youdontknowme:
True. College is not for everyone. But working should be (even small odd jobs, especially for teenagers). It will provide a sense of responsibility.
However, if parents learn to say “NO” to the frivolous items that all teenagers and young adults want (i do not man a roof over the childs head and food on the table), then the children will need to work. When I finished High School my weekly breakfast money was taken away ($5 a week) and I went and found a job for a few hours a week that gave me extra spending money to do with as I pleased. It gave me a sense of responsibility and an understanding of how to budget my funds (plus the value of a dollar).
I’ve been working for 3 years now, with no debt, a blossoming 401k fund (I maxed it out every year, great tax planning), my own car, and my own apartment. This, without any help from my parents, besides paying some of my college tuition (which I’m grateful for and thank them all the time). I believe I was able to do all this by maturing, and gaining a responsibility, during my late teen-age years.
I believe that most young adults, and married kollel couples, do not understand what a budget is and the true value of a dollar. They, instead, are handed everything. This, IMO, breeds a lack of maturity.