How do you make your parents let you get a job?

Question

Everytime I come to my parents with a job application they just shout out the words "No!" at the same time! All they will every let me do is cut the grass for an unfair profit of 2.50! I mean come on. I want a job at sparkles which is just right up the street but they saw I'm too young to get a job. I'm freaking 16 people! So can yall gimme some hints and ways to make them say yes?

Answer 1

Demonstrate responsibility and the fact that there are some jobs out there that will benefit this. The best thing for you, as you are only 16, is to get good grades and not get into trouble.

Look at your background: Are your grades in the toilet? Do you slack on your personal chores at home? Do you disobey your parents often? Do you start things and not finish them? Sometimes if these things are prevalent habits in your life, they may think that you won't be able to handle something like a part time job, and get yourself fired (your job record does follow you around for the rest of your life, you know).

Other times, parents can be overbearing and very over protective. At 16 there isn't much you can do...but there are signs to look for to see if your parents are trying to keep you as their "baby". Do they do this with other things? Like Extracurricular activities? Dating? Movies you like to go see/ Products you like to buy? If these things are commonplace, you may need to show that you need more independence. Ask your parents EXACTLY why you cannot get a job. If they say that you're too young, tell them that that's not a good enough answer, and they need to stop parroting answers at you. Ask them if there is a real reason, and if they can't give you one then ask if there is a way that you can convince them that you are ready to get a job. Tell them how you will benefit from having a job (either asking them for less spending cash, being able to get a head start on your future jobs, etc.) and see if you can work out some type of plan with them to show them how they can deem when you are responsible enough.

Lastly (and this is something to be careful of...and something only YOU could know), are they doing it just to be abusive? Sometimes parents, although older, may feel trod upon themselves or have other mental/social problems that cause them to be cruel to their kids. Are you abused at home (physically or verbally)? Do you have overly strict parents? Do they always say they know what's best for you and you will obey what they tell you to do? Are you force fed doctrine like "Boys never cry, and if they do their sissies" or "Girls are meant to be submissive and do what their told"? IF these types of things are the case, you may have a bigger problem than them preventing you from getting a job. This may require outside help. If these things are happening, tell a school counselor, or another responsible adult like a teacher. See if they can find a way for a third party to intervene and get you and your parents into counseling. If it gets really bad, Social Services may need to get involved. This is a most extreme case, but sometimes if something as trivial as trying to get a job can make them fly off the handle, then there may be bigger issues that can be harmful to you and your well being.

Remember, only you can answer these questions and see which ones are you personal issue, and try to show them how responsible you are, and if you demonstrate yourself as becoming a young adult, they may give you more freedoms to reward that behavior.

Answer 2

Because school is 100 times more important. I didn't want my teenagers to work either. My son got a job anyway at 16 and his off by 10pm job ended up being midnight most of the time. With me sitting outside waiting to take him home. It was stupid. Plus at 14 I think the most you can work in a week is 10 hours or so. And you have to be off early and have mandatory breaks. It's a pain for the employer I'm sure. Most places do not hire 14 year olds. Ask around and see if I'm wrong.

Answer 3

How are your grades? That is the number one long term way for you to become wealthy and have a good life. Thinking like parents, that would be the main reason I would stop my 16 year old from getting a job on his own.

If your grades are good, you are already managing your time OK. So, you're going to have to start by mowing a few other peoples lawns. Working for others to earn money without having a "job" may be the best strategy right now. Keep records of your earnings, and how you spend them. In a few months, show your "business records" to your folks in support for your next "application".

Answer 4

Dang I wish I had your problem when I was 16...
Seriously, though, remind your parents that if you have your own job they won't have to pay for your gas, cool new shoes, cd's, etc. And make sure that they remember that if you don't start practicing money management now, where will you be at 18 or so when you move out of the house???

Answer 5

Prove your responsible, do the chores your parents give you with out complaining (showing responsibility). Make sure you keep your grades up too! ask them if you can have a part time job on a trial basis. If they feel it's not working out after a reasonable amount of time you agree to quit.

Answer 6

How much work do you do around the house? Do you keep your room clean, help with the dishes, laundry, house cleaning, and yard work? Maybe they do not know if you know how to work. Whose grass do you cut for $2.50? If it is at home, you should do it for nothing. When you do cut the lawn, is it a masterpiece, or a hurried, sloppy job?

Further, if you were my son, you would be grounded or worse for your mouth and attitude. You do not "make" your parents to do anything. They are the adults and you are the child.

Answer 7

I'm sure your parents just want to make sure that you are staying on top of other things such as extracurricular clubs (sports ad such) and your grades. Don't even worry about getting a job right now. You'll have plenty of time to lament being part of the work force when you get older!

Answer 8

Prove to them that you are responsible enough to handle a job. Do things around the house to show them that you are ready to take on responsibilty without having to be told to or expecting payment of some sort.

Answer 9

Either take that guys advice (which is good advice), or constantly beg them for huge amounts of money the grass cutting wont cover. But I'd take that guys advice.

Answer 10

Show them how responsible you are. Do jobs around the house without being asked to. Show them maturity.