Getting a job

Growing up, I was taught to be responsible by my parents. I had chores to do and an allowance given based on the chores.

Unlike today, my weekly allowance was in the 5 cents to 50 cents range.

When I got older, I wasn't given an allowance for doing chores because it was expected I pull my weight in the family.

Upon turning 15, my father told me I should start looking for a job to pay for things I wanted, such as gas, entertainment and a car.

Even my grade school had a weekly savings program with a local bank that opened savings accounts for us into which we deposited our 25 cents or 50 cents or birthday money. It taught us to save now for something later - delayed gratification.

While looking for a job, my Dad said, " If you need a job, any legal job is a good one! It's a start on a resume. Nothing says you have to stop looking for a better one."

Too bad today's children aren't taught that. In my senior year in high school, I used the money accrued in my grade school savings account to go to Hawaii for a week! It paid for the entire school-sponsored trip.

Those who say the quality of a job is of primary importance are wrong.

It's always better to have a job than not.

Bill Voda

Warrenville