Parents of 5 ask 16-year-old son to give money to his 4 younger siblings: 'I quit my job and I told my parents I won't work again until I'm out of their house'

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Remy Millisky • Writer and Editor
Feb 18, 2025 3:00 PM EST

This kid is going to be burnt out from working before he even graduates high school!

Once you start working, you don't necessarily stop again until you hit retirement age. If you start working at 16, like this kid, you'll probably enjoy having that extra cash to spend on clothes, concerts, putting gas in your car, or doing fun things with your friends. Sure, you can quit that job, but chances are you'll just switch to a better one instead. While it's great to have a job while you're young, it's always good to have balance in your life, too. Teens should have time for fun in their lives, not just be spending every waking moment toiling away for minimum wage. 

This 16-year-old is getting burned out already… pace yourself, friend! You've got the entirety of your 30s to wallow in workplace-related woe. He shared his story online, and people had some compassionate advice for the teen to take. With so many siblings and parents who are irresponsible with their money, the best thing for this teen is to just take care of himself. 

Up next, read about some job interviews that went absolutely terribly, like one person who was asked about real estate and replied, "I really like playing the Sims, and I'm a real estate agent in it." 

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  • 01
    'The money wasn't ever really mine'
    via Vitolda Klein on Unsplash+

    The image does not depict the actual subjects of the story. Subjects are models.

  • 02
    I (16m) started doing things to make money when I was 13. Babysitting, mowing lawns, running errands for neighbors, and stuff like that. Then I was able to help out at a friends parents store for a bit of extra cash. Then I was finally able to get a real part time job.
    via u/WinterLow740
  • 03
    The thing is the money wasn't ever really mine. My parents are bad with money and they like to spoil my younger siblings (10f, 8m, 7m and 5f). So their money gets spent on them and then they freak because they don't have money for Christmas or their birthdays and they have put a lot of pressure on me to give it to them. Sometimes they stole it and when I confided in some other adults about it I was told that being under 18 meant there
    via u/WinterLow740
  • 04
    was nothing I could do except trying to talk it out. I did try. But talking to my parents is so frustrating and they didn't care about logic or how calm I am or how well I make my point. I rehearsed before talking to them and everything. They argued back each time that my siblings are younger and they don't deserve to be hurt because of my teenage attitude or my entitlement because I think I should be treated the same as
    via u/WinterLow740
  • 05
    them when I'm way older. For three years running they were taking money from me to spend on my siblings. Not just for their birthdays or Christmas but other times too. For no other reason than just because. I argued back a few times in frustration too but you know that never goes anywhere and a couple of weeks ago I quit my job and I told my parents I won't work again until I'm out of their house.
    via u/WinterLow740
  • 06
    They grounded me until yesterday and we fought about it yesterday. I'll be grounded in another week if I don't get my job back or get another one. They told me it was a selfish and stupid thing to do. They told me I should understand life isn't always equal and I'm expecting too much from them. AITA?
    via u/WinterLow740
  • 07

    Commenters had tons of good advice and support for this teen

    ImAnNPCsoWhat NTA. Stand your ground. Study, learn a language, make new friends, delve into your hobbies. You're a kid so act like one. No need to work especially since you get no benefits from doing SO.
    via u/ImAnNPCsoWha
  • 08

    I don't think this is what the parents want to hear

    the24hourlayover Tell them that life isn't equal and that they are expecting too much from you. They are failing at adulting and parenting. NTA
    via u/the24hourlayover

    An honest conversation might help, or it might not change anything. This kid still has to live with them for 2 more years until he's of legal age, so whether or not he thinks this is a good idea will be up to him. 

  • 09
    VegetableBusin... Your parents are finacially and physically responsible for you until you are 18. Do not give them any of your money. This only allows them to be more irresponsible since you will become their new ATM. Do not use a bank to keep your money as your parents are allowed to access it. Use
    via u/VegetableBusiness897
  • 10
    the bank to cash your checks. Keep your money in cash, and squirrel it away. I kept mine in an Altoids tin in a hole I made in the underside of my box spring. Then I moved it to a loose floor board in our garden. shed. Your going to need some running money at 18.....
    via u/VegetableBusiness897
  • 11
    Lizardgirl25 NTA countries that a child can't have their own personal banking account are f ed up on so many levels and yes I mean the USA too. Because the adult co-signer can just go in and just empty the kids money anytime they feel like it.
    via u/Lizardgirl25
  • 12

    This commenter in particular had a wellspring of advice

    Spirited-Hall-28... Be home at little as possible. My suggestions: Join every club you're interested at school Attend night classes, study groups to help you get a scholarship As mentioned above, an unpaid internship would be great if you can find one.
    via u/Spirited-Hall-2805

    They suggest ways the teen can care for himself during and after this whole debacle. All he can do is set himself up for success as best as possible! 

  • 13
    Are you interested in trades? See if counseling/therapy is available for you through school. This will help you thrive once you're on your own. See if there are any financial institutions that will allow you to open your own account. If not right now, maybe next year.
    via u/Spirited-Hall-2805
  • 14
    Really focus on thriving once you're out of that house. Get excited about a trade/college and stick to that path. Unfortunately, it seems like a waste of time and effort to communicate with your parents at this point. Keep your head down as attitude neutral until you're out of there.
    via u/Spirited-Hall-2805

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teens family drama jobs cash teenagers work parenting dad family mom money parents
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