By Carla Neeson

1 Introduction

Unfortunately, there comes a time when our parents will no longer fall to our seductive charms, and let us fleece them. And so, we must venture out from our warm, comforting homes into the cold, cruel world of work… Well, it may not be as dramatic as that, but taking on your first job is still quite a big step. It is also beneficial step, as far as the finance department is concerned and shows that, finally, we are growing up- contrary to popular opinion. "Immature? No way! I'm 10% financially independent of my family-ha!"

Wanting a job to pay for your pending school ski trip and finding one that's completely to your taste, is another matter. Long gone are the days when a paper-round at the crack of dawn will suffice. Everyone wants something a little more glamorous and, more importantly, better paid. Fortunately, there are other alternatives for the twenty-first century teenager with a new Playstation game to buy. Shopkeepers and restaurants are usually willing to take the younger generations on -okay, maybe glamorous was a bit too optimistic- as will farms, car washes, petrol stations, cinemas and bars (lifting glasses that is!) Babysitting is probably the most attractive: getting paid to watch a few children and television at the same- fantastic work if you can get it! Remember, we may consider ourselves to be worthy of more than washing dishes, but at our age, there is very little else we can do about it. So pull on your rubber gloves and start scrubbing, boy!