Teens don't just work for gas money. There are many who must pay their way through college -- or would like to.
"Teens don't just work for gas money. There are many who must pay their way through college -- or would like to."
Amen to what you said about paying through college. I've recently turned twenty-two and I'm still stuck at the same darn job for the past two years since most places want someone who is bilingual or has a bachelor's degree to work in freakin' data entry, entry level! As for college, I've barely been able to afford even one class per semester. Places that say they will train the "Right person" are always hiring people with previous experience! It frustrates me to no end since I am an apt learner and always willing to work hard!
I agree. Unfortunately for many, there is a prejudicial assumption that to be white, and to be applying for work, you're easily passed over because "you don't really need it" or that someone else "deserves" the work more than you do.
I paid for my college education -- all of it, the whole eight years -- and worked since I was fourteen. Like many here, I grew up in rural America, on a ranch and also in farming locales, and my rule of thumb was to apply for everything and take anything, and so I did. The problem today is that there are far more people around everywhere -- rurally and urbanly -- and kids today cannot just take any job because of so much exploitation and even outright danger involved with some by some.
The "no flipping burgers" attitude works if you are in a social/familial situation that is so devoid of possible setbacks that you can disdain opportunities while young.