Pros and cons of having a job in high school.

[Sarah Obrzut]

Junior year in high school is probably the time when most students think about getting a job. We are all of legal age to work, and most of us are driving and need the money for gas or insurance, but is it really worth the stress and lack of free time?

Before I could get my license my parents told me I had to have a job first, in order to pay for my insurance, or else I couldnt drive their cars. That is the only thing that motivated me to get a job. I ended up getting hired at a movie theater, and realized having a job does have its positives. I feel like it makes you more independent. You are making your own money, instead of earning it from your parents, and you are in charge of how you are going to budget it. It really makes you think before you spend your money, because now you actually had to work hard for it! Also, it teaches you how to be responsable and you learn to work with other people. Plus, you end up meeting alot of new people, having friends at work always makes the job more fun.

But having a job also comes with alot of stress. Instead of hanging out with your friends all the time like you use to, you have to work instead. and if you are someone who has alot of homework after school, having a job gives you less time to get that done, and may interfere with your grades. I learned that with a job, you have to put that before everything. For example, over break I had to work on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day.  Sure, I made extra money because it was the holidays, but was it really worth not being able to spend time with my family and friends during the holidays?

What do you guys think? Is it really worth it to have a job in high school? or would you rather just enjoy your last two years without the extra stress?

 

 For another point of view on this topic, check out this student's editorial

[megan bryk]

I agree, there are pros and cons of having a job.  I have a job during the spring and it is hard to manage my time.  It's tiring going to school, then work, then going home and doing homework.  and if you do a sport after school a job is out of the question.  But it was really nice having that extra money and knowing that I worked for it.  Also I am saving for college so I put some aside for that.  I think a job in high school is a good thing if you can manage your time. 

[Darby Douglas]

I think it would be great to have a job in high school. You'd develop a great work ethic before entering college. However, sometimes I find it hard to just get by high school and my after school activities. I couldn't imagine how insane my day to day life would be if I had a job during school.

[whitney cummings (caleo)]

If your schedule allows for a job and you think you can handle it, then great. But, if you know that beyond your reach at the moment, then its in your best interest to hold off. I have been searching for a job for a while though, and at just about every place ive applied at, you have to be eighteen. I thought the working age was 16, and that frustrates me because I really need a job.

[Lauren Olson]

In my opinion it depends on the person. If someone is involved in school a lot or is taking on a heavy homework load, then they shouldn't have that extra stress in their life. On the other hand, if a student can finish their homework easily and not involved, then a job is a great way to be involved outside of school. In my case, I couldn't imagine having a part-time job during the school week. I babysit on the weekends and that is about all i can handle.

[Aly Glover]

I think that it really depends on the person. If you're mature enough to realize that in the real world you have to put your job first before hanging out with friends and are willing to do that now in high school, then great, good for you. However, there are some people who need that extra time to get homework done and study. I only have a summer job because I would find it hard to keep up with school work, play sports, & go to work. There's just too much to do in limited time.

[Ryan Woodman]

I work at jewel, and off the record, it's a job with pros and cons. Sure, it's union and gets those benefits, but you are just another piece in their huge industrial plan. No one personally cares about what happens to you, and sometimes you are even treated unfairly or with no respect. I think depending on which job you have, you could have a lot of stress, or very little. But you should be getting a job at this age, because the pay and ability to drive has it's benefits.

[haena y.]

Having a job in high school may prepare people for college. College is where students have to be independent and take responsibility over everything. Having that job can lead to an easier college life. Yes, having a job can cause stress, shorten homework, and hangout time, but a little time budgeting can create a reasonable schedule. Working during the holidays is not the greatest, but then again it is a job and there are going to be pros and cons with it. Not having a job in high school is also fine, I just think having it during high school will be an advantage in the long run.

[Jack Finis]

It depends on what your parents make you pay for. Obviously, school is important and sports/activities can gulp up your social life. I personally choose to work in the summer as a caddy...no school and sports are not as frequent.

[Joaquin Zuniga]

Personally i think junior year is the worst year to begin working because it's the most crucial. It'd be better to start either sophomore of senior year which are considered the easier ears of high school. I want to start working next year when I have a lot of free time and don't have to worry about any big tests.

[Abby Muller]

I like my work schedule. I work at cold stone so i work a lot during the summer and not so much during the winter. it doesn't cut into my homework too much and my boss is really lenient if i have issues