I asked my son to get an extra job this summer. I thought about this before I asked, but then I realized that he's filled with awesome energy and he loves to do things, so he has the energy and need for more money.
My husband and I always worked hard--we had multiple jobs during and after college, and every job provided needed dollars and lots of good experience too. There was one point during graduate school when I was typing for a scholar a few afternoons a week, working at a day-care center, and serving food as part of Izzy's Kosher Catering. I was busy studying, working, and having lots of fun at that point in my life. There's nothing wrong with hard work--it brings perspective as well as needed dollars.
At this later stage in life, the balance is more important. Energy is not as free flowing as it was many decades ago, and depth is much greater so the way I work is deeper, more detailed, and deliberate simply because I know more and have more experience. This deeper work requires greater balance and time so time off is more important.
While our children learn a lot in school, they also learn a lot by working in all kinds of jobs too. This builds responsibility and greater awareness of the world around them, and that's why my mantra is, "Make some money, get a job."
My husband and I always worked hard--we had multiple jobs during and after college, and every job provided needed dollars and lots of good experience too. There was one point during graduate school when I was typing for a scholar a few afternoons a week, working at a day-care center, and serving food as part of Izzy's Kosher Catering. I was busy studying, working, and having lots of fun at that point in my life. There's nothing wrong with hard work--it brings perspective as well as needed dollars.
At this later stage in life, the balance is more important. Energy is not as free flowing as it was many decades ago, and depth is much greater so the way I work is deeper, more detailed, and deliberate simply because I know more and have more experience. This deeper work requires greater balance and time so time off is more important.
While our children learn a lot in school, they also learn a lot by working in all kinds of jobs too. This builds responsibility and greater awareness of the world around them, and that's why my mantra is, "Make some money, get a job."