16-Year-Old Gets A List Of Rules From Her Boss On The First Day At Her Retail Job And Her Dad Is Outraged By It
Insulting and gross or an important life lesson with some harsh truth in it? That’s what internet users are discussing after seeing a list of rules to live by that a 16-year-old got from her boss on her very first day at the job. Her dad, from New Zealand, shared a photo of the letter on Twitter because he was outraged by the things written there.
It’s an 11-point list that summarizes the boss’ views on life. (Though, as some later pointed out, the list isn’t original and he must have copied it.) And it started up a fiery debate online. While many people were quite understandably angry at the cynical ‘Boomer’ ideas expressed there, others thought that not everything written there was as ridiculous as it first sounds. The job industry is a tough place, after all.
Have a read through the list and how other people felt about it, Pandas. And when you’re done, we’d love to hear your thoughts on it, in the comments.
The furious dad of a 16-year-old shared the letter her boss gave to her. He thought that the list of rules to live by was horrendous
Image credits: essjax
Image credits: SupermanPrimeOneMill
The boss’ harsh list tells us a lot about how he views the world and his employees
Image credits: SupermanPrimeOneMill
Imagine having to work for someone who thinks like that when you’re a teenager
Image credits: Ben White (not the actual photo)
The dad, Twitter user @essjax, only shared the letter his daughter got after she had already left the job. That way, the attention that the list got wouldn’t reflect badly on her while she was still employed.
According to the dad, the local retailer (which he didn’t want to name) pays well under the minimum wage and mostly employs teenagers.
The reactions the list of rules got were very mixed. Some thought that they were completely out of touch with reality. Others thought that they were far from inspirational.
Others still shared some of their positive experiences with actually good bosses back when they first started working. Meanwhile, a few internet users pointed out that (despite the demoralizing, demotivating phrasing) some of the points on that list were a dreary but realistic view of how tough and harsh life can actually be.
Eddy Ng, the Smith Professor of Equity & Inclusion in Business at Queen’s University, previously explained to Bored Panda what separates a strong leader from a weak one.
The professor stressed that strong leaders are moral, principled, and always do the right thing. They are also humble, empathetic, and genuinely care about their employees. Meanwhile, weak bosses are those who diether or aim to do only the things that make them popular.
“The notion of servant leadership is gaining attention in the workplace. Although it is associated with many of the strong leadership traits such as empathy, selflessness, and humility, the focus is on the leader’s propensity to serve (or support) their followers. Servant leaders empower and lift up followers (employees) to motivate and fuel their passion,” the professor told Bored Panda.
He added that leader-follower relationships are based on the principle of exchange. “Employees can manage that relationship to have work satisfaction. In this instance, employees need to communicate what they need (tools) or work conditions (autonomy) in order for them to perform optimally when working with a controlling boss. Employees need to convey what they can and are able to perform,” he said.
Many people thought that the letter the teenager got was absolutely ridiculous. Here’s what they said
However, some people had a very different opinion about the boss’ list. Some actually agree with the points
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Storytelling, journalism, and art are a core part of who I am. I've been writing and drawing ever since I could walk—there is nothing else I'd rather do. My formal education, however, is focused on politics, philosophy, and economics because I've always been curious about the gap between the ideal and the real. At work, I'm a Senior Writer and I cover a broad range of topics that I'm passionate about: from psychology and changes in work culture to healthy living, relationships, and design. In my spare time, I'm an avid hiker and reader, enjoy writing short stories, and love to doodle. I thrive when I'm outdoors, going on small adventures in nature. However, you can also find me enjoying a big mug of coffee with a good book (or ten) and entertaining friends with fantasy tabletop games and sci-fi movies.
Read less » Jonas Grinevičius
Writer, BoredPanda staff
Storytelling, journalism, and art are a core part of who I am. I've been writing and drawing ever since I could walk—there is nothing else I'd rather do. My formal education, however, is focused on politics, philosophy, and economics because I've always been curious about the gap between the ideal and the real. At work, I'm a Senior Writer and I cover a broad range of topics that I'm passionate about: from psychology and changes in work culture to healthy living, relationships, and design. In my spare time, I'm an avid hiker and reader, enjoy writing short stories, and love to doodle. I thrive when I'm outdoors, going on small adventures in nature. However, you can also find me enjoying a big mug of coffee with a good book (or ten) and entertaining friends with fantasy tabletop games and sci-fi movies.
