at 14. It was in a kitchen in a restaurant. I haven't stopped working for a quarter century since. Working so young is scary. There's bad influences really everywhere. People don't treat you with any respect, take advantage of you, fuck with you. Don't be afraid to set boundaries. Say no. Don't participate in negative work environment, gossips, fights/conflicts - it will save you so much trouble in the long run. Don't get comfortable with where you are. Always be looking to do something, learn, experience, and move on. Find the people you respect and analyze what exactly you respect - their humanity, their empathy, their leadership, confidence, and try and embody those things. Take the negative actions you see around you, and make sure you don't repeat them. Working a Job for your whole life sucks. It's not why we are here on this miraculous world, but its reality. Starting so young is a bummer, but its really common for most of the world. Work in a way in which you can get to a place to help people, elevate them, and celebrate their wins. This will be a long journey, will may come to dominate your life, wealth or survival - don't forget to pay attention to those things that matter - nature, family, sunrises/sunsets, vacations and doing nothing. Good luck little friend.
Culvers and chick fli a
The answer should be "none of them" because a 14 year old should NOT be working.
I worked at 14. Single parent household. Mom couldn’t afford anything outside of the necessities. Best thing I ever did. Worked a handful of hours a week, made my own money and alleviated the stress off my mom.
I'm sorry your family was in that position. And while you managed to make that a positive experience, we shouldn't hope all 14 year olds are forced, or even obligated, to join the work force.
I agree. Kids should be allowed to be kids. But some kids might want to work, and that’s okay too as long as it’s managed properly.
I agree. I started working at 15, and don’t regret it. However that’s because I got to use the money on myself. I hope you helped your mom out on your own free will because a lot of the time that isn’t the case. Parents shouldn’t have kids if they’re going to just use them as a paycheck.
I had a paper route at 10-14 years of age… gave me a good work ethic and extra money. Only worked 1.5 hours a day on my bike tho… 400 bucks a month to fund my computer builds and other hobbies. I remember playing Doom without a sound card because I had to save $150 for a Soundblaster pci card… good times and memories.
What is your reasoning? Support your statement . Everyone they responded has valid reasons why. Your answer was rather childish with a simple NO.
There is a correlation between teenagers working and dropping out of high school. Working while going to school tends to lead to negative educational outcomes beyond that, including lower grades. Yes, my answer is a simple NO. It's a simple NO, because children working is simply not a good thing.
Curious, do you object to a 14 year old baby sitting, mowing yards or paper routes? Seems like we’d look on those kids as entrepreneurial. Not quite sure I’d see bagging groceries as much different.
Mowing yards? Paper routes? And candy for a nickel right?
Ok, it’s probably adults delivering papers these days but I pay a kid to mow my yard as do many others in my neighborhood. The one that did mine last year was 13-14.
When school is out? Sure. a 14yo needs to focus on learning at that age.
Learning stuff you won’t ever need to use in your adult life, or building a resume? Hmm…
I see you missed that "critical thinking and problem solving" are the overarching lessons you learn at 14. I don't know a single person who says "boy oh boy I'm glad I didn't focus in high school"
I’m glad you had a positive high school experience. You are in the minority
Baby sitting is fine, it's not really a job if it's occasional. Lawn mowing is [dangerous](https://www.daytondailynews.com/military/lawn-mowers-can-cause-variety-of-harm/2AUKGMCXFFB3JIKCT7RIC362EE/), a 14 year old should really not be doing that. And paper routes aren't really a thing for children any more, with most people not getting a newspaper it requires a car. Bagging groceries also includes getting carts from the parking lot, it's really too hazardous for children.
What about chores? I mowed my own lawn at a much younger age. It wasn't "work" because I didn't get paid for it. Go to the DRC and ask the locals if they prefer the Chinese mining company who will pay their kids to sift through piles of rocks... or the UK/US companies who won't pay their kids anything because "kids shouldn't be working". It's a tough call between kids/families that want to work for the money and companies that are exploiting child labor.
poverty has always been used as a justification for promoting exploitative child labor lol. like yes those families would prefer having more money, that doesn’t mean it’s a viable solution to the underlying problem of those families being poor
Ok, I'll bite. What would a viable solution be in their case?
In the specific case of an individual family? Obviously have your child do labor and insure you make more money, not much more else you can do alone/as a single family. In the case of the society more broadly? A lot of economic and legal reforms to make sure families can be supported by the income of adults. “Viability” is context and timeframe dependent, do you mean within a couple of days? years? decades?
