I agree with your husband.  He is 17 and should get a job.  Are you seriously concerned that he hasn't played enough or has had enough fun?  Video games for distraction, yes, but not an occupation.  A teenager should start to learn the value of a dollar and also reap the rewards of feeling that he has accomplished something by earning money and acquiring something for himself.  It teaches them to respect money and gives them ownership of their stuff.  It will mean more when they understand how much things cost.

High time we stopped coddling them because the rest of the world won't be.

If he's a good student and has the time - - all the more reason for him to start working and start learning the value of money, how to be responsible, how to get along with co-workers, and a slew of other benefits one gets from joining the working world. Not to mention that if he finds a job he likes and does well at, his self-esteem will jump a few notches!

I also encourage my teens to do volunteer work (through the school, city, church or synagogue, local community center, etc.) - besides the great feeling of contribution and satisfaction they will get from helping someone, it's often a "door" into a job-opening on the spot, a great reference for a resume, and a way to explore what their longterm interests may be.

(and I AM biased - my first ever jobs were the result of volunteer positions!)

-Tamara