By Melanie Ibanez
Having a job during some of the most stressful years of high school can be difficult. Most students get jobs in their junior or senior year of high school when they are also cramming for exams and worrying about college.
However, there can be both advantages and disadvantages to working so early in life.
In order to successfully work and excel academically, students have to learn to manage their time well. One of the biggest drawbacks of having a job in high school is not having time to just relax. You won’t have as much time to participate in extracurricular activities or have much free time in general.
“Getting a job is a commitment and I was scared that I wouldn’t be able to balance my time well between a job, school, and just other obligations. I just didn’t want to spread myself too thin,” senior Joselin Maximo said.
The amount of time students have to put into this is the main reason some are reluctant to get a job in the first place. If they work on weekdays, they have to worry about going to school then going to work and getting home late.
“When I have a lot of assignments due, then it can be difficult if I have a job where I don’t get out till 9:30 p.m., but most of the time I can manage,” senior Sanskar Khadka said.
There are multiple advantages that make it worth it, however. A job can give teens more confidence and a sense of responsibility. Working can also be a lesson not only about time management but also about the value of money. Having a job can make students more content about spending their own money instead of borrowing it from parents. It is a rewarding experience when you know you were able to treat yourself with no one’s help.
“I think having a job is the next step to independence and while it does interfere with my social life in ways I wish it didn’t, I’m grateful,” senior Samantha Anaya said.
Lastly, having a job develops a good work ethic and helps build your resume early on. It looks good to colleges during the application process. Plus, it teaches life skills that could help later on.
Ultimately, there are more pros than cons to having a job while in school because it prepares students for the future. You shouldn’t stress yourself out, however. If you can not handle the pressure, there is nothing wrong with taking a break. Just make sure to communicate if you are feeling overwhelmed and only work the amount that you can handle.
The Plaid Press 