<p>Yes, my rising college freshman D has her first real job, other than babysitting, this summer–at a retail store catering to her age group. She’s enjoying the work and the camaraderie with other employees, and apparently is getting many compliments on her work ethic. This offsets the pitiful wages she is earning.</p>
<p>Yes, at age 16. Before that doing babysitting or mowing lawns give kids a chance to earn their own money and learn that money=work.</p>
<p>My son, 20 years old, has been working summer jobs since he was 18. None of the jobs have been glamorous. He decided, on his own, to join his college’s co-op program. He is excited about his first real job.</p>