Kids first job!

[saltbranch]

My 14 yr old son hit me for a summer job at my work, which the co. hires a few  kids for the summer. I work for a wire rope company that manufactures wire rope slings, nylon slings, chain slings...anything for lifting we do.It took awhile, but after checking labor laws and the requirements....he started today in the nylon sling Dept, he is just doing basic stuff like rolling up sewn slings, measuring and cutting small stuff to help put nylon slings together, nothing critical. Sweep and cleanup duty. He put in a solid 8 hrs today and ready for more! One of the old timers complimented his hustle and attitude, by him saying "yes,sir..no,sir" etc.

SO dad is little proud and felt like braggin abit!

 

[caveman]

It is always fantastic to see our children actually use the ethics we as parents try to instill in them.  I beat my chest with you proud papa!!  Good job!!   

 

[shtrdave]

Congratulations on doing a great job raising a teenager that shows respect. It seems difficult to find them these days, I am only 44 and it saddens me to see the way things have changed with some of the youth over the years.

Tell him we are all proud of him and know he will go far in life.

 

[meateater]

Been working since 10 years old myself, paper routes then a BBQ joint.

 

[rbranstner]

Sounds like you have raised him right. Job well done! Thats something to be proud of these days!!!

 

[pit 4 brains]

The satisfaction comes when you get paid for your efforts, when you stand along side working men and understand that you actually earned what is being handed to you. Congrats on getting him on the right road.

"Give a man a fish, and you'll feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you'll feed him for a lifetime."

 

[rbranstner]

"Give a man a fish, and you'll feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you'll feed him for a lifetime."

I thought the quote when something like this. "Give a man a fish and you will feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and he will sit in the boat and drink beer all day." hahaha

 

[richoso1]

Some members of the NOW generation could use more discipline and respect. You've done a good job. Thumbs up to you my friend.

 

[sharonazamboni]

Congratulations! It's nice when people mention their appreciation of a good kid, and a job well done.

 

[tom37]

Awesome job saltbranch!!!!!!

Its a great feeling, my two oldest have both had jobs since they were 15. BUT I have a 17 year old that only knows how to turn the !@#  D@## play station. OMG the doctors all say he is ADD and ADHD and I tell them I have those too, But I wasn't allowed to have them cause they got meat out of me when I was still young.

Times have changed alot.

Its great to hear young son is eager for more. He'll go places in life.

 

[saltbranch]

Thanks everyone for support. He crashed @ about  8pm, he was tired. He really did work hard for a kid that used to sleepin in till noon this summer. Got him up @ 6am  we went and had breakfast before work this AM, went to lunch together..was the best quality time together in a long time.

It was really cool to have him ask  all these questions about work and what he was doing and the effects of his responsibilities. Hard to explain to be honest. He and I are entering the hardest years of a teenage/parent realtionship as I remember mine with my parents.Hopefully I can instill a good work ethic if he does go to college or good work ethic if he does not.

 

[mossymo]

saltbranch

As a fellow parent, it sounds like you have done a fine job, and it also sound like your son is a goal setter that inquires about the tricks of the trade. I am guessing he will do just fine if you allow yourself to just be his buddy or co-worker rather than a father (just at work though).

Just some thoughts from someone watching from the outside. I wish I could have worked with my sons, I am jealous !!!

 

[pandemonium]

Thats a great story!! good to hear he had such a good attitude and work ethic. maybe partly he was happy to be workin with his old man? Like Tom said kids are so into these damn games anymore, its good to hear hes a go getter.

 

[scarbelly]

Awsome for both of you - him for making you proud and you for giving him the values to do it

'

 

[saltbranch]

. I am guessing he will do just fine if you allow yourself to just be his buddy or co-worker rather than a father (just at work though).

Just some thoughts from someone watching from the outside. I wish I could have worked with my sons, I am jealous !!!

 

[chainsaw]

Very nice story and thanks for sharing. Also some really great comments from all! I share your pride in seeing your children do well.

 

[Bearcarver]

Congrats,

I know exactly how you feel!

My son worked for me in my cabinet shop (finishing).

Then he got a job as a tower climber.

Then he started his own Tower Corp.

Then he hired my wife & me.

It's so nice when our kids make it easy to be proud of them,

Bearcarver

 

[ak1]

Great story, thanks for sharing.

As Bear said, it is great when the kids make it easy to be proud of them.

I was in the same boat about a month ago.

My oldest just finished his first year of university(He want's to be an archaeologist). He wasn't having much luck finding a summer job and then one evening we get a phone call. It seems that he had applied to a local firm who does archaeological digs prior to any construction. Well, they needed some people for a dig and even though he had no experience, his TA had recommended him to the owner of the company. My son was hired sight unseen. So now, the kid that used to sleep till noon and then play video games, is waking up at 5am and working out in a field all day. And he's loving every minute of it. Best part is, he's the youngest one there, everyone else is at least finished their third year of school, or are already post-graduate working on masters or PhD's.

Needless to say, I was walking around like a peacock in all my glory for a few days.

 

[saltbranch]

He got his 1st paycheck today! He put in just over 26hrs in 3 days. Took home 213.00, I had Mom cash it and give it all to him.He has counted it several times over....LOL. I figure I'll let him blow the 1st check as he wants and see if equates the work needed to make the $.

MossyMO gave some good advice I think. As hard as it is, I have started treating him like a co-worker as best as I can at work. I got with the his Supervisor and confirmed with him no special treatment...meaning if he screws up, get on him etc.

On the plus side I am getting some compliments from the shop hands he works with on him working hard,especially for a kid his age.

1 month or so to go till school starts, so we will see how he does.

 

[saltbranch]

I was in the same boat about a month ago.

My oldest just finished his first year of university(He want's to be an archaeologist). He wasn't having much luck finding a summer job and then one evening we get a phone call. It seems that he had applied to a local firm who does archaeological digs prior to any construction. Well, they needed some people for a dig and even though he had no experience, his TA had recommended him to the owner of the company. My son was hired sight unseen. So now, the kid that used to sleep till noon and then play video games, is waking up at 5am and working out in a field all day. And he's loving every minute of it. Best part is, he's the youngest one there, everyone else is at least finished their third year of school, or are already post-graduate working on masters or PhD's.

Needless to say, I was walking around like a peacock in all my glory for a few days.

Congrats AK1!

Thats awesome!