High school students today face an array of challenges, from academic pressures to social commitments and extracurricular activities. However, a growing number of these students are beginning to take on yet another responsibility…part-time jobs. Balancing school and work can be a daunting task, but it also offers valuable life lessons and opportunities for personal growth.
Financial Independence
One of the most significant benefits of obtaining a high school job is having some sort of financial independence. Earning their own money can teach high school students essential financial and budgeting skills, including saving and spending their earnings responsibly. So what exactly are students working towards? When asked, Senior Addysen Streder replied, “I am not saving for anything in particular, I work to have the financial freedom to go on trips, get coffee, and pay for most things on my own.” While some students are working toward a long term goal such as college or other big financial decisions, others just want some extra spending cash so that they can make the most of their high school years without the stress of being financially incapable.
Time Management
Students must master time management skills since they have to juggle their employment and school. They must manage their time effectively to fulfill both their academic and professional obligations. This useful ability prepares them for the demands of college as well as future employment long after they graduate from high school. The struggle that many working students face is that they frequently have limited downtime. Their schedules might be extremely full, leaving limited time for leisure and fun activities. Streder agrees when she states, “My work schedule, along with my friends, makes it extremely difficult to plan times to hang out. We often have to plan weeks ahead of time, this was even more prevalent during the summer.”
Work Experience
Enochs High School, along with many other high schools across the district and beyond, offer an academic course called Work Experience. Early exposure to the workforce can allow students to gain practical experience to build up and strengthen their resume. Addy’s biggest piece of advice for students even remotely interested in obtaining a job and joining work experience is, “Definitely do it. Getting a job is a great way to get work experience, meet new people, gain many skills, and feel more independent.” These experiences can be a stepping stone to future career opportunities and provide them with a competitive edge when they enter the job market after they graduate.
Sleep Deprivation
High school students who work part time throughout the school year can be at risk of sleep deprivation. Their sleep patterns could be disturbed by late night shifts or by the homework that comes after those shifts. This could have an impact on their health and academic performance. Streder says, “During the weeks when I am swamped with homework, tests, and quizzes, I feel extremely overwhelmed which leads to overall exhaustion throughout the school day. I can often feel a lot of pressure to perform my best and stay on top of all my responsibilities.”
Students in high school who obtain jobs throughout the school year start a very difficult but rewarding journey. They can further advance their financial independence while also picking up useful life skills and working experience that they can use in their future careers. To prevent stress and scholastic difficulties, it is essential for them to create a healthy balance between school and work. High school students can successfully balance the demands of both worlds with the right time management and support, which can pave a solid foundation for their future aspirations.
