I recently read an article called , “I’m Spoiled: Stop Shaming Me,” all about how this one teenage girl is privileged enough to have her parents pay for a lot of what she wants. But to create an article bragging about how she is tired of people shaming her for having such a luxurious lifestyle. Stating, “…they give me an allowance and urge me to focus on my school. They pay for my groceries, textbooks, tuition, gas, car note, rent, sorority dues, and the rest of the essentials. When I ask for money, most of the time they give it to me.” I’m not blaming her or saying anything bad about her receiving all of this, because in all honestly it’s an awesome privilege to not have to worry about financial problems being in college. But she needs to remember most parents want to give their children everything, but simply cannot afford it.
What I did have a problem with is her saying these were “essential.” Being in a sorority isn’t essential, having a car isn’t an essential. Most of that stuff isn’t necessary, it’s a privilege. And my parents taught me that valuable lesson. I was lucky enough to have my parents buy a car, which I share with my sister, we pay 50/50 for the car and I pay for gas. They’ve also made it known that this is privilege and it can be easily taken away at any time.
As for school, my parents and I have decided to go 50/50 as well, I buy my own groceries, clothes and every so often my mom is nice enough to put some money in my account, just in case something happens at school. Of course my parents offer me these wonderful things because they love me and want to do these things for me, but I prefer to do it on my own.
You’re probably wondering, how do I afford to do things I like, go to school and receive a high GPA, have a social life and afford to live. I have a job part time and take 18 credits a semester. I’m a dual major and have a job. I did have to give up some parts of my social life. But I haven’t asked for money in many months. And having my parents tell me how proud they are of me of taking on these responsibilities is the most satisfying part.
My parents didn’t make me get a job, they didn’t ask me to get a job. I went out on my own to get a job because I am 19 and I can depend on myself. I am entering the adult years of my life, I prefer to use my own money because it’s an accomplishment. I don’t want to ask my parents for money, when I am perfectly capability of making my own.
I am privilege to have parents who support me through everything; I know they will help me if or when I need it. In my first year of college, learning to budget my money, the responsibility of being a full time student and a part time worker, giving up going out with my friends to make money has taught me how to be an adult. I value my education and I value my social skills, but having a job has forced me to grow up and realize this is how the world works. I still hang out with my friends; my social life didn’t end, if anything it prevented me from any possible trouble. I learned the valuable lesson of time managing, so I could do the things I want, but also be finically secure.
I’ve worked many different jobs and I have learned many different skills. I’ve worked in many different environments from fast paced to a slower pace job. I’ve learned this is a business world and your work ethic reflects on you, it’s your job to be professional, it’s your job to be responsibility and respectful. Something your parents can’t give you and something you should learn before entering the real world.
And the most satisfying feeling is having my parents say how proud they are of me. But I couldn’t do it without their unconditional love and support. And that’s more than money can buy.