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Gabija is a photo editor at Bored Panda. Before joining the team, she achieved a Professional Bachelor degree in Photography and has been working as a freelance photographer since. She also has a special place in her heart for film photography, movies and nature.
Read less » Gabija Palšytė
Author, BoredPanda staff
Gabija is a photo editor at Bored Panda. Before joining the team, she achieved a Professional Bachelor degree in Photography and has been working as a freelance photographer since. She also has a special place in her heart for film photography, movies and nature.
They're good life rules. However, is it really the bosses job to put this list out? More like the parents job. I'm betting he/she has had a bunch of issues along those lines.
Unfortunately though most parents don't/won't discuss these things with their kids.
Load More Replies...
True, but it was her first day. The boss didn't get to know her well enough to make these assumptions. Most good bosses will be encouraging and not talk down to their employees.
Bosses don't have a parent child relationship with their employees, that's what makes this inappropriate. Regardless of what age they are, when you hire an employee you treat them like every other employee. Anything less is inappropriate.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
We really don't know in what context the list was given to the employee. We shouldn't assume it wS done in the wrong way. Maybe it was done in a kind helpful way .
Most don't know how. They weren't taught either. I was fortunate to read Daniel Goleman's Emotional Intelligence and also Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace. I also recommend The 7 Habits for Highly Effective People , and the 7 Habits for Highly Effective People for Teenagers. I bought the last for my daughters. They've always been praised by employers for their work ethic and have gone far in life. It's best if this type of teaching starts at a very early age, at a level that is age-appropriate for each age. Then, employers and managers would not feel the need to put out a devaluing list like this. Managers should be supportive , inspiring, but not coddling .
Look at the comments from "parents" about how "toxic" the ideas are. Obviously they aren't teaching their kids that life is difficult.
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SweetsEve, But you are assuming the boss presented the list in a toxic way. Perhaps he just shared it in a kind, helpful way to help mentor young employees. Why assume the worst?
You can tell by the attitude of some kid workers that they're slackers of slacker parents.
Really, Tracey, are you ACTUALLY a parent? How do you know what "most parents" do? How many actual research projects have you conducted? Have you looked outside of your group of friends (if you are actually a parents)?
I've work with employing kids for over 40 years. Parents do not prepare their kids a lot of the times.
I first heard of the list from Bill Gates doing a graduation speech. Seems to have worked out for him.
You'd be wrong, Pebble. That list is as old as moses. https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/some-rules-kids-wont-learn-in-school/ It's from Charles J. Sykes’ 2007 book, 50 Rules Kids Won’t Learn in School: Real-World Antidotes to Feel-Good Education
I recall I had my then 14 year old daughter clean the bathroom. She had done a half assed job. I told her, you'd think I'm running a hotel here. Well, I can tell you , this wouldn't pass in a dirt bag hotel. Now go back and clean it correctly (outlining my further expectations) and when you call me back to inspect your work , and it passes, you can be done, and not before. The purpose was not to get a bathroom cleaned for free or allow me free time (I spent more time supervising than doing it myself, actually ), but To Train Her in household skills that would serve her once she leaves home. I had all girls. And if I had boys I would have Done The Same. FOR THE RECORD- I'm Independent and Moderate , leaning slightly LEFT.
That one is a math professor , today, with phD in math ed. . My youngest an attorney. My middle one has a young child at home , but works and has her master's .
@Cindy - Your girls appear to have gotten lucky in life, in more ways than one. Not everyone (especially in the US) is able to get a good education. I've been pushed down and held back by life in so many ways. My parents taught me how to be responsible, clean, cook, etc. But that doesn't change the fact that my family couldn't afford college and currently I'm unable to work due to health problems. Does that make me lazy or unskilled? No, but it proves that learning chores correctly as a teenager doesn't automatically mean a person can become successful.
J. Yes. Most successful people know the importance of hard work and personal responsibility but unfortunately some children of wealthy educated parents are not taught basic life lessons and personally responsibility and end up dependent on their parents and unable to support themselves and some become complete failures. Hard work and personal responsibility will take a person further in life than being coddled.
That isn't true. Even wealthy kids end up in public schools. Your education bis what you make of it.
