[wdewind]

Yeah, same. While it's important that kids aren't forced into working, I think it's just as important to recognize that some kids are genuinely excited by the field and by the prospect of getting to work with people who can help them develop their skills. It doesn't have to be some soul crushing thing. Starting work early gave me a sense of self-worth that is irreplaceable and I can't count how many times I heard from adults "just be a kid, don't worry about all that!" I have no regrets, working early was exciting, self-fulfilling and gave me a lot of freedom in life much earlier that many of my peers.