Finding a First Job

My son is going through a frustrating time.  Last year, when he was 14 years old, he wanted to start working – to earn money for video games and paintball guns.  After looking at the child labor laws, I showed him that his best chance was going to be mowing lawns.  I made him some flyers, encouraged him to go knock on doors – but he never did.

Now another summer has rolled around, and he wants to look for a job again.  After all, within a year he will have a driver's license – so he has more motivation to earn and save money.  The last several days, I have taken him around to the various businesses that are within walking distance of our home.  There are quite a few of those, actually, since there are two strip malls within a half mile or so.

Our initial search has been focused on shops within walking distance simply because that means that he can get himself to work (and home again) when his shift schedule doesn't align neatly with my working hours.  Since he cannot yet drive, keeping things within walking (or bicycling) distance is most convenient for everyone involved.

It is frustrating, though, to find that very few managers are even willing to talk to a 15-year-old.  I understand that he can't work in a hazardous occupation … but when we're talking about bussing tables at a restaurant or stocking shelves for a retailer, these are things that a 15-year-old can do.  Some will not hire below the age of 18 or 19 … some set the minimum age at 17 … a few say 16 … and none say 15.

I guess I had it lucky when I was growing up.  When I was in junior high school, my father took over his father's business.  For the rest of my secondary schooling, I had a place to work – after school, during holidays, and over the summers.  I had the option to go look for another job, of course.  But why go apply for jobs when you can just walk in and start working without having to actually sell yourself in an interview?  I never applied for a job until I was nearly 19 years old.

Because of that, I cannot fully relate to what my son is facing ... but I definitely share in the frustration.  I keep telling him to keep his chin up, because all he needs is one manager willing to give him a chance.  Hopefully we will find that one in the next few days.