No Layoffs, Just Guilt Trips, and Other Life Lessons

The “employees” for our Family Business

Child labor in a family business is a reality. While child labor laws in the United States protect young workers from unsafe jobs and ensure they do not jeopardize their education, these protections do not apply within the context of a family business. Honestly, I have worked since I could walk, and I would argue that there’s no better education than working in a family business. However, things have not always been ideal. There are some definite drawbacks. Here are some reasons why family businesses can be amazing or not.

Built-in Job Security (But at What Cost?)

Yes, I toddled around the family business as soon as I could walk, earning a dime or two. But I was being prepared for more. As I got older, I grew confident in taking on additional responsibilities. Why? The business needed staff, and as the youngest, there were no more babies coming along in the family. One by one, my sisters and cousins went off to college, leaving the rest of us to keep things running. Even amid the global economic downturn in the 1970s, I was guaranteed a job as a young child.

Never Fired, but Expectations are Sky-High

My job training consisted solely of being mentored by my mother. She would patiently help me practice my cash register and counting skills. We were surrounded by cash, yet I never once considered taking a dime. Why? We wouldn’t lose our jobs; instead, we would feel guilty and, of course, confess our wrongdoings to the priest. I do remember one cousin being suspected of stealing, but that didn’t lead to any punishment—just an extra watchful eye.

The Stability of a Lifelong Career vs. the Pressure of Never Leaving

Reflecting on the song “Hotel California,” I laugh at the lyrics, "You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave." Does this resonate with your family business? For my mom, that was her truth. She checked out, went to court reporting school, but when help was needed, she felt pressured not to leave. My dad made sure that would not happen to his daughters.

A Deeper Sense of Purpose and Legacy

Despite being paid, you are working together for a common purpose. What that purpose is exactly depends on the family. Growing up, we had family traditions and obligations, but as the third generation, we just wanted to escape. Perhaps if we had known our family history—like how great-grandma Maryanna bought the land in 1908—we might have been more interested in the story in 1978 when we sold it.

Flexibility (Sometimes)

We had the flexibility to work as much as we wanted or needed, but taking days off posed a challenge. Sick days? No chance. We had to arrive on time unless we were going to the doctor or the emergency room. If we were late, the store wouldn’t be open, and our cousins would be upset because they couldn’t leave their shifts. And of course, there's the issue of having enough staff during holidays, which always seemed to fall on our immediate family. But when I was a baby, my mom had a built-in daycare: grandma. There were many babysitters in the family, which gave my mom the flexibility to be there for us without extra expenses.

Fast-Tracked Growth and Opportunity

We delved into a multitude of business facets, encompassing everything from the intricacies of customer service to the complexities of dispute resolution. We explored the dynamic realms of finance, the meticulous ordering processes, the creative marketing challenges, and beyond. Each element of managing the business, even the humble task of mopping the floor, taught valuable lessons in humility and resilience.

Working with Loved Ones (If You Like Them!)

“Friends may come and go, but family is forever.” My dad made this very clear to us while we were growing up. Even extended family, like grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins, whom we worked with daily, needed to work together as a team. Trusting each other, working hard together, and having each other’s backs. I never really thought about it, but yeah, we liked each other. There were many long, long days and nights. After work, we would also spend holidays together after the business closed.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

The lessons from a family business have shaped who I am today. The character built while working in the safe environment of a family who knows and loves you is invaluable. Growing up with the expectation to balance work, school, and life helps you become more well-rounded. From the mission statement, “We must prepare ourselves to achieve…” I have aimed to instill this in our own family. Learning to maintain a growth mindset is essential to realizing your full potential. So, the idea that child labor laws were created not to jeopardize a child’s education is an oxymoron for children growing up in a family business.