Senior Tia Thompson doesn’t understand why some parents don’t allow their children to get jobs. She found freedom and a respect for workers that she didn’t have before.

“I think especially people in restaurants, waiters, people that host, I treat them extra nice because I know that they’re working off of tips,” said Thompson, who has been a server at two restaurants in the past. “They’re working off of being there for eight hours, it’s just a nightmare.” 

Thompson, who got a job as soon as she turned 14, likes working a few times a week for quick cash and for a way to have financial freedom to do what she likes. 

Initially, working as a server at Papa Murphy’s in Utah, Thompson quickly learned that despite her age it didn’t give coworkers the right to walk over her. She also learned time management and not going beyond her capabilities. 

“You’re easy to be taken advantage of because you’re usually willing to do anything because you’re a teenager,” Thompson said. “Learning how to deal with being treated unfairly early and not taking it to heart is helpful.”

Thompson shows this by only working once or twice a week and trying to keep her schedule towards the weekends so the week is left for homework and chores. Thompson agrees that making sure her job doesn’t overtake parts of her life is important to keeping a healthy work balance to avoid burn out.

In Texas, it is illegal to employ a child under 16 except under specific circumstances, according to the Texas Workforce Commission. According to the Utah Legislature, however, minors in Utah who are 14 years old or older may work in a wide variety of nonhazardous occupations.

After she moved, Thompson took an entire year to find a new job in Texas until finally landing a job at the Zumies in Deerbrook Mall. Her experience in years prior gave her a step up.

The plan changed as soon as the Trader Joe’s in Kingwood released job applications though. For Thompson, it wasn’t a question of applying but getting accepted. 

The job was highly sought after because of the hourly pay, benefits, and convenience to teens. Trader Joe’s pays $14 an hour to start and employees receive a 7% increase each year. That is almost 50% more than minimum wage in Texas, which currently is $7.25.

Because of so much previous work experience, Trader Joe’s hired Thompson. She is a shipmate, which is a position for employees under 18. It includes bagging groceries and maintenance. She started working two shifts every week in The Woodlands to prepare for opening. 

“I feel like I’m finally [getting paid] fairly good but at every other job I’ve had it’s been rough,” said Thompson.