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

[HighlandCow78]

I’m curious as to how how old were your DC when they got their first job - 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!

DD is 20 and has only just landed her first part time role. Don’t get me wrong, I’m really happy for her - she did well in competitive interviews and now has an exciting role at a lovely local business which she’s really looking toward to, but I definitely expected her to get one far earlier. Granted, she turned 16 during lockdown (so no jobs really about) and went through a tough few years due to ill health but even without these struggles she really isn’t the odd one out amongst her peers. It seems quite common for young adults to graduate these days having never done any paid work - just volunteering and internships.

What has changed so much that this is now the norm?!

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

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.

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.

17 after covid. Full time job by 18.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.