<p>My youngest didn’t have any work experience before summer after senior year. She ended up night stocking at Walmart (and didn’t land the job until after she turned 18, lots of places won’t hire until they are 18). It kinda sucked… and it kinda made her more motivated for college in the fall. I think you are overthinking this. Pay for her tuition, room & board (meal plan), fees, and if you REALLY want to, her books (my kids cover their own books, too – and they were super smart and frugal about how they did it because it was their money). We cover phone and plane tickets for break, too. Leave ALL THE REST on her. Stop coddling her by even trying to figure out how much it is. She will figure it out (possibly the hard way, but it won’t kill her).</p>
<p>At this age (HS), I really don’t think it matters what kind of job she gets - retail, fast food, waitressing, babysitting - they’ll all put money in her pocket. And, like Blossom, I think these jobs have value. In addition to submitting apps through regular channels, is there anywhere like a school website, church bulletin board, or similar venue where she can post a job wanted ad? Last summer, my D worked as a full-time nanny and a part-time personal assistant to an elderly couple, with a few odd jobs thrown in. All of her jobs were found through friends and neighbors. </p>
<p>I made it clear to D that I wouldn’t provide any spending money during the school year. I must’ve gotten through to her because my mad shopper surprised me by saving over $3000 during the summer - enough to provide $100 week in spending money. I pay tuition, room, unlimited meal plan, books, cell phone, car maintenance and car insurance. She uses the money for eating out, coffee shop, gas, additional clothes, toiletries, cosmetics, snacks and entertainment.</p>
<p>D is a senior in HS and works as a host at a restaurant. A bit more than minimum wage but she also gets tipped out so she uses the tips for spending now and saves the paychecks for college. Her only experience prior to this was babysitting, ref for a youth league, nothing regular. She put all that on her app as experience so I agree with all who say use what she’s done already even if it doesn’t seem impressive.</p>
<p>S also did/does restaurants. Started as a dishwasher and pretty quickly moved to cooking. Also a bit over minimum but with tips (shared by all staff at his place). </p>
<p>both got the jobs walking in and talking to a manager. (Tip: do NOT walk in at lunch or dinner time, go in between, like after school. Coming in when it’s busy is the kiss of death.)</p>