I'd walk it back to HR and make sure these items are company policy for him to give as "rules".
How exactly would such "policy" be enforced? HR doesn't govern life.
I'm not saying you are but that sounds like a typical snowflake response. That is a very old list. The boss didn't make up those rules. Perhaps he gives the ist to all the young new employees in a helpful kind way. I feel sorry for this young generation. Most are too coddled and when they find out how life really is, they are not prepared and them end up being behind those that knew from a young age how important hard work and personal responsibility is. The sooner kids know that life isn't fair and no one owes them anything, the better off they wlll be.
Not always. Peers are hugely influential. I raised 3 kids as a struggling single parent. Money was very tight, and we were incredibly economical. Taught my kids to work hard and appreciate EVERYTHING they had. They all worked really hard and went off to the very best First-Tier and Ivies in the country. One (the one who started earning her own money at 13, and had jobs throughout high school but still graduated valedictorian), came back, after being around all those rich kids with disgusting privilege, expecting me to fund expensive wardrobes and a lifestyle of trust fund kids--and angry that I couldn't. You can do everything right with your kids, but you should NEVER underestimate the impact of peers and environment on still-developing minds.
Those are all the rules I was taught growing in the 60s. We weren't snowflakes back then so the rules didn't hurt our little feelings. All truths. My mom also drilled in my head that "life isn't fair and no one owes you anything". It served me well to learn that early in life.
I agree 100%, unfortunately they are too concerned of being the bad guy to do it.
Unfortunately sometimes, because parents like this 👧 father obviously doesn't want to teach her.😒
The parent was furious this lists exists, you think that are going to be the one to do it?
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
This list is brilliantly accurate really. Yes, he didn't sugar coat anything and was extremely harsh but that's the point. Everything he says is correct and, unfortunately, the exact opposite of what the school system and the vast majority of parents teach kids today. This is why reality is such a shock to the youth these days. They are shielded from any negativity and taught life is all rainbows and unicorns and everything they do is amazing then after 17- 18 years of this expected to be able to transition into the real world where they quickly realize everything they had been told was false. Maybe this generation will realize the error of, (sadly my generation that, for some unexplainable reason, created this despite not being raised this way ourselves), ways and raise their kids the way we were raised so they are actually prepared for the real world when they are set free in it.
Agree 100%. My mom taught me that life is not fair and no one owes me anything. She made me pay room and board starting the day I turned 18 and she kept a list of every penny she gave me for gas, etc to go to work and I had to pay her back. I remember feeling angry at the time cause I hadn't even gotten my first paycheck but it served me well! I am glad she showed me tough love!
That sounds more like robbery. You don’t stop being your parent’s child when you turn 18, they chose to have you so they are responsible until you are capable of living on your own. I had to help my mother out with the bills because she couldn’t afford it, that is something that makes sense but letting your child pay while you can afford everything is highly questionable at best.
A good chunk of these are truthful, but they're worded in a very jerk manner.
No fluff needed. Its not as jerky as the real world actually is. She'll learn those lessons now or in time when it won't be so nice.
Load More Replies... You can tell a 16 year old that life isn't fair without implying that nobody cares about them or their problems and that you think they just need to shut up and do the job and never have opinions.
That meme says nothing about not being able to ever have any opinions. And as far as implying that nobody cares about them or their problems, when they get out in the real world away from their family nobody cares about them or their problems. The sooner they figure that out the better. The only thing the employers are going to care about is that they are at work on time and getting the job done in a timely manner. That's just reality.
Yeah, no. This is a clear sign of a piece of s**t boss who thinks they're more important than they are. Work ethic isn't something you learn by people being asshats to you. You either take your job seriously or you don't. I know said "boomers" who are lazier than 15 year olds. If you think this way, you're the problem, honestly. He's a condescending a*****e to someone whom he doesn't know (could be a good worker) because he spent his own life working only to hold what he knows is a pretty shite job? I understand his bitterness and tone-deafness. What's your excuse?
Pain sucks. That's why I wait outside of kindergartens with a needle to hurt the children now so they'll understand later. It's for their own good. Life is harsh, so I must be harsh also. No ports in a storm.
You're saying this was "so nice"? Sorry you've had such a hard life. Not everyone has.
but those lessons will be learnt anyway. why not be direct, clear and still somewhat kind about it?
