<pre><code> There's a school trip in April next year and it costs $1,000 plus spending money. My parents refuse to pay a single cent, but they won't let me earn my own money either! I seriously don't get it. If I ask them why I'm not allowed, they just shrug me off. I'm wasting my summer doing absolutely nothing, when I could be out doing something useful.
Also, if I am able to convince them, how do I even get a job? (Oh man, I feel so stupid asking this). I know you have to have a resume, but that's all I know. I have no idea what to put on it; I'm just a normal 15 year old girl with pretty much no experience, which I know is going to make it so much harder for me. But what do I do? I'm so clueless on both of my questions.
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Damn. How cool is this trip? I bet it’s not worth it.
You go to places where you might be able to work and ask for a job application. You can go to fast food places, chain stores, local businesses, movie theaters, water parks, etc. and see if they’ll hire someone your age (ask this before you ask anything else…there have been times when I filled out job applications and turned them in only to find out I wasn’t even eligible). There’s a (possibly high) chance they won’t call you back after you submit the application.
You don’t actually need a resume for many of the jobs you’d be applying for, at fast food places and stores. You just fill out an application form (they’ll either give you a paper one or tell you to go online). For the most part they won’t hire you on your merits—they hire you based on when you’re available and whether or not they’re hiring people at all. You need to be at least 16 for most jobs, and 18 for many others. Being under 18 is a disadvantage even if they’re theoretically willing to hire you, because there are more restrictions on when you can work. I got a job at McDonald’s right after I turned 16. I was there for two years, but they only let me work maybe five hours a week. They’d have me come in and then just send me home, and they only trained me to do maybe three things, so I was basically useless outside of those things. But it was interesting. </p>
<p>@dyiu13 - I’ve read them, and in the summer, I can work up to 40 hours a week for 85% of our state’s minimum wage. I also am supposed to have meal breaks every hour. I’m turning 16 in September, so if i decide to keep working part-time, I can earn the full minimum wage. </p>
<p>@halyconheather - Thank you so much. Your information was super helpful. I know that a Safeway close to my house that is looking for several positions to be filled, but I’m not sure if they would hire someone as young and inexperienced as me. Most of the workers look to be in their 20s or 30s.</p>
<p>@halyconheather - I just checked their website, and they hire people as young as 14, but it’s still unlikely. And I shouldn’t limit myself to one place. But I might as well apply anyway, because you never know.</p>
<p>You should apply for jobs regardless of whether or not you think they might hire you. You have nothing to lose by applying, and you could potentially be surprised by the outcome. Even if you do get the job and ultimately decide you don’t want it or can’t do it, then you can always say no. Everyone has to get their first job at some point. You can also do little side jobs like tutoring, babysitting, doing yardwork/cleaning, etc, for friends/family/neighbors/etc.</p>
<p>How are your parents stopping you? You could tell them that it would give you something else to put on a college application, and it would help to get a future job if you have something to put on your resume. It’ll especially be valuable if you’re spending this summer doing nothing else.</p>
<p>I am in the same situation too and my state won’t let me get a job. I am eligible to babysit (parents made me do cpr) but as a 15 yr old guy, would most people trust me with their kid. I look after my baby cousins a lot. What do you guys think</p>