I had lots of Saturday and holiday jobs, Woolworths, Marks and Spencer, Waitressing and working at my dad's company filing (that was the most boring) Really a good introduction and the real world and more useful than the 'university experience' that seems to be essential now. My son did the same - worked right through university doing a wide variety of jobs. I think my other half spent more time working on a building site than attending 6th form, but he learnt far more and has saved us loads of money not having to employ tradesmen!!
I never asked my parents for money to go out, and neither did my son.