She's Burdened with Contributing to Household Expenses at 17 Years Old, But When She Discovers Her Parents are Rich She’s Stunned and Angry.

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In the unrelenting quest for financial independence and college savings, a 17-year-old girl known as OP endures an exhausting job, domestic chores, and high school while being heavily taxed by her own family.

The Job Hunt

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At 17, OP lands a job after a 6-month search. However, without a driver’s license, she is unable to commute. Her parents refuse to sponsor the $300 driver’s lessons necessary to obtain one.

The Costly Rides

Her parents also demand $7.50 per ride to take OP to and from her job. This arrangement effectively costs her $15 daily. The job’s proximity, a mere 15 minutes from home, makes it a frustrating bill for OP.

The Denied Option

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A cheaper alternative, the public bus, is deemed off-limits by OP’s parents. Citing concerns about their daughter’s safety, they forbid her from using this public transportation. OP is trapped in an expensive daily routine that makes work feel like an uphill battle.

The Unsettling Calculations

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OP’s transportation costs alone reach $150 every two weeks. This severe deduction significantly undermines her earnings from the job.

The Domestic Expenses

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OP’s parents demand she contribute to household bills. She is expected to pay for a third of the electricity, water, food, and her own phone. The financial strain feels very heavy for a 17-year-old.

The Education Dream

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OP is determined to attend college next year. Yet, with her current financial commitments and zero savings, the dream appears shaky. Her parents refuse to offer any financial assistance.

The Unsalaried Labor

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Apart from the job and financial burdens, OP shoulders numerous domestic responsibilities. She cares for pets, does laundry, cleans, and helps babysit her little sister, all without pay. Her time and efforts are stretched thin.

The Diminished Paycheck

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After paying for rides and sharing in the household expenses, OP is left with only $100 out of her $450 paycheck. The demands of her parents have created an unsustainable financial situation. The reality of her position begins to weigh heavily on OP.

The Brush-Off

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Whenever OP expresses frustration at her situation, she is reminded of the harsh realities of life. Her parents believe they are preparing her for adulthood. However, OP feels she’s being penalized more than prepared.

The Overwhelming Responsibilities

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Despite her struggles, OP successfully balances a heavy workload at school and home. Yet, she feels her contributions are undervalued. She wrestles with the feeling of doing enough yet not being recognized.

The Savings Struggle

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OP’s desire to save for college clashes with her current financial obligations. With her parents’ constant demands, her ability to save is severely hampered. The hope for higher education becomes more elusive.

The Hidden Wealth

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Despite the financial pressure put on OP, her family is not impoverished. They can comfortably cover their expenses without her contributions. This makes it even more difficult for OP to hand over a majority of her earnings.

The Impending College Crisis

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OP is not permitted to live at home while attending college. The need to save money becomes even more pressing. The future looks increasingly daunting as graduation grows closer.

The Voice of Protest

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OP questions the fairness of her parent’s expectations and restrictions. She seeks advice from the Reddit community. The post becomes a plea for validation and a roadmap for her next steps.

Was Giving Her Parents 70% Of Her Paycheck Appropriate?

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The readers in the forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter. Here are some of their responses:

Forum Responds

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One reader said, “Your parents may think they’re helping you learn to be responsible, but they aren’t teaching. They’re controlling. It’s different.”

Another Commenter Thinks

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Another responder wrote: “Harsh! In my opinion, they shouldn’t be charging you to live there. You’re their child. They’re supposed to provide those things for you up to a point.”