Should I Get a Job in High School?
SaveThis article covers the pros and cons of employment as a high schooler.
Welcome back, nerds! Today we will cover an essential dilemma high schoolers tend to debate: to work? Or not to work? Some students may not have the luxury of this decision and may need to work to support their families. If you are privileged enough to have the choice, this article can help you make this decision. As someone holding a job on and off throughout the last couple of years, this article covers the pros and cons of employment as a high schooler.
With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility
Having a job is not an easy task. It requires planning and time management—good time management. Time management is a valuable skill requiring commitment. If you want or need to work, try to find a job you like. Enjoying your workplace will make working easier because you will enjoy doing it with a reward of extra pocket money.
Advantages
Again, most of what I write here centers those not needing a job but who have the decision of whether to work. Having a job out of necessity is an entirely different discussion. Tutoring is an easy entry-level job if you are a freshman or a sophomore. Many places allow you to apply as soon as you turn 15 or 16, and it would be a great academic review for yourself. Teaching is also the best way to ingrain knowledge, so tutoring would ensure you learn something too. There are also service jobs. Colleges love these. Not only because it shows maturity but because of the more time management needed.
Service jobs teach you a lot, mainly how to deal with people. Once you get out into the real world, people are harsh. You could say "Karens" run the world. (If you didn't get the reference, ask a teenager.) Learning how to communicate with people is a skill you could only get through a service job, and it is something you will carry with you for a lifetime. As a salaried employee, you learn the importance of budgeting, helping you thrive later in life. Make sure you understand how to save and spend wisely.
Disadvantages
As always, working is a real-life skill. It is not something where there can be do-overs all the time. Going to work requires organization too. When you schedule other plans, ensure you work around your shifts or times — arriving to work on time and using your time before or after to complete your schoolwork. I had a couple of friends who would get out of school at 2:30, and their work would start at 4:30. They would go to a nearby cafe and get most of their homework done. This way, they wouldn't have to worry about it after!
Having a job means it becomes a priority, so it becomes challenging to hang out with people or even go to certain clubs if there are conflicts. Then is the money aspect. Having a source of pocket money means you must be well-versed in saving and spending responsibly. You can get caught up in newfound freedom and forget your budgeting skills, so be careful!
To Work? Or Not to Work?
Ultimately your decision to work is up to you. If you do get a job, remember that you will be in the real world, which means real responsibilities. Wherever you go and work, you will make new friends, learn new lessons, and make more memories. Until next time!
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