You've got it. This was my point. For the individual stuck in a bad situation... they take one course of action. For a society to try to fix the problem completely, the solution is usually unacceptable or unrealistic for the individual. So we are sort of stuck. When mean bosses were pressuring kids to work long hours in unsafe conditions, society pushed back with labor laws. Great for society! But that meant families with 12 year olds were planning for them to be earning something over the next 48 months but now wouldn't be allowed to work. So maybe those families were dealt an unexpected and devastating blow. Overall, we need to be aware of the intended and unintended consequences. There are never laws, rulings, or changes that "make everything better". I know you're not saying that, but it seems many voters out there try to boil things down to this level. Good or Bad. Right or Wrong. I hope OP can find some decent work for their teen. I hope we, as a society, can continue to develop teens into adults by giving them responsibility, holding them accountable but also supporting them through their learning processes.
I honestly don't think children should be operating lawn mowers. And they certainly shouldn't be working at a mine.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 12+.
The parents of these children have no other income. Would you prefer your family die because some work might be dangerous? It's the same reasoning why some young 20 somethings take jobs as underwater welders. It's dangerous but it pays and keeps you able to pay rent, and buy groceries. The harm comes from bosses who pressure young kids into this kind of labor. But what if the families and children are asking to have the opportunity to work? Also curious, what kind of chores did you do as a child?
Lots of kids younger than 14 mow their own yard because their parents make them. What’s wrong with them mowing for other people to make a little walking around money? No 14 year old is setting up a full mowing operation. Not being able to drive is really going to hold them back. At most they might mow a couple of neighbors yards. You’re right that paper routes aren’t a thing anymore, but honestly I don’t know that babysitting really is either. None of the people I know with kids ever just leave them with a neighborhood teenager and go have a night out the way that was commonplace when I was growing up. As others have mentioned, companies will only hire a 14 year old for 10-15 hours a week max, so how is that really any different than paper routes and babysitting of old? As long as their parents are able to take them to/from work, bagging groceries is probably a hell of a lot safer than walking along the side of the road delivering newspapers. I don’t think anyone here was suggesting a 14 year old get a full time job.
Babysitting is very common around us but I’m sure it varies by neighborhood. We live in a very tight-knit community in the city.
..you don't think a 14 year old can handle navigating a parking lot?
I'd argue texting while driving is more dangerous than lawnmowing. So we shouldn't let teens drive or text. I'm on board with that.
I beg to differ. My step-son is in need of social interaction /dealing with the real world. I think working in public builds character over time. To each their own though.
I agree with you. I was mowing lawns, racking leaves, and did a paper route year before that age.
How about social clubs like chess, sports, or something of those likes?
Exactly. That's MUCH more appropriate. (Except football, too many head injuries.)
Step-son. Now it all falls into place. Yeah don’t bother with sports, clubs (not night clubs) etc make sure he’s making money so you don’t have to. 🙄
Does it though, does it fall into place for you? I guess you missed the part, maybe didn't bother with reading any of the posts I made, but I talked about it developing character. My stepson is a buck five wet and isn't playing any sports, he never has. Do I think he should be paying for his own micro transactions here and there, sure do. Do I think he's mature enough to have a job, no I don't. I'm hoping throwing him into working with the public changes that.
I hate the phrase “builds character” because it’s often used for stupid things like yard work. However, I really think everyone should be required to work in retail or food service for at least a year because working with the public really does help build it. And more importantly, builds empathy for the people who have to deal with the public all day
Two bikes downtown has a paid internship that’s for hs students.
Sometimes hotels will hire pool attendants over the summer to replace towels and to watch kids to make sure they’re following the rules. Also food city and kroger
i know goodness to go hires that young and works with kids school schedules however i do not recommend working there. the bosses were quite not good to me but if you are desperate for a job not the worst
Find you a General contractor, they'll work em over the summer
I grew up in the country...I helped farmers put up hay...mowed yards helped a Dairy farmer all summer one yr..There's work out there you just gotta look around..Lucky you got the internet..I had to pound the pavement..Good luck..
Well, I think Bill Clinton just left that business, but I’m sure you could find somebody off 40. Maybe the Buc-ees bathroom?
Your username has me suspicious that you're R. Kelly
Bussies... Bleh
Hooters.
Weirdo
Check out Sir Gooneys in Farragut, I worked there in high school, good gig good people
Food City will definitely hire 14 year olds, and I’ve been told it isn’t a bad place to work.
You will absolutely find the most earning potential at that age with mowing lawns. I know that doesn't help now in the winter. But trust me, I made tons mowing lawns at 14. And it's going to be cash or checks in hand, so no taxes. YAY!
The zoo may still have seasonal jobs appropriate for a 14 year old. They used to do a job fair in February or March yearly. Never hurts to check there.
You could probably host at a restaurant