Only logged in members can reply and interact with the post.
Join SimilarWorlds for FREE »

How Can I Convince My Parents to Allow Me to Get a Job?

First things first, please read all, or as much of this as you can, because it's important to know all or most of the details before assuming things.
I'm a sophomore in highschool (only for 3 more months lol), and I don't do anything with my life, expect my hobbies (writing, reading, animating, socializing online, and drawing). I get good grades, and I do my homework (I don't even know how I get it done because I don't do it when I'm home but it somehow still gets done).

I have conservative parents, and they barely let me do anything (and I'm going to be 17 in November). I'm surprised they let me breathe on my own. I think it's more of my dad who's holding me back more than my mom (I think my mom is okay with me getting a job, but it's my dad who's holding me back).

Anyway, I want to get a job, because I'd like to have some pocket money (I don't have an allowance because my parents are too poor for that), save up for college, and maybe a car (I don't care what kind of car it is as along as it works, and since I'm getting my license in a few months, it'd be good to have a car because my parents can't always bring me everywhere like the library).

The only time when I get money is on my birthday and maybe for Christmas. I don't like relying on my family when it comes to money, and I can only go so far with it. My family has barely any money themselves.

A few months ago, I asked my dad if I could get a job, and he said no because I have to focus on school, and it's not appropriate for a teenager to be working with adults (I thought this part of his answer was a little unreasonable). He then asked me why I wanted a job so badly, and when I told him the college part he said he'll pay for my college. I'm like no you won't, because you don't have any money yourself to do that, and my older sister is living off loans (he isn't paying one cent for her college). I didn't tell him that directly, but it's true. The last thing he told me was is that I can start working when I finish college (he's a bunch of BS).

My dad has always been on the safe side. I lost some opportunities because of this man. I'm sorry to say this, but he can't keep me locked up in a house forever to keep me safe. If I don't start working before college, it's not going to look good for me in the future.

I live less than 5 minutes (walking wise) from any place you can think of (restaurants, fast food, pharmacy stores, supemarket, dollar store, a flower shop etc.), so I don't see why it's so bad for me to get a job when I live close to all these places. My parents don't even have to worry about driving me/picking me up.

And out of all of this, after all this BS, he lets me volunteer at the one elementary school from 3:30 PM - 6 PM (but that's only on Thursdays and if you've gone to school, I think you would know that basically every single teacher assigns tests on Friday, and I still do good on them). It's an after school program, and I help them kids with their homework and play with them until their parents come to pick them up. I'm around [i]adults[/i].
This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »
This is all great to read! You are a very bright young lady with very much potential!

May I ask how many times you have asked your dad if you can get a job? and have you asked your mom too?
BlackBloodDemon · 22-25
I asked my dad about 3 times over the course of this past year (I asked during the summer but I was 15 last summer so I let it go and now I'm 16 so I have a better shot).

I think he's more okay with me working during the summer, so when it comes closer to the end of the school year, I'm gonna ask him one more time (I'd rather get a job closer to the end of the year rather when I'm out of school for the summer so I won't have a hard time when the other teenagers found their job).

Then my plan will all go into place! When the summer comes to an end, I'm going to tell my dad I'm going to keep my job while I'm still in school so I can prove to him that I can work and study (Plus, my hours are limited anyway since I am a minor. My classes are going to calm down once I'm a junior, because I met my graduation requirements, except the common core classes such as math and English. My electives are easy-going classes. I took an art class, a study hall, ancient/medieval history, and psychology which is only for a semester).

I am a huge procrastinator, so by doing this it'll teach me to get things done!
Good, keep setting goals for yourself and you will be very proud of yourself when you succeed.

I am sure your dad is looking out for your best interest. And it is good to know you are looking to support yourself. I can tell you must have had a good upbringing.
BlackBloodDemon · 22-25
Thank you so much, and I'm sure he does. He's a very caring father, and he doesn't want to see his children hitting rock bottom (I think he's like this because of his own experiences and he just doesn't want me or my sisters experiencing them as well).

I asked my mother, and she's okay with me working. I just have to get through to my dad (even though she's the wife, she can't get through to him either. He's very stubborn! XD).
Well that's okay. As long as you see your parents are concerned and that is why they may seem controlling. Appreciate your loving family. This type of consideration can be rare. Make sure you set yourself up to be able to support yourself and help your parents later if anything were to ever come up. Hopefully your sisters all do the same.