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But isn’t this logically inconsistent? It depends on the individual, but if a particular individual says he doesn’t have time, you disagree with that? Not trying to be picky :), but this doesn’t seem to work together.</p>
<p>I think there are legitimate reasons why someone might not be able to have a job. They might not have transportation, they might not be able to handle it physically or mentally, etc. </p>
<p>The one excuse I don’t believe is that they don’t have time. </p>
<p>I don’t see the inconsistency.</p>
<p>^Ok, :). I guess I don’t agree and think whether or not they feel they have time is also an individual matter. When I was in my Junior and Senior years there were many times I felt I was so completely overwhelmed that I could barely keep up. In reality, I didn’t keep up and had to drop one of my concentration courses and retake it in the summer, along with 6 other credits. I didn’t work during those 21 months, although I have worked during many of the other years I have been in school.</p>
<p>Pizzagirl, I think you bring up a good point about taking jobs from people who need them more. From my point of view, many of the benefits of working, other than the actual paycheck, can be had from regular volunteering. Most of the work I did my first year in college and in high school was volunteer, and I think I got the same benefits as far as working as a team, having a schedule, learning what I enjoyed at and was good at, interacting with people outside my age group, etc . . . as I did from other jobs. So, that might be one option for some kids.</p>
<p>I also didn’t mean to imply that I think that working X number of hours during the school year is the only way to do it. People have really different experiences in college, and some people due to a hard major, or a medical condition, or an commitment like a sports team can definitely make working hard. I think, though, that if I had a kid in one of those situations I’d want to suggest other options for them to get work experiences: a gap year, a program with a co-op options, internships, working during summers and breaks etc . . . Again, probably not for every kid, but something to explore.</p>
<p>I never said work experience wasn’t valuable. My kids work during the summer.</p>
<p>PG, I’m not sure why you think I think you don’t value work.</p>
<p>My kid called last night to tell us he has an interview for a job in the Career Development office. I suppose if he really wants a job this is a pretty good place one to have.</p>
<p>My son works for the Office of Intramurals and Recreation at his college, as an intramurals referee. This year he’s averaging about 10 hours/week at minimum wage. It’s a great job because it combines outdoor/fitness activities, negotiation skills, quick thinking, and a free whistle. He’s made a lot of friends with this activity and next year he’ll assume a managers’ position which will be a nice addition to his resume. Since activities are planned around academics, he doesn’t have many schedule conflicts that can’t be resolved by switching with another ref. Although he has had summer jobs, he’s now on his own cell phone plan and needs this job to be able to afford it.</p>
<p>My older son was elected to the Student Government Association at his school, first as a rep and then as VP. These positions came with a “Leadership Grant” ($8000/yr and then $11,000/yr), but these students were required to staff the SGA during office hours, attend meetings of other campus groups, travel, etc (averaging 20 hrs per week through-out the school year). He and we always considered this a job as well. Don’t know how common this is at other colleges, but I always suggest families check it out if their kids are at all inclined towards student government type activities.</p>
<p>My son is in his second year as a Rep on student gov’t and gets nothing. He is thinking of running for Pres next year, and while it’s a lot of work, I think it’s a great thing to have on one’s CV.</p>