One woman’s parenting decision to discourage her teenage son from getting a part-time job has sparked a major debate on the internet.
The mother in question, Esther Boyd, 33, opened up about why she doesn’t want her 15-year-old, Noah, to get a job yet in a new TikTok video. She posted the clip in response to a comment from someone who started working at 13 years old and believes they have a stronger work ethic because of it.
Boyd captioned the clip, “Replying to @Vanessa Lawless Vanessa your comments were lovely, truly ❤️ And i feel you. This used to be how i felt.” She began the video by noting that she doesn’t have anything against the commenter but that “this is exactly the mindset that I’m trying to walk away from.”
“I’ve had a very hectic load of life experience quite early on, and I’ve done so many things and achieved so many things and my work ethic is insane, yes, but that’s what I don’t like. Like why is our work ethic such an important valuable skill?” she said.
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What You Get: A daily email digest of our articles in full-text with no ads.Replying to @Vanessa Lawless Vanessa your comments were lovely, truly ❤️ And i feel you. This used to be how i felt. #parenting #parenttok #conciousparenting #concioustiktok #parentingtok #raisingteens #newworld
She explained that she wants her son to be able to do whatever he wants to do now while he can, as he’ll likely have to work the rest of his life. Boyd concluded, “We’re not made to do work. We’re so much more than that.”
Many people appreciated Boyd’s fresh perspective, saying so in the comments.
“Hard relate. When I hear people ask ‘what’s your dream job?’ Um, I don’t dream about labour,” said one, while another wrote, “So much yes 🔥 👍 I didn’t realize this until my 40s when I had a breakdown after prioritizing my work ethic. Now I do what I love for myself.”
“yup I have worked hard and long and now im defined by my job and I have no idea who I am or what I like outside it,” said another.
“This 💯👏🔥 absolutely love this!!! Let them be children and learn do what they love doing,” declared someone else who also supported Boyd’s perspective.
Despite that, some people saw benefits in starting work at a young age, with a TikTok user noting that a part-time job as a teenager can help “you make some really great friends outside your school circle.”
“I enjoyed working it allowed me to get out of the home, offered me opportunities to meet new people & gave me freedom,” wrote another who disagreed with Boyd.
A third wrote, “Because your ‘chase butterflies’ attitude is good in theory. Unfortunately money is necessary to live. And working hard gets you money,” arguing that, for many people, Boyd’s perspective just isn’t realistic or viable.