DEAR HARRIETTE: I used to be making use of for a place as a lodge receptionist, and one of many different candidates talked about that she was simply 15 years outdated.
She stated she had acquired an software from administration — regardless of being underage — as a result of she is fairly and proficient, assembly their high-standard necessities.
I informed her that it’s in opposition to the legislation, however I’m uncertain of what to do since I do know she actually wants the job to help her household, whereas on the similar time I’m conscious that underage people are usually not allowed to work. Please give me some recommendation on what I ought to do.
— Underage Employment
DEAR UNDERAGE EMPLOYMENT: I recommend that you just not become involved in that particular person’s employment course of.
I sense that you just really feel threatened as this teenager could also be up for a similar job you’ve utilized for — and he or she might win the job primarily based on her look. Whereas that, in and of itself, is a type of discrimination, it’s unlikely that you’ll win a combat on these grounds. As a substitute, you’ll make it even much less possible that you’re going to get employed.
Is that truthful? No, however since proper now you want a job, set your sights on that.
As exhausting as it’s to imagine, the federal Honest Labor Requirements Act units 14 because the minimal age to work. There won’t be something mistaken with a 15-year-old making use of for a similar position as you; nevertheless, many employers merely select to not rent teenagers.
Moreover, many individuals skirt age necessities as they’re in search of work and hiring. This matter deserves examination, to make sure. That stated, this doesn’t appear to be your battle proper now.
Pivot away from that younger woman and towards your personal future. Until you imagine she can be in peril if she is obtainable the job, don’t make her potential employment your concern.
DEAR HARRIETTE: My good friend Fred’s daughter was having a birthday, and her buddies stunned her with balloons and meals.
It was additionally a shock when one of many company blew out the candle for her. It made her upset, and he or she cried quite a bit. Fred acquired offended on the different child.
How ought to Fred have approached the state of affairs because it was only a child, and he or she might not have absolutely understood what she had completed?
— Inappropriate Habits
DEAR INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR: You haven’t stated how outdated Fred’s daughter is, however you’ve described the good friend group as “youngsters.” My recommendation to Fred is to let it go.
In fact it was not applicable for the good friend to blow out the birthday woman’s candle, however who is aware of why this occurred? Maybe that youngster has by no means had a birthday cake. Possibly that’s the child who’s needy for consideration. It could possibly be something.
Within the second, the right response would have been to relight the candle, let the proper child blow it out and preserve the get together transferring.
Moderately than specializing in reprimanding that youngster, Fred ought to spotlight the good issues that occurred. His daughter’s buddies have been extremely considerate as they selected to plan a celebration for her. Fred can level out the entire particulars that went into the get together and relish in how pleased that made everybody.
If Fred’s daughter brings up the violation, he can recommend that they forgive the kid and bear in mind as an alternative the entire good issues about her special occasion.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founding father of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to assist folks entry and activate their goals. You possibly can ship inquiries to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas Metropolis, MO 64106.
