Is it normal that i'm 19 and never had a proper job in my entire life?

77% Normal
5 Comments

I just turned 19 last month and I have never worked in my entire life. Well, when I took 6 months off school after high school, I did help around in one of my father's shop. But I don't know if that can be considered as a formal job.

I come from a quite well-off family. I've been wanting to get a job but my father is telling me not to. He told me to just focus on my studies and I would have years and years to work after I graduate. He said that as along as he could still afford paying for my expenses, I shouldn't bother getting a job. But everyone around me is working and when people ask me if I have a job and I tell them no, I get this look from them. Is it really that bad for me to be 19 and not have a job?

I mean, I just hate the way people assume that if you don't have a job, you are lazy, spoiled and not independent/mature.

Voting Results
77% Normal
Based on 128 votes (99 yes)
Help us keep this site organized and clean. Thanks!
[ Report Post ]
Comments ( 5 )
  • amariexo
    13 years ago

    DanB is so right, you're screwing yourself for the future. You may be just as responsible, punctual, friendly, etc as the next guy, but in reality, no employer is going to choose you over the guy whose worked in the field for a few years, and has the experience even if you both have the same degrees and whatnot.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    1
    1
  • Amazing728
    12 years ago

    At 19 it's not terribly abnormal to not have had a formal job. And don't discount your helping out at your dad's shop - that IS fact work experience. It sounds like the real issue is your dad doesn't want you to work until he's ready, but you can look into internship opportunities through your school that will give you work experience and help you build your professional network. Then use your experience from that to help you land a job.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
  • CountryRoads
    13 years ago

    People who work and go to school have a higher chance of doing poorly in school. Your focus should be on school, since you're lucky enough to not HAVE to work.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
  • DanB
    13 years ago

    Not having any work experience is gonna hurt you when you graduate college at 21+

    If you were hiring who would you take? The guy with the same degree was the other one but he has years of work under his belt with a satisfied employer. Or just the degree?

    I work and go to school full time. You better believe I don't have too, but having extra spending money that I earned so I can go anywhere in the world every break I get is pretty amazing.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0
  • Decimo
    13 years ago

    Its totally okay, I'm in ur shoes too. I'm 18 and never worked ANYWHERE before.

    I often worry about my image too, being lazy and what not, but worrying over that seems kinda silly if you think about it. They can judge me after I get my life situated. I'm still trying to fit everything together lol. I know I wasn't the only one who had to figure life out and I won't be the last.

    & ur dad is telling you right. That's what my family says too. I'm gonna take things slow and finish college. We'll have plenty of time to work in the years to come. :)

    Comment Hidden ( show )
    0
    0