When we were young, our parents often explained to us the importance of working hard and earning money. Especially when we wasted money on shopping or eating outside, we used to get the age-old dialogue, “You’ll understand the value of money when you begin to earn.”
They weren’t wrong. However, many teenagers nowadays have begun “hustling” early to earn money. One father recently took to social media to express how proud he is of his son for working hard, making his own money, and becoming a “respectable young man”.
On the flip side, his post started an interesting debate online. People began discussing whether or not it is healthy for teenagers to work hard and earn their own money.
god this is depressing pic.twitter.com/d3B5lArxQC
— c a i t (@kittynouveau) June 9, 2021
On one hand, many pointed out that kids will lose out on their childhood if they keep themselves busy with work. Some also expressed that if a kid chooses to spend most of his/her time at work, that means he doesn’t want to spend time at home – which can be a problem.
So fun fact, this type of stuff causes psychological damage in adult life. As it turns out when kids don’t get their full childhood to be children they struggle to be adults in adulthood
— Purple Panda (@purplepanda1310) June 10, 2021
I was encouraged both by management and by my parents to overwork myself. I think it was seen as “learning work ethic”. All I got from it was an unhealthy relationship with work that I carry to this day. This post makes my stomach ache. That kid should enjoy youth, not work.
— August (@AugustBreak118) June 10, 2021
How is he allowed to work those sorts of hours at 14? In my country 14 yrs old can’t work except for school work experience, light work in the holidays (like odd jobs for neighbours type thing) or acting or sports. School is meant to be a kid’s job at 14
— 🌹 Rosie Greene 😷 #RipOffNUIG #FreeBritney (@cnbcwatcher90) June 10, 2021
I feel this kid is missing out on a lot of his childhood I mean if he asked to do it he can do what he wants but I miss being a kid and having no responsibility and just being a kid
— NeonSlug (@slug_neon) June 9, 2021
This is awful. I am a single mom and my kid is 14. He plays bass in a band because it is fun. We struggle financially, but I want him to have friends and a childhood as long as he can. He will be in the workforce soon enough and have to be in it likely for the rest of his life
— Exit Stage Left 🏴🚩✊🏻 (@erinkatedoherty) June 10, 2021
It is indeed. I’m sorry but a kid choosing work over summer is an indicative of something dark happening somewhere. And for all those “muh but children must know how life works”: you’re actively supporting exploitation and child labor.
— José Miguel (@josem11200) June 11, 2021
On the other hand, many said that by working, teenagers will understand the value of money and will develop a decent work ethic. They will also learn more about life.
God this is depressing that so many people agree with you. Why are you bashing a kid for wanting to work. I was so excited to start working to make some money of my own. You should be praising his initiative, not shaming him for having a work ethic.
— ML400733 (@ml400733) June 13, 2021
I think it’s great that his kid has a job. Kudos. The thing is, this kid doesn’t have bills to pay. His parents are feeding him and making sure he has a roof over his head. Adults don’t have that luxury. Comparing the two is hardly accurate.
— Wash your hands, please. (@Plastically_Eve) June 10, 2021
Nice! The sooner that kids learn the importance of hard work, the more successful they will be in life 👍
— Ask A Libertarian (@AskLibertarian) June 11, 2021
Looking at the comments, seems like most of you were born rich or you are lazy adults that never managed to do anything with your life. Why the hell would this be depressing?? This kid will learn more about life, work, money, discipline and motivation then 90% of his peers
— VivanBTC (@VivanBTC) June 13, 2021
There is nothing wrong with this young man choosing to work his summer rather than play or goof off. It shows character, his desire to do things/provide for himself, and self respect. His father is right to be proud of him. He’s obviously not “forcing” him to do this. Kudos!
— LINDA (@LINDA83461929) June 12, 2021
What do you think of teenagers hustling and earning money? Tell us!