Get a Job part 2: Pascal 1, Teenagers, 0

When I originally wrote about jobs, I was referring to four teenagers, who to date, have done nothing about getting jobs. It looks like drive in the family comes in the form of a nine year old.

Recently and for no apparent reason, Pascal took up the accordion – which in music terms is like deciding to study Swahili.   Not exactly a popular choice or with any apparent value.  But she wants one of her own (hers is borrowed)….Along with a new skateboard and other skateboarding gear. When I told her the standard parent answer:  We aren’t made of money, she came back with a surprising response:

Let me play on the street for money.  Like a street musician.  I’ll earn it.

Rather than describe what happened, let me show you.

The girl raked in almost $50 in less than an hour. Yesterday, we sat at a new spot, just out of the rain for only 20 minutes and she earned $25. She’s hooked (I’m hooked!), so we are going back today.  This is what I call resourceful.

And she’s not just self-serving:  she’s been playing for the retirement home down the street, bringing joy to a grateful audience.

I know I’ve got to get on the older kids, but here’s hoping a nine year old can motivate the others, as to date, there has been zero follow through. That’s my goal for this week:  bust some teenage ass.

Calling the shots,

So called mom