Opinion: Parents Helping Out V.S. Paying Your Own Way (Counterpoint)

When I turned 16 and got my drivers license, one of the first questions in my mind was “How the heck am I gonna pay for everything?” A car, gas, insurance, parking permits, maintenance, and other everyday expenses that come with the newfound independence of your “sweet” sixteen.

I thought for sure I was gonna have to start job hunting and make time in my busy high school schedule to try and “make bank”.  But what’s that flying over the horizon? Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No! Its my parents, here to save the day!  My parents had planned on having a car that I would be able to drive, and they told me that “School and high school life come first because you have the rest of your life to work.” So as costs arose, I would explain to them what it was I needed to pay for, and they would provide me with what I needed, and sometimes spoil me with the luxuries and extras as well. From gas, to athletic fees, to the occasional trip to DQ, my parents have always had my back, allowing me to focus on high school for the short four years I am here.

In the summer though, I did take advantage of a job opportunity that arose, and I made some money to help pull my weight by filling up the gas tank, paying for a parking permit in the fall, and even splurging on food, clothes, and a new laptop for school.  When fall rolled around and The Bank of Mitchell slowly drained its vaults, the bank of Mitchell’s Parents returned to fill the need.  Things were good, but of course when a system works, Life has to throw a wrench into things.  Unexpected costs came up that really put a stress on the finances; a car accident and new car for me, school fees, Prom expenditures, maintenance for the house and cabin, the list goes on.  Its times like these when I feel guilty for not being able to provide more for myself financially.

I’m not a freeloader, I swear.  This is just the way things worked out, and I have the utmost respect for my friends who work hard to pay their way. I won’t lie, having my parents around to provide for me is an incredible blessing that I sometimes take for granted, and its time like these when money gets tight that I truly appreciate the hours of work my friends put in to pay their way.