At what age did you start working?

[ayerla41]

I started working at 15 but would have started at 14 if my parents let me. It was a wonderful experience and making your own money is the best way to give your kids a taste of the real world. Much better than my brother who didn't work at all until he was out of college - he went through 4 jobs because he just didn't know how to actually buckle down and do the work.

Trust me, much better that your kids want to start working now than mooch off of you forever - just pay attention to their grades, as long as those don't slip, then let them have the independence!

[gbabesmom]

I was 14 when I got my first job at a nursing home as a dietary aide. I worked full time in the summer. 

[radlittlelady]

I was 16 when I got my job at kmart.
Soooo glad I did start working too... my parents aren't very supportive financially...

[jski107]

Sixteen, lifeguarding on public beaches

[raven1114]

i was around 16 although i did do things like babysitting before then.

[debrabassler]

I was around 16 when i  first started working.

[jkhanson]

Growing up on a farm as one of 7 children meant we started working when we were young.

  We helped with whatever chore needed done.....chopping thistles, picking up rocks in the field, pulling weeds from the bean fields, feeding cows, weeding the garden, hanging clothes up on the clothesline.  As we got older, we got bigger jobs.  Driving the tractors when baling hay or putting hay up into the haymow.

I got a job as a cashier in town when I got my license.  I also was a waitress at the town cafe.

[Joeyramone]

At 16 bagging groceries for $4.05/hr. 

[Gomer3334]

I started working when I was 8, good old paper route.  But for a real job I started when I was 15.

[lher0277]

I started at 18

[foryoutoenvy]

I started working at the age 15 1/2 at mcdonalds and I'm glad I did good work ethics and customer service is everywhere these days

[ladycasshmere]

I started working at 15 through my high school. They paid us $8  an hr. and I didnt even get taxed. Lucky me, but I did have to get a permit to work.

[shalah]

I had to beg my father to let me start working. He kept saying he made enough money to support this family we didn't need to work. Finally, when I was 17 my mother helped me make my father alow me to work.

[robin1128]

I was 17.

[alina6]

Back in the day when kids actually delivered Newspapers, I had a morning route which I did before I went to school when I was in 7th grade. I also cut lawns for every house in the neighborhood from 8th grade through age 16 when I got a job at the local food store stocking shelves. I have been working ever since.