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.

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 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 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.

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 say good for her..

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

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

Two days.

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.

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

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..

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

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.

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

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?