16 year old working

[booktrotter]

16 yr old ds has got a part time job. He starts next week and is beside himself with pride and excitement. I'm in two minds. I worked part time from that age while doing A levels and Uni. I feel it helped me learn life skills and responsibility. I also think it's useful at that age to keep them away from boredom and the lure of drinking. On the other hand someone told me for every 40 hrs work in a month they go down an A Level grade.
Would like some thoughts. He would be working 2 ( sometimes) 3 evenings, two of which would be at weekends. Work at the weekend would essentially replace his (limited) social life. He would very much see this as a route to getting a 🚗
I suppose I've made up my mind to allow the job and keep an eye on school work/grades. However would live to hear other folks experiences.

Many teens manage to work, do well in A Levels and get pissed.

I may have gotten a little pissed myself

He'll be fine. Don't take this away from him, particularly if he's proud and excited. I teach A level and many of our student work part time. (Fairly socially deprived area). It doesn't affect their grades. It gives them life skills.

3 evenings a week is fine. It’d be different if he was working every spare moment, but he’ll still have 5 evenings and 2 weekend days to study.

4 sorry - promise that was a typo not horrible maths!

Far more teens your son's age should be working.

Thanks everyone. I do agree and just needed a little reassurance! I'm very proud of him and think this will really help him mature!

Can I ask where he is working?
My 16 year old is desperate for a job but we can’t seem to find anywhere that will employ her until she is 18.

@Th1me a local restaurant. His dream job was the cinema but they def don't hire until 18

Well it depends on what else he does, If there are hobbies to fit in as well then where is the study time.? If it's work and study then maybe fine but all work and no play makes jack a dull boy.

I worked from age 14 through university, my grades were great. It is the individual that counts

Working will make him acutely aware why qualifications count and hence he will likely work harder