Quote Originally Posted by Vela
McDonald's doesn't hire anyone younger than 16..they legally can't, especially with dealing with food. Their insurance doesn't cover anyone under 16.
I don't know where you're living, but here, there are a LOT of 14 year olds working at McDonald's. That was the "thing" when I was 14 - to get a job! And the only place that would hire at 14 (there are others, though..) was McDonald's and everyone was working there. I know plenty of 14 year olds that are working there, now, too, 4 years later. Some fast food joints won't hire under 16, but some hire at 14.

Check local food places - a lot of chains do have rules, but "local" places have their own rules that state you can be 14.

As far as working at McDonald's - you'll have to get over working around all of the meat. Does meat honestly gross you out that much? I was reading your "who are you quiz" and you put "meat" as you favourite food, did you not? Maybe I'm mixing you up with someone else, but I thought it was you. If meat is your favourite food, why are you grossed out by it? Why don't you eat it? Why will you *NOT* work around it? Money is money. If it's your only option, I'd go for it.

As far as babysitting, I believe you can be 11 and take the First Aids class that covers everything a babysitter would need to know when alone with children in case of an emergency. Maybe, take that class, so your mom is more comfortable with the idea of you being left with children? You may not *know* any children, but put your name out there. No one will ask you to babysit if they don't know you're WILLING to! Talk to churches, your neighbors, your family - tell them you're willing to babysit, and to give your name and number to anyone who needs a sitter.


I'll be back if I can think of anymore ideas.