Balancing the workload at a college prep school and a personal life isn’t always easy. Add a part time job into the mix and students often find themselves struggling. To succeed requires discipline and amazing organization, and some days students might find themselves questioning their choices. But why do high school students take on jobs, and what can schools do to help?
According to Walden University “nearly 30% of high school students are employed in a job for at least a portion of the school year.” Studies show that most students start working because they get to spend the money earned on social activities, while for others, the money goes to college funds and helping make ends meet for their family.
According to the Labor Department, teens who are employed are at an all time high. “About 250,000 more teens, ages 16 to 19, are working now than before the pandemic, and the share of teens who had a job or were looking for one in 2023 was the highest annual rate since 2009.” WCNC, a television station in North Carolina said that this is because new opportunities and higher wages are drawing more students in.
Lola Grant ‘25 said, “I work because I want to set aside some extra money for college. I think it also helps me gain work experience and responsibility. I manage my school workload well by doing all of my assignments the day of, and always setting aside a couple hours every day for homework.”
There are pros and cons to having a job while still being in high school. Forbes writes that some cons are the extra commitment and the distraction. Students who want to attend selective colleges must continue to earn the highest marks in school and, in many cases, must boast a wide variety of extra-curricular activities on their college applications.
On the other hand, some pros include gaining work experience, learning how to handle different types of responsibilities , and earning your own money.
For students who choose to work part-time, there are ways to manage the load.
BigFuture, an online planning guide powered by College Board, offers the following advice to help students balance work and school. Because every situation is different, it is important to talk to a counselor, a teacher, and/or a parent for guidance. These individuals can offer invaluable advice and assistance. When the people around you do not know your struggles, there is no way they can help.
Having candid discussions with your employer is also important. Students may be able to have a more flexible work schedule so they can meet the demands of school more effectively. You won’t know unless you ask.
BigFuture also suggests that students who are working must learn to prioritize tasks. A school counselor can help students who are struggling with this process.
Mr. Kearns, a counselor at ND said, “Something helpful for managing the workload is creating a daily schedule, and also knowing when you’re going to reward yourself with some downtime. Always make sure you’re managing your time well and don’t overwhelm yourself by putting too much on your plate. This may mean not taking as many honors and AP classes.”
Balancing a heavy school workload with a job takes a lot of work, but it is possible if you put effort into it. If you manage your time wisely and find a routine that works for you, you will be able to achieve anything.
