The young are so tech savvy, I envy them. They may not have some of the basic skills we have but lets face it, technology is the way of the future.

So, how many of you were not allowed to use a sewing machine until you mastered the art of hand piecing. Who learned to make all their clothes with nothing but newspaper, scissors, needle and thread. These were once necessary skills. That doesn't mean they apply to life today.

I used to count change in my head to help me fall asleep and to hone my own skills as I started out as a cashier - it is becoming a lost art, along with cursive writing! :)

our local pizza place is making the cashiers who take the orders and payment to count the change back to people not using the cash register. she is making it stick too. they just took over the place and are redoing it and it really looks nice. they have invested a whole lot of money in the place also. I guess if you can't count change you don't have a job. There are a lot of people who do not evenknow how to make change. our school system needs to change. a lot of kids today might have to work someplace where there is no such thing as a calculator or a computer--don't know how to use typewriter or correct their own mistakes. have spell check on computer.

<Raising my hand> My mother wouldn't let me use her 60s sewing machine until I proved to her that I could sew an outfit by hand. She didn't think I would do it, but I did.

I found out that I should check my cutting slip at stores also. Went to cash register at a chain fabric store and it rang up to almost $400. The clerk says, I don't think this is right. The 2 yd. piece was rung up at 22 yds and several other mistakes. I need to be more aware (just typed Awake-guess that applies to).

Kind of apples and oranges. I'm talking about a basic math skill that could very well apply in every person's life as we know it TODAY. I may not have a calculator when I buy something at a flea market or trade show, or buy cookies from the Girl Scouts in front of the store.

And consider this. There are many employers who will give math tests to prospective employee's, and NO calculators are allowed. I had to take civil servant exams, no calc's. My former employer had a test for applicants to calculate measurements in 1/16's of an inch. My current employer gives some pretty serious calculus, trig and geometry exams to prospective engineers. No calculators allowed for either, but plenty of scratch paper provided.

I do agree that calculators are great tools, and the skills should be learned. But in addition to, not in place of basic math skills. *knowing* how to make change without a cash register spitting out the amount is a life skill that all should have.

Bravo! and thank you!!

I have worked with and trained teenagers to give change for 20 years. I have never come across someone who could not count change. I'm glad none of you have ever made a mistake, ever, but not all of us are that perfect. I'm sorry you have occasionally been given incorrect change. That does not mean we should do away with calculators. I personally carry a cell phone in my pocket, so I do have a calculator at all times. I have never been in a business that has typewriters instead of computers. Those days are gone. Insulting an entire generation and the entire school system through out the country seems a bit extreme for a simple mistake.

My pet peeve is that they put the cash in the drawer before they count out the change. Very easy to say 'I gave you a twenty' when you gave them a 'ten'.