The teen I homeschool just did his taxes for the first time and he ended up making roughly $27,000 last year For context, in the last year he went from being just a regular employee at a bike shop to the head mechanic of his shop For a 16 year old this is pretty damn good in my opinion He works 30+ hours a week and is happy to do so I asked him why he is so motivated to work and he said: “I love making my own money and having all of the responsibility. The boss and my coworkers rely on me Like if I don’t do a good job or don't take it seriously, I make the shop look bad and I am affecting someone’s bike which would suck I just like knowing that people rely on me and I am valued for what I contribute and bring to the table. Being that school always came hard to me and I always struggled it feels really good to finally be good at something" A lot of teens feel exactly like him and would benefit so much from getting into the world and working And before someone says it: I am not suggesting they skip school entirely but rather, after fundamentals are mastered like reading, math, etc. Send them into the world and give them an opportunity to see what their talents are
@thejasonkantor Every teenagers wants money and independence. What differentiates your son is his desire to contribute with excellence, which is uncommon at age 16. What's the recipe?
@thejasonkantor Seeing your talents makes you motivated to learn more, and it gives you focus on what to learn.
@thejasonkantor YES. I have advocated for an off-ramp for 16-year-olds who have this exact mindset. Some spend the last two years of HS chomping at the bit to get going in the career they are already ready for and can't wait to start. LET THEM GO!
@thejasonkantor '73 grad. Had 0 desire to go to college so..I was in the work/study program last 1/2 of my Junior yr and full yr as a Senior..had classes for 3 hrs in the morn and worked 1-9 pm 5 days per week..by the time I graduated I was the Assit Manager for a Barricini Candy store ..
@thejasonkantor So impressive. The kids are alright when they're free to be.