According to WCNC, an 8-year-old boy named Nash Johnson from Lexington, Kentucky, wanted to buy an Xbox, but his weekly allowance of $5 wasn’t sufficient. With the Xbox priced at around $300, Nash realized it would take him five years to save enough money.
Determined to accelerate his savings, Nash decided to look for a job. He noticed a “help wanted” sign outside Drake’s restaurant near his grandmother’s house and applied online for a dishwasher position. Nash confidently told WCNC, “I’m very good at washing dishes.”
However, Kentucky’s labor laws require workers to be at least 16 years old. Despite this, Nash’s application caught the attention of the restaurant’s management, who were curious about the young applicant.
Mark Thornburg, Drake’s chief operating officer, explained to Good Morning America that the kitchen manager initially thought Nash had mistakenly left out a digit on his age. When she called Nash’s grandmother’s house, Nash answered and revealed his true age of 8.
Nash’s mother, Belinda Johnson, found her son’s job application amusing but was not surprised. She praised Nash’s fearless attitude and determination, saying, “That kid is not afraid to fail. He’s a go-getter.”
In the Johnson household, financial literacy is a priority. Belinda uses three jars to teach Nash about spending, saving, and giving. After reviewing his jars, Nash decided he needed to increase his savings and thought that getting a job would help. “He’s like, ‘I can get me more money if I get me a job,’” Belinda explained.
Although Nash was not hired, Drake’s management invited him to a new hire orientation to give him a glimpse of what working at the restaurant would be like. At the orientation, Nash received an official Drake’s employee shirt, which thrilled him.
Thornburg noted, “I tell a lot of people he would have been just as happy with his uniform shirt because his eyes got about as big as a softball. He was so excited.” Nash also learned how to operate the dishwasher, preparing him for future employment.
The highlight of Nash’s orientation was receiving a new Xbox from Thornburg as a reward for his impressive work ethic. Thornburg said the gift “changed the little guy’s life for sure” and praised Nash as “the youngest applicant” he had ever encountered.
This story highlights the importance of working hard to achieve one’s goals. It commends Belinda for teaching financial responsibility and Drake for recognizing and encouraging Nash’s dedication.