For many high school students, balancing schoolwork, extracurriculars, and jobs can be overwhelming. In fact, over a third of teenagers are part of the workforce, with nearly 35% of high school students working part-time jobs while managing school.
Benefits – Though having a job in high school can be overwhelming, many students with jobs find that there are benefits beyond just earning money. Solomon Makwara, a senior at Oakdale. works at Texas Roadhouse and McDonald’s. “I’m making money, and I haven’t had any problems, and I’m getting more experience, which betters my resume.” Balancing work with school can provide valuable work experience that can set students up for future opportunities. He also noted that some employers are more flexible than students might expect. “I feel like my employers at McDonald’s especially support my schedule. If I’m not feeling well, I can tell them hours ahead, and they have my track schedules.” Many employers are understanding of their high schooler employees, which helps students manage their commitments.
Disadvantages – While having a job can provide valuable experience and financial independence, Makwara acknowledges that there are some disadvantages. “At Texas Roadhouse, I work really late, so sometimes I start to fall asleep in the middle of assignments.” Balancing late-night shifts with academic responsibilities can be difficult, and the exhaustion that comes from it can interfere with schoolwork. Working long hours can also interfere with personal life and can lead to missed opportunities. Makwara stated, “I miss birthday parties, times with my friends, and a lot of events. One thing I sacrifice is time at track, I leave track early to work.” Jobs can take away from social and extracurricular activities, causing some students to make difficult choices between work and other life experiences.
How students find the right balance – According to Makwara, finding the right balance between work, school, and personal life is all about time management. “In the morning, I do my schoolwork, and if I have time after school or practice, I usually have 30 minutes max to do homework. I have FCC classes, so I use the days I don’t have class to catch up if I need to.” Carving out specific times during the day can help students stay on top of their responsibilities. By finding and taking advantage of gaps in their schedule, students can ensure that they meet their academic and work commitments without sacrificing too much of their personal time. Being organized and flexible with how they manage their day can make a big difference in maintaining a healthy balance.
