<p>This is an awkward question, but anyways. I had only a few leadership positions and ECs because I had to work for my parents almost everyday to support my family’s financial needs. Can this be a substitute? Also, is legality an issue? I have worked for my parents since 14. Or maybe I should not mention about working at an illegal age?</p>
<p>It’s like everyone on CC are living the same lives. </p>
<p>I’ve been working for my parents since i was 14, 25 hours a week.</p>
<p>I highly doubt that colleges will frown upon the fact that you had to work in order to help you and your parents survive. But I’ m no expert. Either way i’d put it down- it wasn’t easy for me, and it probably wasn’t easy for you; Colleges will take this into consideration, don’t leave it out.</p>
<p>Colleges like to see students with a great work ethic, they will be happy to see your contribution to the family finances. It is fine to mention you’ve been working since age 14. (And it is legal if you get a special work permit for 14 -or is it 15? yr olds.)</p>
<p>Don’t worry about the apparent illegality – it’s understood that some family businesses, everyone lends a hand. This won’t be held against you. Not everyone lives in conditions where they can pick and choose from a wide list of after school activities and the adcoms know this</p>
<p>It is totally legal to work for your parents at <em>any</em> age. It is considered that the people with the children’s best interests at heart are supervising them. No work permit is needed. I <em>know</em> this - I grew up in a family business and currently own one.</p>
<p>I think the adcoms will be delighted! You have been doing real life, grown-up things and helping to support your family. That is fantastic and shows even better than the usual ECs that you can work in a group, have a good work ethic and can survive in the real world.</p>
<p>You need to be careful to include on your resume exactly what you did. This may take a little thought since it’s just a part of your life, but think of all the tasks and skills you use in the family business. Think through everything you do and put it in “career terms”, for example, in a retail store, counting all the garments at the end of the day to check for shop-lifting is called “inventory management”. Look online for examples of resumes from people in your family’s business. Make it sound professional. Be honest about helping your family. I think it will only help you.</p>