<p>My two oldest did work through the school year. Not a ton of hours maybe around 10 during the school year, 20-35 during summers. We did not encourage them nor deny them. They both made the decision themselves. It’s been “good” for both of them as it’s led to an easy transition finding work summers and during the college year and my oldest will effectively have 5 years work experience when he graduates college next year.</p>
<p>Frankly I’m glad they worked (as will our youngest soon). I’ve hired many interns over the years and I’ve yet to hire one that hasn’t had some “real” job. I think those kids just interview better, have more confidence and understand what work is. I don’t think I’ve ever hired a new college grad who hadn’t had some sort of real job probably for the same reasons. It’s just one of those “life steps” that has to be taken at some point in time but I think job hunting post college in this economy is probably easier for those kids who have held down jobs at some point. I’ll find out soon enough I guess with my own!</p>