AIBU to think a travel adviser role is unsuitable at 16?

[thecuriouscat]

Hi all,
My DD (16) has recently completed her GCSEs and left school. She’s been desperate over the summer to get a part time job which I’ve supported her in, getting her to give her CV to local businesses and unfortunately not many callbacks. So she’s been looking online and applied for quite a few roles.

Today she came down and told us that she has a phone interview lined up for a Tui travel advisor. Needless to say we were unconvinced, because in what world would you trust a 16 year old to book holidays?? She said that they are accepting school leavers and it’s a part time role, but I still find it hard to believe. I told her to withdraw her application, but alas she won’t listen and she’s now in a strop with me and DH. So AIBU? I don’t think this role would be appropriate for her at her age, and TBH I’m surprised they offered to call back.

My friends daughter was the rep on a coach tour in Europe at 17 in the holidays before starting uni, responsible for a coach load of passengers with just a number to call if there were any problems, she managed fine and now has a great job in tourism, young people are more capable then we think.

Oh! The poor girl. Apologise to her and encourage and praise her!!! You should be proud she’s trying!!!

It sounds like a fantastic opportunity. Hopefully she ignores you and does some decent prep so she does well at the interview. There's so many possible ways she could progress her career should she get a foot in the door for a big company like Tui.

As well as the entry level travel advisor, she could progress to shop management, head office, research trips, holiday rep, which would be a fab summer job if she goes to university. An acquaintance of mine was a holiday rep while she was at university and as well as having a ball, she made loads of lifelong friends, got excellent work experience and learned many new life skills that have helped her in her professional career.

YABVU.

In what world do you think its right to discourage a young person from getting a job because you think they are incapable?

Not only that but to ask her to withdraw the application too? How do you think this is going to affect her self esteem in the future?

What a shit mum.

Oh my God. It is a tough world out there and your daughter has landed herself an interview - good for her! That's absolutely brilliant and you should be proud and supporting her, not telling her to withdraw her application. Way to dent her confidence! They won't give her the job if she's not suitable. They are more likely to train her and to give her low-level tasks to begin with. You know, how every entry level job works! Poor girl.

Agree that you should apologise to DD

wow… shit advice OP! What on earth are you thinking?

If they are offering an interview, presumably they have a job they think she can do.

She will get full training. I can’t see the problem

Why on earth would you ask her to withdraw her application?! She's 16 and she's got an interview - that's wonderful! You should be congratulating her and asking if she needs your help to do interview prep. You've really done your daughter a disservice here, and you should apologise.

On your comment about travel agents, she's hardly going to be given the numbers of all the billionaire clients and asked to arrange the private jets and events for their wedding and honeymoon on day one, is she? She'll be given work they think is appropriate for her level as a new starter and presumably she'll also receive some training. Even if they throw her into the deep end, she'll learn. She's selling package holidays, not planning detailed, bespoke around the world holidays.

If she gets the job, she'll get training. She'll be in a probationary period for a while with heavy supervision. And if deemed good enough, allowed to start on her own.

If she doesn't get the job, it is valuable experience at the application process, interviews etc.

Age is a protected characteristic. It is not appropriate to assume that someone is incapable of a job because of their age. They will base any decisions on her skills and attributes. I think its great that they are considering her. Many 16 year olds are much more mature than some 30 year olds. You should be encouraging, not critical.

Just from the tone of your OP I can visualise exactly your reaction when your DD gave you the news. Sneering, snorting with derision, scoffing at how she could be so silly to think she could do something like this. Stamping on her excitement after all her hard work.

Your poor DD. And poor you, if you value a close relationship with her as she moves into adulthood. She's learning not to bring anything to you, not worries, troubles, good news or bad news.

Thank goodness she’s more sensible than you and confident enough to have said no when you asked her to withdraw her application. What were you thinking? It’s so hard for job seekers out there right now let alone 16 year olds. You need to apologise profusely to her and support her.

With the dire situation for jobs for school and university leavers, it boggles my brain why anyone would be negative about this.

I’d be delighted for her sounds like a great opportunity
( I previously worked in the travel industry and I’d say long term prospects are poor and poorly paid- otoh a job is a job and can lead to other things)

Surely it's their decision on her suitability not yours, who knows nothing about what she's actually be doing! I think it's crazy you asked her to withdraw. I would be so proud of my DD getting an interview.

I always ask the call centre advisors ages before I trust. I assumed everybody else did the same? 21+ to talk about my gas/electricity, 25+ car insurance 21+ holidays. Isn't it common sense?
(No I do not)

You NEARLY had me there 😂

A colleague's son went to work at a fast food place at 16, stayed and last I heard he was an area manager doing very well!

This is one of those threads where I hope that the OP will reflect and come back. But as per usual, it's a drive by.

At 17 I was taking calls from police stations, recording the details of the arrest, and arranging for a solicitor to attend. Training was given, it was data entry and a bit of professional communication. I think your daughter will be fine at a travel agency.

The only thing I would watch it for it whether this definitely Tui or if it could be an ‘independent travel agent’ networking marketing thing

oh… just realised this thread is quite old now. I always seem to make this mistake!

Basically it’s a sales job. She’s selling holidays. Not much difference to a sales role elsewhere really. People my generation would leave school at 26 and do this sort of job all the time.

You have a young person who's got themselves a sensible job & you are questioning it?!

Its completely fine!

I meant 16 obvs

Have you always held negative feelings about your DD?