First Jobs?

Jobs, when is it time for a teenager to work? When is it appropriate? Will it effect their grades? Will they work too much? Will the employer work around their sports schedules? Will they still have social time? Will I ever see them if they get a job? I have struggled with all of the above questions since the boys turned 16. Both of them have recently started their first jobs. Tyler is on week two at Zaxby's and James is in the final weekend of lifeguard training for Pensacola Beach.

Our biggest concern is their grades and both are fully aware that any slip in their grades will result in the end of their job. After all the grades they get will determine what path in life they take. Kyle and I want them to have as many choices in life as possible and a good education is an important first step. We are blessed that they are at Pace High School which is also the high school where I teach art. Pace High has many tremendous teachers and both are very happy there. So, we are keeping a close watch on how they handle the addition of a job within their schedules.

Since they started driving we have paid their insurance on the vehicle they drive. Thanks to the combined efforts of my twin sisters the boys are sharing a 1999 Jeep Wrangler. We have paid all of their gas, car expenses etc. For Tyler we have also been giving him money to go out with his girlfriend. I was happy to continue on this route even though at times financially it was tough. Both boys came to us and wanted to get a part time job. They want to fix up their jeep and we told them that was not something we were willing to do. The two of them would need to figure out how to save for tires, lift kit and other specialty items for the jeep.

Tyler told me that having the job is helping him with time management. He comes home from school or track and immediately does his homework because he knows that when he gets home from work at 10:00 he will be too tired to complete it. James has always had good time management because of his swim schedule but his challenge will be how life guarding impacts his swimming.

Kyle and I will continue to pay their car insurance but gas and other costs for the vehicle will be up to them. They have worked out a gas schedule. Since, James works further away from home and will use more gas he will pay for two tanks of gas to Tyler's one tank of gas. James will be paying for a sun pass to get back and forth to the beach. We have also talked to them about saving half their paycheck for future needs. But with teenagers who knows what will happen.

Both jobs have worked around their sports schedules so far. For James missing swim practice is not an option or missing any competitions. I have to say that the life guarding is very organized and has been very understanding of JT's schedule. Zaxby's hours are great for a teenager. The restaurant closes at 9:00 and that is perfect for school. I have heard horror stories of other fast food restaurants working teenagers until the wee hours of the morning. I am thankful that both of them have found jobs that treat them well.

For summer I think both jobs will be good for them. Life guarding will help James branch out and meet people. Tyler will have money to take his girlfriend on dates (LOL). I am hoping that both of them will save some of their money. We shall see what happens down the road.

My biggest fear is that they have started work too early. After all they have probably at least 40-50 years of work ahead of them. So when is it too early or too much? This is a new winding road that we are traveling and exploring. I will keep you posted on the ups and downs of this new experience.