People who want to reinforce hardship on others usually haven't had enough themselves to be compassionate about it. If you truly believed these things, and had the power to do something about it, you would. However, this is a person who hires minors to avoid paying them minimum wage. They clearly just want other people to accept hardship so they can profit.
That's because it is from an address Bill Gates made to a graduating class.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Disagree. No pussy-footing needed.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
That's because it's a right-wing meme. Everything they do is in a very jerk manner.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Left wing just wants everybody to get participation trophies and not keep score
And right wingers just want women barefoot and pregnant with no opinions. Go jump a bridge
Um….everyone knows that the boss didn’t write that list, right? I read it years ago on my grandma’s fridge. And doesn’t he have to legally pay minimum wage no matter the age of his employees? I think that is the bigger issue here.
That "below minimum wage" line was definitely one of the first whiffs of b******t in the story.
Load More Replies... Not at all for workers <18. It's just that countries like China abuse it with no limits to hours worked.
Exactly. It amazes me that THIS is the point of contention for some of these people.
I think no one is concerned with who wrote it. That's a non-issue. It's the fact that any employer would think it's appropriate to give that to ANY new worker, let alone a fresh-faced teen. Employees often behave the way they are expected to behave. If you tell your employee on the first day that you think they are lowlife scum, that's exactly what you can expect from them. And that's precisely what THIS jackalope did.
Depends on the state. A few years ago New Mexico set a gradual minimum wage increase into effect, and the minimum for high school kids is maybe half the rate for everyone else.
US federal law allows people under 20 to be paid less for the first 90 days of their employment.
The idea behind the lower minimum wage for minors is to encourage them to stay in school.
18-20 year olds are not minors and just like women, and people with disabilities, anyone who works the SAME job as their coworkers deserves the SAME pay.
No, those under 18 may be paid only ½ the state or Federal minimum wage, whichever is higher, but most can work is usually 20 hours per week.
Maybe the law is different in New Zealand, I know in the United States you make minimum wage regardless of your age. Unless you work for tips. In 1977 I worked for a company called Pioneer and I was 13 years old and I got minimum wage and time and a half for weekends.
Federally, there is a law that allows you to pay those under 20 $4.25 an hour for the first 90 days. Absolutely nobody does this though. I've never heard of one single company that does.
In WA state, companies are allowed to only pay 85% of the states minimum wage to 14 and 15 year olds.
They're good life rules. However, is it really the bosses job to put this list out? More like the parents job. I'm betting he/she has had a bunch of issues along those lines.
Unfortunately though most parents don't/won't discuss these things with their kids.
Load More Replies... True, but it was her first day. The boss didn't get to know her well enough to make these assumptions. Most good bosses will be encouraging and not talk down to their employees.
Bosses don't have a parent child relationship with their employees, that's what makes this inappropriate. Regardless of what age they are, when you hire an employee you treat them like every other employee. Anything less is inappropriate.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
We really don't know in what context the list was given to the employee. We shouldn't assume it wS done in the wrong way. Maybe it was done in a kind helpful way .
Most don't know how. They weren't taught either. I was fortunate to read Daniel Goleman's Emotional Intelligence and also Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace. I also recommend The 7 Habits for Highly Effective People , and the 7 Habits for Highly Effective People for Teenagers. I bought the last for my daughters. They've always been praised by employers for their work ethic and have gone far in life. It's best if this type of teaching starts at a very early age, at a level that is age-appropriate for each age. Then, employers and managers would not feel the need to put out a devaluing list like this. Managers should be supportive , inspiring, but not coddling .
Look at the comments from "parents" about how "toxic" the ideas are. Obviously they aren't teaching their kids that life is difficult.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
SweetsEve, But you are assuming the boss presented the list in a toxic way. Perhaps he just shared it in a kind, helpful way to help mentor young employees. Why assume the worst?
You can tell by the attitude of some kid workers that they're slackers of slacker parents.
Really, Tracey, are you ACTUALLY a parent? How do you know what "most parents" do? How many actual research projects have you conducted? Have you looked outside of your group of friends (if you are actually a parents)?
I've work with employing kids for over 40 years. Parents do not prepare their kids a lot of the times.
I first heard of the list from Bill Gates doing a graduation speech. Seems to have worked out for him.
