I've been paying my own way entirely since I was 15. Not because I 'had to', my parents are loaded and they would still be paying my credit card statements now if I asked them too, but I've always had issues with both my parents, and I've always been independent and I've never liked taking things from them. So what did I do? I got a work permit when I was 15, worked about 25-30 hours a week at the same job until senior year, and I saved, saved, saved. I applied and got a couple government issued grants, steered way clear of student loans, and by the time I rolled on into college I had about $25,000 of 'living money' in my bank account. That head start was all I really needed, and it's been smooth sailing since. After freshman year, I got a different job working part time in the restaurant industry, and three years later I'm still at the same job. I work like 3 or 4 nights a week or two sets of double shifts on Saturday and Sunday and I come home with about $1200 in nontaxable (hah) cash every week.
Oh, and by the way I live in San Francisco, where the living costs are argueably higher then NYC. I'm not constantly on the go, going from class to some incredibly difficult and draining job back to a cramped apartment with 5 roommates or anything. Being a waitress is easy, and for the amount of actual work it's a really great paying job, despite what some people say. I go to class, I learn a lot, I work with great people and have fun and get great food, I spend exactly what I know I can spend, I save a certain amount every single month and put it into a CD every 6 months where it will gain interest and grow, I'm responsible when it comes to using my credit card... and that's it. It's so simple, and I have a pretty nice life. I've got a nice apartment, a car, health insurance, a dog, and a good amount of expendable income. To be fair my tuition is pretty low (about $4000 a year), but even considering that, even if it was triple the amount I know I would be able to make due.
So what's my point? Every teenager needs to get a part time job. There would be less problems/financial aid crisises if kids spent less time hanging out doing nothing after school and a little more time learning responsibilty and what it means to go out and be a productive member of society and to make money. When you get to college lay off the binge drinking and get a job. If you don't like working or if you think you won't have enough time or you'll be too tired, then suck it up and find something that you know you will enjoy doing, and start off slow until you get the hang of it. Be aware of your own finances and be smart, work hard, don't be lazy, and you'll be able to completely stand on your own two feet. And even if you do decide to get some kind of financial aid, it won't be a huge amount that will completely cripple your life once you graduate because you'll know that you'll be able to pay it off starting right from day one. It won't hurt you a bit because you'll already have a head start.
Updated On: 5/20/08 at 04:16 PM
