BabyGirl Got the Job She Wanted
Less than a month ago, she started her job search. There was ONE job in particular she wanted really bad, but she applied to multiple places. She was afraid that she wouldn’t find a job at all since she is only 15, needs a work permit, and is limited to certain days/hours while most of her friends have fewer restrictions.
Almost everywhere she went, they told her “come back when you’re 16.” She grew frustrated with every rejection. I guess it wasn’t really “rejection” but I still had to hear about it. “Ma, why did you have me so late!?” she asked. LOL I wanted to laugh, but I had to shield my smile and help her deal with the quasi-rejection. I explained the purpose of child employment laws, but I also encouraged her to keep at it. If I’ve taught her nothing else in 15 years, I know I’ve taught her determination and persistence. And my little mini-me handled it like a champ.
- She spoke with her guidance counselor about the work permit and arranged all the paperwork on her own.
- She made sure to remind me almost everyday that I needed to visit the school to sign one form or get a notary.
- She completed everything on her own so all I had to do was sign.
- She took the bus to job hunt because I refused to drive her.
- With every job application, she made a follow up call the next week.
- Unlike the typical teenager, she was very particular about what she wore to the interviews.
She was even late for band practice one night because she had an interview. She told me the interviewer asked her “have you ever been in a situation where you had to juggle two important things at once and how did you handle it?” She said “yes, I’m doing it right now…then explained how she had band practice in 15 minutes and her mom was waiting in the car.” LOL I guess that was all he needed to hear. She said he smiled and wrapped up the interview so she could leave.
Last night, that same employer called and made the offer. This is the job she wanted, so she is very happy. And I am happy for her.
Considering this was her FIRST time looking for a job, I am impressed with the results. She ended the search with, not one, but TWO job offers and is now in a position to CHOOSE where she wants to work. I can not even begin to explain the joy I feel inside. This experience has shown me that my daughter understands the meaning of determination, how to pursue opportunities, how to set herself apart from the rest, how to present herself, and obviously how to speak articulately (lol @ axe) - despite having a more comfortable diction that is reserved for family and friends. Now, she is experiencing what many adults fail to realize - freedom of choice. The freedom to work where she wants, not because it is her only option. This is a freedom I’ve enjoyed for my entire career and I plan to teach my daughter how to maintain that same freedom for the rest of her life.
Choosing between the two offers will be one of her easier decisions though. The one she wants is better than the other by a long shot because:
- It sounds like fun.
- It pays $8/hour, $2.15 more than minimum wage.
- The employee discount is FABULOUS.
- It is in a ’safe’ preferred location.
- It is very close to home.
- She can get to work conveniently, even if I can not drive her.
As any mother would be, I am very proud of her efforts.
Now, to draft up that responsibility contract…
~*~*~*~*~*~Work to achieve, not to acquire.
And always, BE FABULOUS!
This blog is the story of my life...a single mom who worked her way from nothing to financial freedom. Subscribe here and follow the rest of my journey.
12 comments:
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Fabulous Financials » Annual Goals Update: February Status (Pingback), 3 March 2008, 16:55
[...] Who knows. Mama better get busy! Then again, she might have to work. LOL I forgot she has a little jobby job now. [...]
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Fabulous Financials » BabyGirl’s First Job and First Paycheck (Pingback), 19 March 2008, 12:34
[...] mentioned before that BabyGirl got the job she wanted. It’s her very first job, but since she’s only 15 and involved in a ton of [...]
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Congratulations to you and BabyGirl. You deserve the most praise because it sounds like you’ve raised a very responsible, smart and mature BabyGirl. Good job doing it all on your own.
I’m sure she would beg to differ, but I’ll take it. LOL Thank ya kindly! [-SM]
Way to go BabyGirl! Choice is a very good thing. And good for you Single Ma for “working your issues” to allow your daughter to handle her business. Literally.
I remember that when I got paid by my first job, I took my guardian out to dinner at a restaurant she liked that was more than she could normally afford. I was so proud when I paid the bill all by myself with cash. Having your own money and managing it well can change your life. Good for you, girl.
Wow, that was very sweet of you. Wanna know what I overheard she’ll do with her first check? Buy another share of McDonald’s and a pair of “rainbow” Nike’s! LOL Nowhere is “taking mama out to dinner” in the plan. LOL Some child of mine! Hmph! [-SM]
Congratulations BabyGirl on getting your preferred job!!!
Congratulations to you Single Ma for raising a mature and responsible teen!!!
I passed on the congrats, thanks from both of us. Let’s pray that she stays “mature and responsible” in the absence of mama. *sigh* [-SM]
You go BabyGirl!… and Ma, this says a WHOLE lot about what an amazing parent you are. I’ve loved following this — a true inspiration. Thanks.
Thanks for keeping up with me. I didn’t know you still read my blog. BTW, your book is still on my things to do list. The book review is coming up this month, promise! [-SM]
YEAH! I’m excited for her. Wait til she sees how much of her check is eaten by taxes… I remember the first time taxes came out of my paycheck I was sick… LOL! I’m proud of her.
I want to frame a copy of her first check but the job “requires” direct deposit. Hmph! I might have to take a picture of her face when she sees the balance in her acct though. LOL [-SM]
Her determination is a wonderful quality. I think it’s one of those “Be careful what you wish for situations,” though. I have to say I REALLY don’t miss my days of close to minimum wage retail work…ugh. Or working for well above minimum wage, for that matter!
If only I could go back to my cushy days of mom and dad’s allowance and no bills and tell myself what was to come so I could appreciate it… She’ll find out soon enough!
Believe me, I want her to find out sooner rather than later. If I had it my way, she’ll come running home begging for mercy and threatening to quit. Then I’ll act all surprised and “mildly” encourage her to stick it out while silently breathing a sigh of relief. But knowing my child, that’ll be my dream deferred. LOL [-SM]
That’s great! The job sounds excellent. And she’s done such a good job getting there so far—so much initiative. She’s got a head start on most teens starting to work, most aren’t nearly that collected and ambitious.
Lol, Serenity, it still makes me sad to see that.
Don’t let her fool you. Part of her ambition is driven by a desire for things she knows mama won’t buy. LOL [-SM]
Congrats to BabyGirl, and also kudos to you - you’ve set an excellent example for her, and despite all the teenage angst, it’s obviously rubbed off. She’s growing up!
Congrats BabyGirl!!!!
Congrats to baby girl on her new job. I will be calling you years from now for parenting advice.
Don’t worry about her straying from your teachings when you are not around. ‘Teach a child in the way he should grow and when he becomes a man he will not depart from it.’ (Think this is a bible verse).