DD13 to get a job or not to get a job??

[Mildez]

Yes 14yrs and 9months has gone out in the dark ages in NSW which is where we are. Several of DD's 13yr old friends have jobs already. Macdonalds employs 13yr olds ($6.50 an hour apparently no penalties for weekends etc) Woolworths is slightly more for a 13yr old.

[diannescruffy]

Here in Vic it has changed back to 15, personally I think 13 is too young.

Regards,
Dianne

[Arimeh]

Wow I must be living in the dark ages - I thought it was still 14 and 9 months. I'm counting it down until my kids can get jobs....

I wouldn't let them work at 13 though, only because I remember what I was like as a 13 year old lol

[Jaycee]

Personally, I think 13 is way too young. 15 is more appropriate, but that's just my opinion. I agree with your DH, she has her whole life to work!

[LionsandBears]

If she wants to work, let her work. She may thrive or she may hate it and try again when she's older. I wouldnt do anything to discourage a kid developing a work ethic though. Good on her! It will teach her responsibility.

It will also be a good opportunity to teach her some financial skills, like saving. I'd say she can work if she agrees to put 10% of her net income into an untouchable, high interest, online account that only you know the password to.

[Mildez]

That's a good idea L&B about the account. My friend's parents made there daughter save for a car and what she saved they matched it (she had been working for a few years then) so I was going to offer that to DD also. Id be happy to buy her one but she would get a better one if she could contribute a little herself. Maybe I'll tell her she can apply late this year and have the school Christmas holidays to have a trial. I did read somewhere that at 13 you cant work after 7pm which is good if its true.

[nothing2lose]

I think part time work builds character and a sense of responsibility. As long as she can balance it with her other responsibilities (homework, chores, etc), it's a great idea!

[nickle730]

I agree with L&B's but I would be inclined to enforce 50% savings!

[Mildez]

That's my concern Dianne that 13 is too young especially for my DD who is an immature 13. But she really really wants a job and we aren't in the position to give her more then a few dollars here and there and when we do tell her she can earn money she can't follow through with the task although for someone else I am sure she could.

[TeniBear]

McDonald's employs 13yr olds ($6.50 an hour apparently no penalties for weekends etc)

That makes me nervous. Whoever the franchisee is at the McDonald's you got that information from could get in trouble for that - the official handbook says it's 14 plus 9 months, and even then only dining room duties until they're 15. (Hubby's a Macca's manager) It might be different state-to-state, but I remember it being nation-wide when I was reading it myself...

[Mildez]

Im going on what a yr10 student told me who was doing work experience so don't know how accurate her information was. She said woollies paid $8.50 no penalties and maccas $6.50 both for 13yr olds and the rates go up each year.