Photo Credit: Tanya Khothari
Pros – Henry:
For many high school students, getting a part-time job is an important step toward becoming more independent. While school should remain a student’s main priority, working a few hours each week can provide benefits that extend beyond earning a paycheck. Students can gain money, experience, and skills that can help them prepare for college and life after high school.
One of the most obvious benefits of having a job is earning money. Students can use their income to save for college, pay for personal expenses, or learn how to budget and manage their own finances. A job can also help students understand the value of money because they experience firsthand how much time and effort it takes to earn it.
Another major benefit is the experience students gain. A part-time job can strengthen a college application and resume by showing that a student has experience working with others and taking responsibility. Employers and colleges can see that the student has learned how to manage commitments outside of school. Jobs also help teach important life skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving. “The thing I love most about my job is being able to bond with my coworkers and meet new people,” said sophomore Gavin McGurn. Despite the loss of free time, working during high school can be a valuable experience when students maintain a healthy balance. A reasonable work schedule can allow students to earn money while developing skills and responsibilities that will benefit them in college and beyond.
Cons – Charlie:
While having a summer job in high school can teach students valuable life skills, keeping that job throughout the school year is not for everyone. I think working flexible hours during the summer without the academic stress from school is sufficient in terms of learning life lessons that will help students later on in life. Also, a summer job or multiple jobs throughout your high school career is still something that colleges value and will be taken into account during the admissions process. However, students do need money to fund their various excursions, and a job is a great way to do this. But if students save well and invest their earnings, a thorough summer job should provide enough funding to get them through the school year.
Pace students are often swamped with schoolwork on its own, let alone extracurriculars or sports that people have often been involved in for years. People’s schedules fill up quickly, and adding a job into the mix only adds to the stress and exhaustion of someone’s life. Especially considering you cannot skip a shift or reschedule last minute like you can with other extracurricular activities. You are obligated to go every time, and you’ll lose your job if you don’t. This limits study time exponentially and contributes even more to the stress that stems from having a job during the school year. As a whole, having a job is a great way to learn new skills, but limiting that job to the summer is worth it due to the already pressure-filled times that come with school.