To ask how old your DC were when they got their first job?

DS has been lucky getting his first job with the local authority, he wasn't really interested in supermarket work or retail work. He really enjoys the camaraderie.

I agree.

My dd has a very good work ethic, she applied that to her studies at school and uni. Her course was too intense for working in term time or Xmas/easter vacs (which were mostly occupied with consolidation/revision), but doing some relevant internships in the summer was a course requirement.(she did a lot more than the minimum). And then straight into work.

Thinking about it...I didn't have a 'job' as such till 25 after I'd finished my PhD (not counting being a 'demonstrator' in undergrad labs which was not exactly onerous!). But I've been working ever since, I'm on the verge of retirement now and honestly don't think my life would have been one whit improved by working as a teen or student.

It really does depend on the individual and their circumstances, I'm sure for many kids it's a good thing and for some it's a necessity. But one size doesn't fit all.

My DD was just turned 16. She has worked hard ever since in part time roles, she's nearly 19 now and going to uni next year. She wasn't a very confident teenager and working has been amazing for her. She's so confident now and can talk to anyone.

Both mine got part time jobs at 16 one in fast food and one in a clothes shop. Middle one gave up her job when they got an inheritance from their grandmother which I was disappointed by (she was 18 at time) but found a new job when she went to uni the following year. They were both furloughed during lockdown.

Both went straight into full time employment after uni (now 22 and 24)

My DS is only 10 but I won't be encouraging him to get a part time job until at least 16. Even then it'll come second to studying and probably sport as well so if he can't fit a job in until he's an adult, that's ok by me. If he goes to Uni I won't expect him to get a job during term time, but if there's something available I'd expect him to work over the long summer holiday (which is what I did), assuming there are opportunities. I'm sure some people won't agree with this approach but I'm happy with it.

17 after covid. Full time job by 18.

They were both 16. The eldest didn't have a regular Saturday job but did summer holiday jobs prior to getting an apprenticeship. The youngest is 18 and has been working two evenings a week in a supermarket since he was 16. He has Alevels coming up and I would quite like him to stop and focus on his studies now but I know he won't.

My DC were delayed by COVID (unless you count selling on Facebook which was about 13) Younger cousins both got jobs in year post GCSE. My impression is more DC are getting jobs because cost of living, saving for uni, and lots of jobs available since Brexit. Now that minimum wage is going to be equal for all age groups employers could be discouraged as young people do make mistakes just from lack of experience of working.

Both were 16, our local supermarkets, cafes and pubs won’t take any younger than this

There are many restrictions on under 16 years old working, businesses should get a permit from the local authority and consider health and safety implications. I certainly wouldn't advise businesses to employ anyone under the age of 16. Having said that my daughter has started "working" and she is 13. But it's only her coach paying her for coaching the younger children in the sport she is involved in. I started working when i was at university, where i had a part time role of sorts throughout.

Eldest 17yo - got his first job last month. He's enjoying the job he does and building his social skills. Gives him independence and responsibilities.

The free papers here are delivered by teens. Our last newspaper delivery shop closed 18 months ago. Sign of the times.

I'm surprised at the number of DC doing paper rounds. Is this for the free local papers?

Does anyone still have a daily paper delivered these days?

My DS got his first job in summer 2020 at the age of 16. He worked there 3 years and now has a different job in his uni town for 24 hours a week

DDs both had paper rounds from 13 and part time jobs at 16

DC All had first jobs at McDonalds when they started sixth form (16 and a bit). Then moved onto retail Waitrose/Lidl during Uni.
One worked at festivals during the summer.
It is quite difficult for 16 year olds to get jobs now but a good time to start looking is for Christmas temp opportunities.

My DD started volunteering at 14.5. She got offered a job at 15 and 11 months but when she tried to do the online forms to start it kicked her out as not yet 16 so she had to wait a couple of weeks to start. She's still there a year later and has no intention of leaving. In fact about 6 of her friends applied this year to work there.

Our 11 year old wanted a cell phone (probably a Nokia she's 38 now!) we told her she could have one when she earned her own money to buy one. She came home the next day having secured an early morning paper round. We thought it wouldn't last...several paper person of the year awards and huge Christmas tips later she had her phone and could buy credit! She never stopped working we joke now she should have started a pension fund she could be retired now!

From 13. My daughter ran the tuck shop at the local kids football club. Had to buy stock, run very basic accounts etc. My son's both had paper rounds, but the eldest gave his up after he took up football refereeing in the local kids leagues. All graduated to working at an after school club in their sixth form.

14 and 15 she worked in the summer volunteering in the library.

16 she was a paid student helper at the local music school until she went to uni.

Worked at the uni as soon as she got there.

Judging by DD’s peers and friends’ DC kids seem to be waiting until they are far older nowadays to get one, most seem to wait until after A levels meanwhile I was doing a paper round at 14!
@HighlandCow78 I found the opposite TBH. I never really had a job before University. Well not unless you count a bit of casual babysitting which I did from about 11,but that just earned a bit of pocket money. However, in my defence, I lived in a small village in a very rural area so employment opportunities were limited.

By contrast my DD and my DNs and most of their contemporaries had PT jobs in sixth form. DD had a voluntary role at the local medical centre at 16 and then when she was nearly 17 they offered her a paid role as an evening receptionist one to two evenings a week.

DNs had various jobs in retail and/or waiting tables from 16. One DN did a weekly paper delivery from about 14 but it couldn't officially be his round. His mum had to say she was doing it and take delivery of the papers. But then DN did the actual leg work so she gave him the money.

Both DC had ad hoc work from 14 ish - babysitting, then keeping my friends kids company for a few hours in school hols from about 16.

Both DC tutored maths GCSE while doing A levels, DD also worked alongside her out of school dance teacher at an after school dance class at a local infant school for a couple of terms during A levels, and also was paid to teach the tots and 5-7s when one of the dance teachers were unavailable. DS ran his own business building and upgrading computers for friends and family from about 14. Both had more formal employment in uni holidays, DS was offered a grad job at the engineering firm he worked for as summer placement. DD worked in a variety of holiday clubs, gaining experience with children as she was training to teach. She also did lots of shifts at a vaccine centre paid, and volunteered full time at a local charity for almost 6 months when her A levels were cancelled due to Covid.

DD1 is 18, started babysitting age 14.
DD2 is 16 got a Sunday shop job just before GCSEs
DS is 14 been doing a paper round for a year.

I do think it's hard to get a proper contracted job before 16 but cash in hand informal work is easier.

Pot washing is popular around here or cafe/sandwich shop

www.gov.uk/child-employment

DC1 was 18 - supermarket work and pizza delivery driver
DC2 was 15 - umpiring and coaching younger children at her sports club (started as a volunteer but then became a paid role), then she started working in a pub at 16
DC3 is 15 now and is a qualified football referee so he earns money refereeing matches at weekends (he started at 14).

13 (at a shop stacking shelves)
14 (kids party assistant)
14 (football referee)