My mom doesn't think I can do a job and go to school at the same time! What should I do?

Question

I'm 14 years old and my mom doesn't think I can have a job and go to school at the same time. I get good grades and i'm responible. When my mom was 14 she had a job and she went to school to. I think my mom thinks I can't do both at the same time. I wish someone had some confindent in me.

Answer 1

Why don't you propose to her that you take on the responsibilities for a period of one month. At that point in time you and her can sit down and evaluate the situation how your grades are, etc, perhaps setting dates for re-evaluations if you so choose to continue with the sitution.

Answer 2

What type of job are you looking for? If it's something small like a babysitting job or something that only requires a few hours a week, it shouldn't be a big deal. I got my first job when I was in middle school (~10-11 years old) as a newspaper girl. I think it taught me responsibility and time management at an early age.

I don't think you should do anything over 10-15 hours a week at your age though. You're still young...take the time to enjoy your childhood before you graduate from school and you end up spending all your days working.

Convince her that you can do it by taking it slowly. Don't suddenly rush into something that takes 10 hours a week. Maybe you can ease her into it by doing 2 or 3 hours a week and working up? You need to build her confidence in you. I had to do the same thing.

Answer 3

You can do it- but should you?

Your mom may not sound like she's displaying confidence in you. She knows, deep down, you can do it. But she also wants you to do enjoy some aspects of being young. I know that sounds weird but hear me out (I'm only 31, I'm not THAT old).

At 14, you have so many fun things you can be doing, hanging out with your friends, pursuing your hobbies and interests, and maybe god forbid sometimes hanging with your family. School will take up a lot of your time.

I am so glad I didn't work much when I was a teenager- believe me, I work 40 hours a week now. I go in at 8 am, miss the entire day, and get out at 5 and go home. THIS STINKS! How I wish I could go back and enjoy some of those days I had when I could sleep in, do nothing, or go cruise the mall.

Your mom did work and school at your age, and now she probably regrets it. If you do get a job, please get one that works you only a few hours. Try 1 day a week. My 14 year old nephew goes in once a week to work- he makes some nice extra cash and still has time to play and be silly.

I know you want cash and all, but enjoy yourself too :)

Answer 4

I don't think your mom thinks you CAN'T do it.. I bet she remembers how hard is was for her to do it and would like to see you forgo the harshness of it. I am sure she wants you to be able to continue to get your good grades and achieve things she couldn't because of her need to both work and go to school.
Maybe a compromise is the best.. ask her if it would be possible for you to get a part-time job, maybe a few hours a week and then after a month you two can sit down and see how well your grades are keeping.. if you are sleeping enough... (that will effect your mood too if you don't get enough sleep) and if the fact of you becoming more independent changes your relationship with her for the worse.
Your best bet is to talk to her calmly about what you are trying to do and why. Let her talk about when she worked and went to school and listen to her.
Hopefully this will open a discussion about why she wanted to (or had to work)... opening you to talk to her honestly.

Best of Luck!!

Answer 5

Well here's the thing about working. Once you start, you can't stop. You get job, you have money, then you want to buy a car or something like that and BANG! You are hooked on working and will do it until you are damn near70 years old. So why push it? Take it easy and wait until you are at least 16 or 17. When you work you have to ask for a night off if you have a date and sometimes you don't get it! Working sucks, have fun. Give in to your mom just this once.

Answer 6

14 years old to have a job and going to school is a lot to have on your plate. Maybe explain to her the reason why you are wanting a job. (example: save money to buy a car, money to go out with friends, money to buy clothes, etc.) Maybe mention to her if your grades start to slip or if you start to struggle in school you will give up the job. Keep this in mind to......many places though do not hire at such a young age....so you might have a hard time finding a job. There are strict guidelines on child labor laws and people who work under the age of 16.

Answer 7

Oh my goodness...... First off, you and your mom are being raised in different eras. So do not compare your situation to hers.

Have you thought that maybe she is speaking from experience? Maybe she realizes now that she missed out on a lot by working at such a young age. I will tell you that none of my children were allowed to get a job until they were seniors in high school. Enjoy yourself while you can and don't start worrying about these things yet.

Answer 8

All you need is confidence in yourself.

I've always had to do things on my own. If you can find your way to work and pull it off, while still keeping your grades up, more power to you. But if you can't find a ride and your mom is unwilling to help out, then maybe you're not old enough or responsible enough yet to have a job.

Answer 9

I work full time and I am going to school full time also. It is hard. Your mom is only looking out after you. I work during the day and I go to school at nights. Sometime during the day I am so sleepy but I know that it was my idea so I do not complain about it. I have only two years of school left to do and I know that I can do it. What ever you decide just stick behind it and remember it will be hard but you can do it.

Answer 10

It'll be really tough on you during finals week so, don't dtart now at least. Try convincing her by giving her good reasons on why you should have a job. Because if all you want is some extra cash, most parents wouldn't let them have a job. They'll probably give you some money like allowance and such.