There are many pros and cons to having a job as a high school student. photo courtesy of Mia Carpenter
Having a job while in high school can be challenging, but also deeply rewarding.
It is no secret that high school is stressful. Students are constantly juggling their school work, sports, extracurricular activities, and social lives. Adding a job onto all of their other responsibilities may seem overwhelming to some students. However, jobs also prove to be extremely beneficial to those who choose to have one.
For most students, the idea of getting a job can be a stressful endeavor. While students are worrying about keeping up their grades, they also have to worry about finding employment. However, the stress can be worth it if they are able to find a job. “A job helps teenagers learn responsibility and how to be more independent,” explained Louie Aldridge, who works at the Colorado Athletic Club’s day care. Employed students gain a sense of responsibility through their jobs. Students with a job not only have their school work, but also have their work obligations . This means that students need to be responsible enough to complete their work and their homework with the same thoroughness as they would if they were unemployed. For some students, this means working late into the night to complete assignments due the next day, completing their school work during at their job, or even giving up other plans in order to get everything done on time. “[Having a job] doesn’t leave a lot of time for hanging out with friends, especially if you play a sport and then have to go to work right after,” commented junior Lily Ornelas. Although the time employed students have to do activities besides school and work is mitigated, they earn a sense of responsibility and gain many other benefits.
Aside from the obvious benefit of students earning money, employed students can also form better connections and even become involved in a field of their interest. They are able to find part-time jobs that can introduce them into a field and allow them to begin connecting with people who work within that career. Even if students work a job that does not necessarily correlate with their future plans, they still receive benefits. Proving that a student can balance academics shows management skills that many colleges find desirable. Students also gain a stronger work ethic by having a job. This is a trait that not only colleges, but also future employers, will look for.
Finding a job can be challenging, but it is important to gain exposure to the many tasks that come with getting a job. Students learn important skills, such as how to build a resume, how to prepare for a job interview, and how to handle their money responsibly. All of these skills are necessary for the future, so it is helpful for students to learn how to accomplish these tasks while they are in school. With these skills, students will be prepared once they enter the job market after graduation.
Although it is not a reality that every student will or even should have a job, those who can should consider the advantages of working. Finding a job can be difficult, but for those who wish to gain a few extra dollars and add on to their responsibilities, some businesses who hire students in the Denver area include:
There are many other job opportunities for students that can be found through a variety of sources. A job doesn’t have to include working for a company either; students can create their own businesses. Jobs can also be babysitting, lawn mowing, shoveling snow, etc. Students can create a job based on their hobbies by forming businesses where they sell products they have made. Whether they work in a drive thru, at the mall, or as a dog walker, students should make sure that they have a job they are excited about and can schedule their hours to make sure they still have time for school and homework. No matter what job it is, it is important for students to understand the significance that holding a high school job can have.
