At what age did you start working?

[healthfreedom]

My first job was a paper route. I was 14.

[moneymacmcmahon]

I would do a lot of odd jobs while I was in high school. Like, yard work, carpentry, painting, home repair, that sort of thing. Taught me some good stuff too. My first real job with a paycheck was in college as an intramural referee.

Honestly I think kids shouldn't work any real paycheck jobs until college. In high school, their only jobs should be getting the grades to get into a good college and extracurriculars (sports, music, debate, etc). Once college rolls around, then should the kid work to have extra spending cash/know what it's like to work.

[jamiebonds03]

Like you said, you raised them to be Independent. The fact that they want to get a job at 16 and 13 just goes to show that you did and are doing a great job with them. Teaching them that they should work for what they want so they don't have to depend on others so much. Of course they're still young and I'm pretty sure that you still feel responsible for them but just be lucky that they at least want to work.There are some(teens & young adults) who just want to depend on their parents for everything and are just plain spoiled,and that's expected of alot of teens but seems like your two are gonna have a head start to being more independent in the future.

[tammypete]

I was 16 when I got my first job!  I also have a teenager who will be 16 this summer!   With insurance being so expensive for teenagers he has no choice but to get a job to help pay for it! 

[shalah]

Like you said, you raised them to be Independent. The fact that they want to get a job at 16 and 13 just goes to show that you did and are doing a great job with them. Teaching them that they should work for what they want so they don't have to depend on others so much. Of course they're still young and I'm pretty sure that you still feel responsible for them but just be lucky that they at least want to work.There are some(teens & young adults) who just want to depend on their parents for everything and are just plain spoiled,and that's expected of alot of teens but seems like your two are gonna have a head start to being more independent in the future.

I am with you there. Children are nothing like they were when i was growing up. A job gives you a little more independence but also responsibility. Teens need to start learning how to survive in the world and working and helping with bills is the best way for them to learn. I hve a cousin who is 28 and he hasn't worked a day in his life. He lives with his mother and sponges off of her.

[briannajeanxo]

i started working at 18 when i found out i was pregnant. went on maternity leave had him a week later, when he was 3 weeks old i went back. its life, gotta work to take care of yourself and family.

[emiyasato]

I started to work at age 16 at Nathans. Hated it!!!