Nobody necessarily wants to work; however, as soon as I turned 15, I got my work permit and began working at my local frozen yogurt shop. I’ve read so many articles bashing kids whose parents never made them work for what they had and the other way around as well. My mom made a deal with me: no job, no car. So I worked about fifteen hours a week, mostly for clothes and late night Taco Bell runs, while my mom paid for my car and insurance. The job was easy; I got to sit in the back of the store on my phone, work on my homework, and chat with my coworkers. Looking back now, I realize it was probably the easiest job I’ve ever had. Sure - I was never stressed about bills piling up and I got to enjoy my high school experience for the most part. Working during those years when such immense change was happening every day in my life taught me so many life lessons and helped me become the person I am today.

First off, it brought me out of my shell. Before I started working, I was afraid to do simple tasks like call someone or ask a question in class. I remember when I started my job the most terrifying thing about it was having to greet the customer. And Lord - answering the drive through speaker was worse than giving a speech to my peers. Once I got the hang of it, I was using my fake customer service voice every time someone walked into the store and taking orders like a champ. My job also taught me to stand up for myself. Had I not been thrown into the world of customer service, I would never know how to tell someone no. Working at such a young age gave me life experiences I could’ve never gained elsewhere.

Having a job at 15 also taught me the value of money at such a young age when most people are still asking their parents for things that they want. Although, once again, I never had anything major to pay for, I realized that spending money actually meant something. Before working, I’d receive a few hundred dollars for Christmas or my birthday and spend it frivolously during an hour long trip to the mall. It wasn’t my money, so what difference did it make? Once I started earning money for myself, everytime I’d buy something I would think, ‘wow, this shirt costs 5 hours of my life,’ and it would make the decision so much clearer.

Working also made me become a responsible person who is always accountable for my actions. Because I started working so young, I rarely bail on anything. I am always one to show up and be there on time, even if I’m tired, grumpy, or sick. Working taught me that my actions impact others no matter how small they may be and that it’s always important to stick to my word.