Teenager does not want job

[Anonymous]

I have a 16 year old DD who doesn't seem to want to get a job- instead, she volunteers at a museum and a hospital. Which is wonderful, but I cannot help but see all her friends who are working for MONEY, while DD does the same amount of work (well, kind of- she volunteers about 10 hours/week) for no pay. Has anyone else faced this dilemma? As of now we pay for almost everything (gas, cell, clothes) but I am thinking we need to force her to start applying for actual jobs so SHE can pay for these things. Thoughts?

[Anonymous]

What is she doing with all the rest of her time?

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure about that. She is working; just not for money. That's not a bad thing. So many teens are applying for jobs and not getting them. She has one that hopefully she enjoys.

[Anonymous]

Adding that she has applied for maybe six jobs so far...but doesn't really seem to pursue them as much as she could.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What is she doing with all the rest of her time?

She plays tennis and soccer but otherwise just sits around the house or hangs out with friends..

[Anonymous]

Is she doing her 10 hours in two days or 2 hrs everyday?

[Anonymous]

I did my first summer in high school volunteer work in an office doing computer stuff (think network administrator). THen in the evenings I mowed lawns to have some spending money.

My friends all laughed at me as they were making $8/hour as lifeguards or the like.

Then the following 3 years, I earned $12, 15, and $17/hour in "real" jobs doing more computer stuff. That first year working for free didn't pay, but I got glowing recommendations and referrals.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Is she doing her 10 hours in two days or 2 hrs everyday?

Two days.

[Anonymous]

Cut her clothing/misc budget. Give her the numbers. If she wants more, she needs to earn it.

[Anonymous]

I say good for her..

[Anonymous]

That would be unacceptable to me. She needs to be doing something educational or productive for 40 hours a week. If she wants to get a job in the gift shop of either the hospital or museum that would be fine. But sitting around doing nothing is completely unacceptable to me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:That would be unacceptable to me. She needs to be doing something educational or productive for 40 hours a week. If she wants to get a job in the gift shop of either the hospital or museum that would be fine. But sitting around doing nothing is completely unacceptable to me.

I agree with this advice, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:That would be unacceptable to me. She needs to be doing something educational or productive for 40 hours a week. If she wants to get a job in the gift shop of either the hospital or museum that would be fine. But sitting around doing nothing is completely unacceptable to me.

I agree with this advice, OP.

She is 16. Why should she work for 40 hours a week?

[Anonymous]

I have zero preference re paid work vs. volunteering. But only 10 hours a week seems like too much free time that is not filled up with anything productive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have zero preference re paid work vs. volunteering. But only 10 hours a week seems like too much free time that is not filled up with anything productive.

Sounds like a Princess SAHM in training.