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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To tell him go ahead and leave job

73 replies

Worzil10 · 16/07/2018 23:03

Son started a job in retail weekends but he is bored silly with it and is moaning abt the poor wage and is now fed up of missing out on time with mates. Money is so bad 12 hours a week and it works out to abt £150 max a month. he is 17.

OP posts:
NotSuchASmugMarriedNow1 · 16/07/2018 23:04

Is he still in full time education?

Original poster
Worzil10 · 16/07/2018 23:06

He is at college in the week

OP posts:
FASH84 · 16/07/2018 23:10

Welcome to the world. Why doesn't he look for a more interesting job, before he writes the one he has. How else does he intend to fund his socialising and it's the summer holidays he'll have loads of free time.

FoodGloriousFud · 16/07/2018 23:12

That's £3 an hour surely that's not right as it's below nmw.

MyRelationshipIsWeird · 16/07/2018 23:13

Don't encourage him to leave without anything else lined up, as that's not great advice, but yes, life is too short to do a job you hate, even just at weekends.

My DS had a job he hated, money was ok, but they sure made them earn it! He stuck it out until something new came up, which is really good fun - doesn't make as much money, but is so much happier and works really long hours as he enjoys it, even though it's really physical work. Part time jobs don't have to be shit - try and help him apply for other things.

Singlenotsingle · 16/07/2018 23:14

He's too young for nmw

yakari · 16/07/2018 23:14

What does he think he'll do after he's a student? He's going to go into junior jobs whatever his career - which usually have boring parts to them so I actually think it's really important to learn how to be bored at work.
Personally I'd tell him to get on with it and if he really hates it, go find something else.

Disquieted1 · 16/07/2018 23:14

Tell him to quit when he restarts his course in September. It'll be good for him over the summer.

9amTrain · 16/07/2018 23:14

If he's only working weekends and it's the summer holidays as well so not in college he might be better off looking for another job instead?

But if he wants to quit and you don't mind paying for his lifestyle, then let him. He won't be 17 for much longer and it isn't really an age where I'd criticise someone for not working (especially if they're in education or doing something with themselves), but I may be in the minority.

hadenough · 16/07/2018 23:14

I would have no problem telling him to leave if that's what he wants to do.

It's exploitative pay, and for the hours worked it's clearly not a reasonable salary. It's certainly not adequate compensation for the impact it's having on his social life.

I do think at 17 kids should be allowed to enjoy, what is in reality, their last year before facing the adult world (and at least some) of the responsibilities it will bring with it.

Singlenotsingle · 16/07/2018 23:15

No sorry it's £4 ph

Original poster
Worzil10 · 16/07/2018 23:52

£4.20 per hour he gets

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Original poster
Worzil10 · 16/07/2018 23:54

He makes roughly £150 because he doesn't do 12 hours every week sometimes it's just 8

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Original poster
Worzil10 · 16/07/2018 23:55

Yes had enough I am thinking along them lines

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Fatted · 16/07/2018 23:57

If you're happy to pay for him, then let him leave. I didn't work until I was 18 and I was lucky enough to have parents who could support me through A-levels.

Sharkwithknees · 16/07/2018 23:58

When I was his age and living at home & in education, if I wanted anything I needed to fund it myself. My parents are fairly well off but we were pretty skint when growing up. I worked for pittance. If I wanted a night out, I'd have to work to pay for it, it was never handed to me on a plate. Taught me a good life lesson. If he wants to quit, then let him - personally I'd ensure he knew his social life would not be funded by you if he does.

Original poster
Worzil10 · 17/07/2018 00:01

I told him that this is the way of life for alot of people sacrificing your own time once u start working but I don't like seeing him fed up.
I am helping by trying to find him waiting work in the way but not every weekend if possible.Sad

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Original poster
Worzil10 · 17/07/2018 00:02

In the week that should say

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Original poster
Worzil10 · 17/07/2018 00:03

Oh shark I'm too soft because I would help to fund because I'm just happy to see him getting out and abt

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Original poster
Worzil10 · 17/07/2018 00:05

But he is very awkward with his thinking and is saying no it's okay my fault if I'm skint.

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Original poster
Worzil10 · 17/07/2018 00:06

That's what he said when I said I will help with money

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Sharkwithknees · 17/07/2018 00:13

Only my opinion - it's an important life lesson at this age. My parents liked to see me out and about also. But I had to fund it, even though they could easily afford to help. I had a job where even a short 4 hour shit felt like a lifetime! Im in a well paid job that i enjoy now though. Up to you though!

Fluffyunicorns · 17/07/2018 00:19

£4.20 is the NMW for his age. I imagine there are lots of kids who would want the work so douut he could get more unless he is lucky.
However, when is he 18? The NMW goes up to £5.60/hour then - can he hold on

Original poster
Worzil10 · 17/07/2018 00:26

He said he isn't hanging on 6 months

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TroubledLichen · 17/07/2018 00:27

My first retail job 12 years ago paid £4.50 per hour so I’d agree the money is terrible. That said I think there’s something to be said for encouraging his work ethic, building a CV, earning his own money and starting off at the bottom. I don’t think encouraging him to quit and offering to fund him if he does is necessarily in his best interested but it’s up to you. More sensible might be for him to look for a better paid job, I imagine most of the big supermarket chains pay more than that (based on my experience of working for one when I was 16-18).