DS 15 had work experience this week and absolutely hates it. So gutted, it seemed the perfect job for him but he just wants to come home. Know he is out of his comfort zone as doesn't know anyone but this will happen when he's older and starts working. Can't give more details as outing. Think employers will not be giving good feedback to school, just feel so sad for him.
Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.
Teenagers
SoLongFarewellBye · 20/03/2024 10:11
Honestly, whilst it seems terrible now, perhaps this is a good thing. It means he now knows he’s not interested in that work place, and can find something else. Also keep in mind he’s only 15 and used to the school enviroment, it’ll take time to adjust to a working one where he would then get to know people. Being out of comfort zone isn’t a bad thing, that’s how people grow
polkadot24 · 20/03/2024 10:13
What have you said to him? Has he come home?
Part of being an adult is sticking it out at things you don't want to do so even though it's tough, he should put in his best effort to show willing and resilience.
Sk8erboi · 20/03/2024 10:15
Why would the employer give negative feedback? Despite being out of his comfort zone I would assume he is still remaining professional and carrying out his tasks to the best of his ability.
If the job isn't for him in the long run that's fine but he needs to work well for the remaining time he has there.
And just because this work place isn't for him, a job in the same field somewhere else isn't written off completely. All workplaces have different atmospheres.
NCForQuestions · 20/03/2024 10:18
By negative feedback, do you mean he behaved badly?
Rude, insolent, refusal to participate, inability to stay quiet, inappropriate behaviour or speech?
Or did he not enjoy it at all, they didn't try to engage him and so he got bored and sat in a corner on his phone?
Huge difference between the possibilities.
He doesn't have to stay there if he hates it. It's optional!
CormorantStrikesBack · 20/03/2024 10:32
I think work experience is an awkward experience and worse than actually working. Nobody knows what to do with the work experience kid and they get under peoples feet. There’s often no real plan, no work for them to do, nobody is going to spend time training them up in anything. Your son will have picked up on this.
with an actual job there’s stuff to do, you get shown what to do and normally there are clear expectations. Even with a dull job it’s better when you know what needs doing and can get on with it.
Catsfrontbum · 20/03/2024 10:29
Is he ND? And does the employer know this?
Couchpotato3 · 20/03/2024 10:31
So he's had a negative experience this time and learned that this type of work isn't for him. It's still useful information for future planning. He's very young and will have plenty more opportunities ahead of him. Try to stay focused on the positives (stop describing it as a disaster for a start). Maybe try again with something else in a few months. Perhaps he could just do a day somewhere next time to build up his confidence. A shorter placement would be less overwhelming for him.
FWIW my eldest did work experience in three or four different sectors and hated all of them. It saved him from making some costly mistakes later down the line and he ended up in a job that he loves.
Try to step away from feeling sorry for him and see this for the learning experience it is. Chalk it up to experience and encourage him to put this one behind him and move on to the next thing.
SandyIrving · 20/03/2024 10:37
I think bailing from work placements quite common. In my DHs work (construction) one recently managed half a day, borrowed a tenner from the boss for lunch (he thought lunch was provided) and never returned. My own DD hated hers (finance) but did stick it out for the week.
Agree useful to help rule out careers.
I wouldn't worry too much other than encouraging him to investigate jobs fully and giving things a reasonable go. My DCs school were supportive in that they asked students to call them first if they wanted to quit which often helped.
Dacadactyl · 20/03/2024 10:41
He needs to keep going in and putting up with it.
Don’t want to miss threads like this?
Weekly
Sign up to our weekly round up and get all the best threads sent straight to your inbox!
Log in to update your newsletter preferences.
You've subscribed!
CormorantStrikesBack · 20/03/2024 10:32
I think work experience is an awkward experience and worse than actually working. Nobody knows what to do with the work experience kid and they get under peoples feet. There’s often no real plan, no work for them to do, nobody is going to spend time training them up in anything. Your son will have picked up on this.
with an actual job there’s stuff to do, you get shown what to do and normally there are clear expectations. Even with a dull job it’s better when you know what needs doing and can get on with it.
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.