For many, that first job is a milestone — whether it’s babysitting, snow shoveling, or slinging burgers, it’s often a young person’s first real step toward independence and accountability. But when one proud dad shared snapshots of his son starting work at Burger King, not everyone was applauding.
Chris Crawford recently took to social media to spotlight his 14-year-old son’s new part-time gig. Alongside photos of the teen in his Burger King uniform, Crawford expressed admiration for his son’s drive and maturity.
According to Crawford, his son goes above and beyond — showing up early, staying late, and signing up for extra shifts, even on weekends. While many teens are spending their summer break relaxing, this one is learning to earn and save — all with a smile.
“He’s making his own money, saving up for his first car, and doing it proudly,” Crawford wrote. “I couldn’t be prouder.”
The post quickly gained traction, with many praising the teen’s dedication. But not everyone saw it as a win. Some raised concerns about the pressure being placed on someone so young.
Critics questioned whether 14 is too early to be in the workforce, arguing that kids should be enjoying childhood rather than clocking in for shifts. There were also concerns about how the job might impact his schooling and personal life, and whether he might be working more than he should — even with U.S. labor laws in place to protect young workers.
Federal guidelines do allow 14-year-olds to work in certain roles, as long as they steer clear of hazardous jobs and stick to limited hours during the school year.
Still, Crawford insists his son loves the job and takes pride in earning his own paycheck. He says the experience is helping his son build real-world confidence — something no textbook can teach.
And judging by the teen’s beaming face in those viral Burger King pics, he’s not regretting a single shift.
So what do you think — is 14 too young to start working, or the perfect time to learn life skills? Drop your take in the comments below!
