If you read Part 1, then you know my teenager wants a car and she’s manifesting it with pure delusion and hope.
So, we made a deal: she wants a car…she needs money…money requires a job…welcome to capitalism, sweetheart.
And listen… she actually got a job!
She’s worked about five shifts so far. Five. A whole handful. Practically a seasoned employee, according to her.
Last night she was getting ready for work looking all upset, so naturally I ask:
“What’s going on? Why are you upset?”
She sighs, tragic and dramatic, “I just don’t wanna go.”
“To where?”
“To work. I just don’t really wanna work anymore.”
Oh. Okay. Let me just call corporate America real quick and let them know my daughter has opted out.
I calmly explain, like the supportive, nurturing mother I am:
“Well unfortunately, you’re gonna have to work… for the rest of your life. That’s how we get money. So, I hope you have a great shift. Godspeed. Good luck..”
She continues spiraling:
“I know its just that people are mean and i dont really like it and i only get like one more summer before i have to be an adult and i just dont understand”
This is where the pep talk comes in.
“Calm down” I say. “It’ts okay! You’re doing great! You’re doing a phenomenal job! You go in and you work and you earn that money because you want a car. So, you need to make all of those monies so that we can take those monies to the car place and buy the cars.”
She looks at me, eyes full of despair and says:
“I’m never even going to make enough money to buy a car, so what’s the point?”
Ma’am.
“The point is you have to go to work because things cost money and you need money to buy the things. And unfortunately, this is your reality until you die.”
So she goes. Works her shift. Comes home.
And then… the moment every American remembers vividly:
Her first paycheck.
“It was payday.” she exclaims. “I got my check. I made $150… because they took out Medicaid and Social Security… and I don’t even HAVE either of those!”
Oh honey.
My sweet child.
I responded, “Okay.”
So now we’re here.
She wants a $15,000 car.
She works part-time.
Reality is setting in.
