I 18f graduated school and live with my parents. I am retaking a class because I am not satisfied with my exam results.
After that I plan to go to university. But also during this period I really want to find a part-time job and earn a little extra so i can save up for university.
My parents are absolutely against me getting a job fearing that if I get one then again I will get bad results. They insist on paying everything for me although they thenselves are struggling with money.
I dont want them to pay for me anymore I feel bad how much money I am draining them.
Ive gotten a few part time job offers but I just know if my parents find out they will call me the worst names ever and hate me. And idk its hard to hide it like why am I gone for 4 hours every single day.
Getting a partime job without parents knowing
byu/Sockchef inpersonalfinance
Posted by Sockchef
7 Comments
Honestly just take the job and deal with the fallout later. You’re 18 and trying to be responsible – they’ll get over it once they see you’re still doing well in your retake. The “gone for 4 hours” thing is easy to explain with study groups, library time, or just hanging with friends
what is the point of retaking the class? Will it help you get into a better university? If it is just for pride to get a better GPA then I would say it’s a waste of time. Just go directly to university and possibly get a part time job while you are there
tell them you joined a study group that meets at the library. boom, 4 hours accounted for.
you’re 18, you can legally work without their permission. the bigger issue is you’re afraid of being called names for… helping with finances? that’s not normal parenting behavior btw.
take the job, stack some cash, and maybe start planning for more independence than just university.
At some point, you need to start splitting from your parents. 18 seems to be about as good an age as any to do that. It’s a normal part of growing up and your parents should embrace it instead of punishing you for it. I’m sorry you feel like they would do so.
If you’re a dependent …and they’re claiming you as such…it is possible your income will send them into the next tier for taxes. This job (if you’re a dependent) could mean youaren’tt eligible for grants and scholarships (you should absolutely be applying for these regardless of what your income is). If you’re parents are being verbally abusive to you that could be a whole different issue. You might talk to them about paying then rent for your room and filing your taxes as a single income (not be a dependent). With low income you’d be eligible for all sorts of money
How about a proposal: if your grades start to dip while you are working, then you will quit working and focus on studies.
Honestly, I agree with your parents but from a different angle: the gap year is EXACTLY the time you should get a part-time job and save some money! Then you won’t feel pressure to get a job during college!
And to be blunt: if you end up struggling with a single high school course + part time job, then you are going to are going to struggle a LOT at a university.
Try to get a library job or one on campus this will give you more time to focus on studying while at work. Student roles tend to be very generous with their study on the job policies.
The truth is that once you enter the work force if balancing school becomes challenging you’re more likely to leave school for the workforce that’s providing for you right now. Given your family’s needs.
There is no one right path. But if school (right now) matters to you make sure you are taking the steps to ensure it remains your primary focus.