You'd be wrong, Pebble. That list is as old as moses. https://www.snopes.com/fact-check/some-rules-kids-wont-learn-in-school/ It's from Charles J. Sykes’ 2007 book, 50 Rules Kids Won’t Learn in School: Real-World Antidotes to Feel-Good Education
I recall I had my then 14 year old daughter clean the bathroom. She had done a half assed job. I told her, you'd think I'm running a hotel here. Well, I can tell you , this wouldn't pass in a dirt bag hotel. Now go back and clean it correctly (outlining my further expectations) and when you call me back to inspect your work , and it passes, you can be done, and not before. The purpose was not to get a bathroom cleaned for free or allow me free time (I spent more time supervising than doing it myself, actually ), but To Train Her in household skills that would serve her once she leaves home. I had all girls. And if I had boys I would have Done The Same. FOR THE RECORD- I'm Independent and Moderate , leaning slightly LEFT.
That one is a math professor , today, with phD in math ed. . My youngest an attorney. My middle one has a young child at home , but works and has her master's .
@Cindy - Your girls appear to have gotten lucky in life, in more ways than one. Not everyone (especially in the US) is able to get a good education. I've been pushed down and held back by life in so many ways. My parents taught me how to be responsible, clean, cook, etc. But that doesn't change the fact that my family couldn't afford college and currently I'm unable to work due to health problems. Does that make me lazy or unskilled? No, but it proves that learning chores correctly as a teenager doesn't automatically mean a person can become successful.
J. Yes. Most successful people know the importance of hard work and personal responsibility but unfortunately some children of wealthy educated parents are not taught basic life lessons and personally responsibility and end up dependent on their parents and unable to support themselves and some become complete failures. Hard work and personal responsibility will take a person further in life than being coddled.
That isn't true. Even wealthy kids end up in public schools. Your education bis what you make of it.
I'd walk it back to HR and make sure these items are company policy for him to give as "rules".
How exactly would such "policy" be enforced? HR doesn't govern life.
I'm not saying you are but that sounds like a typical snowflake response. That is a very old list. The boss didn't make up those rules. Perhaps he gives the ist to all the young new employees in a helpful kind way. I feel sorry for this young generation. Most are too coddled and when they find out how life really is, they are not prepared and them end up being behind those that knew from a young age how important hard work and personal responsibility is. The sooner kids know that life isn't fair and no one owes them anything, the better off they wlll be.
Not always. Peers are hugely influential. I raised 3 kids as a struggling single parent. Money was very tight, and we were incredibly economical. Taught my kids to work hard and appreciate EVERYTHING they had. They all worked really hard and went off to the very best First-Tier and Ivies in the country. One (the one who started earning her own money at 13, and had jobs throughout high school but still graduated valedictorian), came back, after being around all those rich kids with disgusting privilege, expecting me to fund expensive wardrobes and a lifestyle of trust fund kids--and angry that I couldn't. You can do everything right with your kids, but you should NEVER underestimate the impact of peers and environment on still-developing minds.
Those are all the rules I was taught growing in the 60s. We weren't snowflakes back then so the rules didn't hurt our little feelings. All truths. My mom also drilled in my head that "life isn't fair and no one owes you anything". It served me well to learn that early in life.
I agree 100%, unfortunately they are too concerned of being the bad guy to do it.
Unfortunately sometimes, because parents like this 👧 father obviously doesn't want to teach her.😒
The parent was furious this lists exists, you think that are going to be the one to do it?
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
This list is brilliantly accurate really. Yes, he didn't sugar coat anything and was extremely harsh but that's the point. Everything he says is correct and, unfortunately, the exact opposite of what the school system and the vast majority of parents teach kids today. This is why reality is such a shock to the youth these days. They are shielded from any negativity and taught life is all rainbows and unicorns and everything they do is amazing then after 17- 18 years of this expected to be able to transition into the real world where they quickly realize everything they had been told was false. Maybe this generation will realize the error of, (sadly my generation that, for some unexplainable reason, created this despite not being raised this way ourselves), ways and raise their kids the way we were raised so they are actually prepared for the real world when they are set free in it.
