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

That is definitely the case where I live. Public transport isn't great round here. I think that is the main reason why none of DD's friends had jobs while still at school.

Luckily, we live on a railway line, but when DD got a job after leaving school Northern Rail went on strike every Saturday for three months so I had to drive her to and from work.

My dd was 16yo, she got various shop jobs that fitted around school/college.

It meant she could afford driving lessons and buy herself a car at 18.

Most employers won’t take under 16s as the work hour restrictions are hard to stick to while filling shifts. Dd tried from 15 - did a couple of shifts clearing tables but they really wanted school leavers (post gcse) as that’s when the rules become less restrictive. Dd got a job straight after GCSEs and still works there every weekend. Most of her friends don’t work though. Lots have tried but they really want 18yos rather than Saturday staff these days.

I worked from 14. I think it’s so important for teenagers to grow independence, learn the value of money and grow confidence working with adults in a workplace.

This reminds me of my recent visit to IKEA. We needed help when picking a flat packed bed. There was a group of young employees, chatting and staying well away from the busy parts. I walked to them to ask my question and they all acted too cool and only one was 'brave' and 'knowledgeable' enough to point us to the nearest screen to check and there was laughter (at him?) when we walked away.

I can see why a smaller business would rather pay a wage to one or two mature people instead.

DD and DS1 both had jobs in a local supermarket at 16. DD went back to work for them as a B2B manager after graduation. DS1 is still there at 18 and loves it. He has really benefited from the independence and is starting Uni with more than 5k saved.

DS2 16 is proving more resistant, has reluctantly done a cv but doesn't see the need to work. Is currently filling up his timetable with ALevels, EPQ, voluntary work and school societies in an effort to prove he doesn't have time.

I guess it could depend on where you live too. There may be no bus service or businesses where they could find employment.

DC is 14 and coaches one night a week related to their hobby, they thought it was going to be on a volunteer basis so was pleasantly surprised to find out they get paid.

We were having a conversation with DN over the weekend who is 16 and they were saying they had no time to get a job as don't get home from college until gone 5 and want to see friends at weekends.

When I was 16 most of my friends worked the same hours I did, Thursday nights and weekends then we went out in the evenings.

DD is year 13. Only one of her circle has a Saturday job. All the others are concentrating on their A levels.

Both my DC at 14 in local cafes. We live in quite a touristy area though so there are loads of opportunities for teens round here in cafes, ice cream shops, holiday parks etc.

I'm surprised at the number of before school jobs listed. DD had to get the bus to school at 7.50 for an 8.20 start.

My children were 16. They both tried to find paid work before before but weren't able to get one without a NI number - everywhere they applied to told them this

They both volunteered in charity shops from 14/15 to build their CVs.

My daughter had her first job within three weeks of turning 16 and has worked pt ever since and ft after her A levels. She's just starting university and has a job to return to in the holidays and intends to find a job and work whilst away.

My son did similar. And also worked throughout his degree.

Both have been in constant paid employment since they were 16.

Dc1 was volunteering at 14 to get experience so that they could earn a place on a vetmed course. They are kept busy for 5 years through the degree, all holidays spent on placements. They were 23 when they got their first job when they qualified.

Dc2 was 17 when they joined the army, it would have been 16, except for delays.

Dc3 is at university, they haven't had a job yet, but as an athlete trains and coaches others. It's full on, but unpaid and doesn't leave much time for work.

I think one factor might be that a lot of working families nowadays need universal credit top ups to manage and if a child is working their income is taken off the benefit top ups, so they don't get to keep any of their earnings? (I might be wrong as the rules might have changed, but if it's the case, it's disheartening for teenagers and makes more sense financially for them to focus more on their GCSEs, as they can't keep anything they earn anyway.)

Wow! Fantastic opportunity and well done to her for the financial maturity.

My daughter started summer volunteering at 14 and is hoping to do an internship next summer at 16.
No other time for work as she spends about 13 hours per week on extracurriculars.

Ages 14 and 16

@FiletMignon

My son had a paper round 3 years ago. The post office where he worked still has deliveries, primarily to the 'posher ' part of the area where there are no corner shops

16 I think, doing tiling and construction labouring. He is 19 now, just started university and has 2 part time jobs. He works in the front at a Chinese takeaway one night a week and manages the social media/ takes photos/ general dogsbody and runaround for a family construction business.

Yes my youngest worked at Office in our hometown and then worked at Uni in that town.

14 paper round

None of mine worked until after school and then onli in Uni long holidays

DD1 washing up in care home she was 15
DS1 worked at B&Q aged 16
DS 2 paper round aged 13
All three are successful in their chosen professions .They were brought up to earn money and not take their parents wealth as a gift!!

Well....back in the day most people didn't go to university and most peopoe worked in factories or took an apprentice job....thy learned skills in building, carpentry, electrician etc.
I think not many people are going for those jobs now and uni is opened up to everyone and the wide choice of careers.

All started with paper rounds at 13 but didn't get shop/waitress weekend jobs til 16.