How can I convince my parents to let me work?

Parents Forum
1

<p>My parents are being very generous when it comes to college, and I am really appreciative. However, I have had an after-school job since I was 16 and I have gotten used to earning my own money. In college, my parents want me to not work the first year because they think it will take away from my experience. They are going to give me $200 per week of allowance. I know a lot of people would think this is great, but I have gotten used to meeting people through work and I would like to work in college and save my own money to buy a newer car. How can I convince them that they should let me do this?</p>

2

<p>Well, assuming that you will be 18 when you go to school, how can they stop you from working? They wouldn't be controlling enough to pull any and all financial support for college if you get a job, would they?</p>

<p>It sounds like your parents want only the best for you, but it seems that they're going to have a bit of trouble "letting go" and giving you the power to make your own decisions.</p>

<p>For what it's worth, I think a part-time job can be a good thing, even in your first year of college. But I would definitely wait for a couple of months to see just how busy I was with my college workload before I jumped into the work force so quickly.</p>

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<p>Going to school full-time and earning more than $200/week? VERY difficult and then to keep your grades up. Take the money, save a large part of it and spend a small part, and meet and make friends in your dorm and classes. Remember, there will be many kids just like you looking to make friends, and you will meet and make friends without having to do it at work. I had to work because of my parent's financial situation, and it really took time away from studying, etc. And I remember it was harder to meet people because I was unavailable because I had to go to work. And quite frankly, I only made a couple friends through work in my 3 1/2 years - different kids on different shifts - different work stations - you are there to work and not socialize. Let's see - you and a couple others have same shift in library - one in shelving, one in checkout and one in computer useage. When do you get to talk in order to become friends? You only work a couple hours, then it's off to study, or to class or to eat, or to the EC. Working in college is different than in HS. I have friends from my jobs after college, but my firiends in college were people with similar interests - EC's and majors.</p>

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<p>I agree with Colorado Mom.</p>

<p>I am curious about why your parents would think that $200 a week would be a suitable allowance. What exactly would you be expected to pay for out of all of that money? I think that a 10 hour a week job making minimum wage probably would give you more than enough spending money as long as your parents covered expenses such as books, which cost a mint.</p>

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<p>Step number one is to attend school for a term and get good grades without working. You may have a better sense of whether or not you can manage a job after that.</p>

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<p>Your parents are telling you it is your "job" to go to college and make the most of it. Working for a few dollars an hour is not worth it in the long run if it detracts from your college experience. Start off without working. Take the time you save and invest it in your education.</p>

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<p>Did you mean $200 per week allowance?</p>

<p>The pace of college academic life can be amazingly fast. This is not high school! If you want to get a job, I'd wait until second semester. Prove to yourself and your parents that you can handle college by getting good grades first.</p>

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<p>Worrying about how new or good looking your car is should not compromise your academics. If anything, once you get accustomed to your school, find a job that is applicable to your academic interests.</p>

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<p>I'm sorry, I did mean $200 per week. </p>

<p>I have been working since I was 16 and it has been a regular, important part of my life. $200 isn't shabby but really isn't enough to save. Not only would I like to get a new car (my current one is falling apart) but I would like to save to study abroad, and have a little financial padding when I graduate. </p>

<p>My mom and I talked and we agreed that I should take the first semester to see what the workload at college is like, and if I can handle it, I can get a job second semester. I'd like to get a job first semester as a way to meet people, but I understand that it is faster paced in college, and so I can take time to really focus on school and some clubs.</p>

10

<p>In college, you'll probably meet more people if you don't work but instead participate in dorm life, do study groups, athletics, etc. </p>

<p>About the car thing... if a car is falling apart, then it needs to be replaced - although you can get some good used cars for about $3,000 or $4,000.</p>

11

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<p>A better way to meet people is to play IM sports. ..unless your job is to deliver the mail.</p>