Agree 100%. My mom taught me that life is not fair and no one owes me anything. She made me pay room and board starting the day I turned 18 and she kept a list of every penny she gave me for gas, etc to go to work and I had to pay her back. I remember feeling angry at the time cause I hadn't even gotten my first paycheck but it served me well! I am glad she showed me tough love!
That sounds more like robbery. You don’t stop being your parent’s child when you turn 18, they chose to have you so they are responsible until you are capable of living on your own. I had to help my mother out with the bills because she couldn’t afford it, that is something that makes sense but letting your child pay while you can afford everything is highly questionable at best.
A good chunk of these are truthful, but they're worded in a very jerk manner.
No fluff needed. Its not as jerky as the real world actually is. She'll learn those lessons now or in time when it won't be so nice.
Load More Replies... You can tell a 16 year old that life isn't fair without implying that nobody cares about them or their problems and that you think they just need to shut up and do the job and never have opinions.
That meme says nothing about not being able to ever have any opinions. And as far as implying that nobody cares about them or their problems, when they get out in the real world away from their family nobody cares about them or their problems. The sooner they figure that out the better. The only thing the employers are going to care about is that they are at work on time and getting the job done in a timely manner. That's just reality.
Yeah, no. This is a clear sign of a piece of s**t boss who thinks they're more important than they are. Work ethic isn't something you learn by people being asshats to you. You either take your job seriously or you don't. I know said "boomers" who are lazier than 15 year olds. If you think this way, you're the problem, honestly. He's a condescending a*****e to someone whom he doesn't know (could be a good worker) because he spent his own life working only to hold what he knows is a pretty shite job? I understand his bitterness and tone-deafness. What's your excuse?
Pain sucks. That's why I wait outside of kindergartens with a needle to hurt the children now so they'll understand later. It's for their own good. Life is harsh, so I must be harsh also. No ports in a storm.
You're saying this was "so nice"? Sorry you've had such a hard life. Not everyone has.
but those lessons will be learnt anyway. why not be direct, clear and still somewhat kind about it?
People who want to reinforce hardship on others usually haven't had enough themselves to be compassionate about it. If you truly believed these things, and had the power to do something about it, you would. However, this is a person who hires minors to avoid paying them minimum wage. They clearly just want other people to accept hardship so they can profit.
That's because it is from an address Bill Gates made to a graduating class.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Disagree. No pussy-footing needed.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
That's because it's a right-wing meme. Everything they do is in a very jerk manner.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Left wing just wants everybody to get participation trophies and not keep score
And right wingers just want women barefoot and pregnant with no opinions. Go jump a bridge
Um….everyone knows that the boss didn’t write that list, right? I read it years ago on my grandma’s fridge. And doesn’t he have to legally pay minimum wage no matter the age of his employees? I think that is the bigger issue here.
That "below minimum wage" line was definitely one of the first whiffs of b******t in the story.
Load More Replies... Not at all for workers <18. It's just that countries like China abuse it with no limits to hours worked.
Exactly. It amazes me that THIS is the point of contention for some of these people.
I think no one is concerned with who wrote it. That's a non-issue. It's the fact that any employer would think it's appropriate to give that to ANY new worker, let alone a fresh-faced teen. Employees often behave the way they are expected to behave. If you tell your employee on the first day that you think they are lowlife scum, that's exactly what you can expect from them. And that's precisely what THIS jackalope did.
Depends on the state. A few years ago New Mexico set a gradual minimum wage increase into effect, and the minimum for high school kids is maybe half the rate for everyone else.
US federal law allows people under 20 to be paid less for the first 90 days of their employment.
The idea behind the lower minimum wage for minors is to encourage them to stay in school.
18-20 year olds are not minors and just like women, and people with disabilities, anyone who works the SAME job as their coworkers deserves the SAME pay.
No, those under 18 may be paid only ½ the state or Federal minimum wage, whichever is higher, but most can work is usually 20 hours per week.
Maybe the law is different in New Zealand, I know in the United States you make minimum wage regardless of your age. Unless you work for tips. In 1977 I worked for a company called Pioneer and I was 13 years old and I got minimum wage and time and a half for weekends.
Federally, there is a law that allows you to pay those under 20 $4.25 an hour for the first 90 days. Absolutely nobody does this though. I've never heard of one single company that does.
In WA state, companies are allowed to only pay 85% of the states minimum wage to 14 and 15 year olds.
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