It's easy to joke around that they're poor. I am guilty of that probably every day, but I've also been that kid who's been working since she was 14. I don't know a lot of people who are in the same boat as me. It's mind boggling to me that some people have never had to work a day in their life. It just seems crazy to me. There are many reasons why I'm a firm believer in making your own money, but here are a few I thought I'd share.

I know I'll be able to support myself one day. Because I live with my parents still, they pay my rent, put food on the table, etc. But because I have been working for almost half my life, I know that I would take ANY job over NO job, so when those student loans creep up on me, I'll hopefully be able to make a dent in them.

When I spend, I know where the money came from. Every single time I ask my parents for money, I feel guilty. Knowing that I don't ask very often and that I can still do fun things with my friends, even if that means cheap (or even free things), makes me feel good inside. When I treat myself to that cup of coffee in the morning, or when I finally have enough money to get myself a new car, I know that that is MINE. That I earned it, and call me crazy, but that's the best feeling in the world.

Because I don't ask people for money a lot, I have healthy relationships. I don't have to feel guilty for taking someone's money, but with that being said I have absolutely no shame in asking about any and all discounts. There are many ins and outs by being a student, etc. that some people are embarrassed to ask about. For example, I ALWAYS ask for the employee discount at work, I ALWAYS ask for the mall discount when I'm on my break at Victoria's Secret, the list goes on. I used to be embarrassed but that's silly, people understand that times are hard, especially if you're trying to make ends meet.

Payday might be my favorite day of the week, but looking at those hours and paychecks is SO REWARDING. Especially because I earned it!!

Because I work so much, I feel and am more respected. My bosses can depend on me when they need me, and while some may think this is me being a "kiss ass", buzz off dude, I'm making more money than you, and might have your job one day so...

To those who have never worked a day in their life, I don't know how you do it. For those of you who's parents pay for everything...I'm happy that you don't really know what it's like to have a job? Part of the reason I think that people hate my generation is because many of us don't work, and many of us expect everything handed to us. No wonder other generations think we're entitled. I guess what I mean is: WORK SO HARD NOW THAT ONE DAY YOU DON'T HAVE TO. That way you have nothing to be asking for, you can just accomplish it on your own. Like I always say, the best revenge is success, so when someone tells you can't do it. Just do it. I promise hard work pays off.