Let’s preface this with the fact that a work ethic can be described in a number of different ways. A good work ethic is subjective.
A work ethic of a 74 year old grandmother who’s retired but is working so she doesn’t bore herself to death could be described as “i don’t wanna be here, but if i’m not here then i’m rotting away at home.”
a work ethic of a 15 year old who has a job because their parents told them to could be described as something like “i don’t wanna be here, and if i’m not here then i’ll probably find something way better to do.”
what’s the difference between the grandma and the 15 year old? one worked her whole life and is now working for something better to do, and one is a teenager who is working but knows they have way better things they could be doing. Is it really that hard to understand?
Don’t get shitty with your workers who are in early stages of growing, probably getting this job because they finally have a car and a license and can gain responsibility. Why the fuck are you mad that they can only work 2 days this week? they have school, sports, activities, and lives. They don’t want to be tied down, they have no reason to be in a position that ruins their chance of enjoying their youth.
Yeah, it can suck as an employer. You bring it on yourself though. If you have a problem with young teenagers working for you because they don’t want to work, don’t fucking hire them. it’s as simple as that. Getting bent out of shape over a 16 year old competition cheerleader needing 3 days off a week is basically like pissing off a rattlesnake and then shoving your hand right in it’s mouth. What did you expect to happen?
Employers are idiots man. If you’re on this sub and you’re of these ages working a job, just go live your life and tell them u/mrhoolock told them to go fuck themselves.