p.s. I'm currently about to start year 12, although did year 11 last year through adult education courses, (dropped out in year 10 to work overseas, went back last year yada yada yada). I did that all with a part-time job, paying rent, bills, groceries, my own books, everything. I still passed year 11 with all of that, so I'm sure your DSD will be able to do it too if she wants to. I think it was Lulu who said year 11 isn't as much of a big deal; so true! I reckon withhold all $$, and once she realises there isn't any money coming in from you or her dad to buy all he things she wants, she might start enjoying the idea of a PT job more and more
I think my job saved me from insanity in year 12. BUT I did not have a social life. I went to school, studied my BUTT off and I worked to have my time out of the house.
From the 'employer' POV - If she doesn't want a job she won't appear employable. And she will not apply herself at her job and she probably won't get a shiny reference either. So when it comes to that side of things, I don't see the point. Personally I wouldn't hire someone that did not want to work. *disclaimer* this is only my personal experience in my workplace that does not mean other workplaces will have the same hiring system etc.
OK, I think we'll stick with what we're doing - withhold all pocket money, not FORCE her to get a job but just wait until she gets sick of having no money. We HAVE told her that she's getting no money until at least her first school report so this is not a surprise to her.
Her pocket money was meant to cover all her expenses - clothes and going out so basically no pocket money means we don't buy her anything. At all.
I think she's sponging off her friends at the moment. I'm sure that will wear a bit thin with them. Most of them work
If most of her friends work, and she's sponging off of them, then they will definitely be getting sick of that quite soon...they'll probably tell her to go get a job Might be a fantastic motivator, good luck
i worked from the end of year 9, part time untill year 12 exams finished, then went full time in the same job.
i find it helped me to manage my time, on the odd occasion, i'd call in 'sick' because i had too much homework. i liked having my own money, my parents couldnt afford to give me money all the time, so i knew i had to work if i wanted to buy things for myself.
I got a job at 14yrs and 9mts (the earliest you could back then). My parents told me they would still support me BUT only the necessities! They would buy me a basic school bag but if I wanted one from the surf shop I had to buy my own. They covered books, uniforms and basic stationery but I had to pay for anything else. This definitely taught me good budgeting skills from a young age and I still get asked by friends now to help them do a budget!!!
As long as you're aware of the hours she's working and keep them reasonable then she should be fine and there shouldn't be any excuses.
I got a part time job as soon as I was legally able to, and worked every afternoon 3pm-6pm then I'd come home, cook dinner, clean, do my home work and then go to bed. I didn't live with my parents from the age of 15, I was living on my own. And when I went through Uni I continued to do this, as well as a have a job as a nightfiller.
I worked from age 15. Mum was a single parent, so didn't have alot of cash. I blew most of it, but also paid for my formal dress with my own money, which I was very proud of. I find it hard to understand kids who don't want to earn their own money.
RE: Year 11 & study - I think it's different for different kids. I found the transition to Year 11 hard, but that was me. Up to them I'd been cruising, getting good grades without working hard. I really had to work harder in Year 11, but I hadn't learnt good studying behaviour (homework always late etc) and in the end, my Year 12 grades suffered. I still got into uni, but only with 2nd round offers. Looking back, I've wondered if a year off between Year 11 and 12 may have helped, if I'd been a bit more mature or had more discipline if I'd taken a break and gone back a year older. Also, I've since learnt I have ADD, which affects study behviour.
Does she know what she wants to do with her life? I think it's hard to focus on school/work etc if you don't know why you're doing it. I don't think she should be free-loading, but maybe she needs career counselling or to do work experience.
Reply With Quote
Might be a fantastic motivator, good luck 
Bookmarks