According to childtrends.org, about 18.2% of 16-24 years old enrolled in school are employed. These students are facing both the benefits and disadvantages of having a job while in school.
Having a job while in school reaps both advantages and disadvantages. The main advantage is the student’s ability to be able to make his/her own money for the first time. Students finally have the freedom in spending this money the way he/she wants. Students are able to use this profit for their own wants, their savings account, or for a higher education. Another plus is this money-making can actually empower a teen; the responsibility and ability of saving or spending money can boost the self-esteem in a working teenager.
A job demonstrates responsibility, which is a rude awakening for students experiencing the “real world” for the first time. Time-management skills, organization, and most of all, responsibility, all play a huge component in reality. A job can help students gain these skills early on before going out into the “real world.” Along with the skills earned while working, teenagers gain experience to build up a resume, and eventually acquire a job that is more in the field of their interest. Work experience helps with students’ applications for college. Colleges happen to prefer students to do projects or other extracurricular activities in their free time.
Despite these benefits, there are some downfalls to having a job while still in school. Stress and weariness from school is already hard enough on students. But adding another 3 to 4 hour shift at work after their 6-hour school day can be even more overwhelming. Suddenly, teens have even less time to complete homework, and are falling asleep during classes. As a result, teachers and parents argue “school is your job,” and that students should completely focus on their education.
CHS Counselor, Linda Bowler, is aware of the difficulties when students have school and an outside-of-school job: “It’s definitely demanding to do both; to be in school is like a job, so to have a job outside of school is tough.” Bowler also adds that she has seen more fatigue and an academic fall in the grades of students who have started to work while still in school. “Honestly it depends on the person, if they’re motivated to do both, or if they come home and they’re too tired to do their schoolwork and blow it off,” stated Bowler.
Employed students at Colonia High School too recognize the struggle to manage schoolwork, a job, and extra-curricular activities. Senior, Brianna Kelly, is a student enrolled in AP classes, a part of CHS’s Varsity Volleyball team, and a Retail Sales Associate. Kelly states that even though she does work less during the volleyball season, her schedule is still hectic. During the rest of the school year she work three times a week, her shifts ranging from 5-7 hours. “There definitely isn’t enough time for everything, so you have to learn how to manage your time.” Even though it’s difficult to schedule school with work, Kelly adds that her job has given her a sense of reality and experience. She has also become independent with the money she has earned.
Along with a potential disengaged education, a minors social life has the capability of fading away. Being able to engage friends is a necessity, a lack of a social life is detrimental to a student in high school. Believe it or not, high school is a crucial point in anybody’s lifetime. No one wants to miss out on the sporting events or the student plays because of a work shift. CHS Senior, Alex Savage, works as food prep, cleaning, and a cashier says, “I don’t have time to do homework, I don’t have any free time.” Savage also noted, “I can’t give 100% of myself to everything, so it’s all just a give and take.”
Regardless of the pros and cons of working, students still want or need a job, and need tips to find work. Counselor Bowler says, “Most things are online… but it’s good to put a face to the name. Introduce yourself and speak to the manager.” Thebalance.com also offers many other tips for high school students finding work. These tips include checking with the guidance office, keeping an open mind, and applying for multiple jobs.
To students entering or trying to enter the work force, good luck and happy job hunting.
