High school years are packed with school work, fun and for some students, their first journey into the workforce. As students approach adulthood, many want the opportunity to make their own money or fill up their free time. But finding a job that fits a high schooler’s schedule can be challenging.
“I’ve been looking for a job recently and I know a lot of fast-food restaurants are hiring right now since summer is coming up. But I don’t think they would be a good fit for my schedule. I might have to wait until summer to apply,” sophomore Alex Steele said.
Many students are appreciative that they have an employer who considers their school schedule.
“I work at AMC Hanes 12, I’ve been working there for nine months now and I think their schedule fits my needs. I’ve requested to only work weekends, to which they accepted and still schedule me regularly instead of firing me for such a small amount of open availability, I got lucky,” junior Alan Mendoza-Medina said.
Countless students may have to work at times they aren’t comfortable with, but learning how to balance work and academics is a skill that many students pick up from getting a job.
“At first it was hard, but working at Dodge City Steakhouse has actually taught me how to better manage my time. When I first started, trying to get my homework done before my shift at 6 p.m. was so stressful, but now I am much more efficient at getting my work done,” senior Madison Underwood said.
Another factor to consider is finding a job with enough hours, but that doesn’t keep you too late.
“I feel very limited because I get off of school at 3:40 p.m. and sometimes I have to go to work immediately after and leave work at 10:30 p.m. Which leaves me with a lot of stress trying to work out my schoolwork after a long tiring shift, I am getting better at it though. During my break times, I pull out some homework I brought along and do it in small bursts,” senior Alexa Guerrini said.
Whether or not you have an accommodating schedule, students must learn how to balance work and personal responsibilities to be successful in life, which may mean making sacrifices. Cutting free time on weekends for the sake of work is a reality for working teens.
“It sucks having to work on Saturday because all of my friends are off their jobs then. But that’s the only way I could manage school along with my job, plus I get that weekend rush cash,” sophomore Emily Viands said.
“I rarely get any free time, since I am working almost every weekend it is difficult to spend time with family,” senior Braylon Moyer said.
With high school being full of enjoyable, new experiences, it’s easy to be caught up in the fun of being a teen. However, young adulthood is just around the corner, and jobs can be the best way to prepare.
“Getting a job as a teen is worth it. It has taught me a lot and given me a taste of the rest of my young adult life. I think every high schooler should at least get one job and see how it is to be a teenage worker,” Guerrini said.
