High School Students Working

Each year, the amount of high school students working is increasing. But is it really a good thing to do because you still have to do the schoolwork? Does it affect the fact that you are tired and your academic level at school and also affects your friendships? Let us respond all the questions you could have.

After looking for statistics, I found that almost 80% high school students take at least a part-time job during the school year and work around 19 hours a week!

We asked some questions to Pauly Carvalho, a 12th grader, and he said he works close to 15 hours a week, but he only works on weekends, to be more focused on his schoolwork during the week. He also added “ Working is a little tiring but hey it’s work so you do what you got to do. I love working and staying busy.” Even though he is working 15 hours per week, he said he still has time to relax on Sundays afternoon and still has time to go party on Saturdays night with his friends.

But why do they work? Well, after talking with some students like Pauly Carvalho and Lucas Monari, we noticed four reasons of why they are working. Some of them work to save money for when they will be adults, some other to save money to attend college, to help their family when they have some money problems, or just to have some money to hang out with friends.

Working can be very helpful, but it can also affect you if you don’t balance your time between school work, your job, and have time for yourself. Students who are working 15 to 20 hours per week often experience decreased school success, which can lead to dropping out entirely. Working long hours can also limit opportunities to build friendships and explore interests that enhance intellectual and emotional development.

To make it work, you have to use some strategies. Talk about it with your parents because they can support you by helping you balancing work and school. Don’t start working with lots of hours and use your time efficiently. For example, if you have lots of downtime while you are at work, use that time to do some school work.

Working can be hard and tiring but it can also be a fun experience and very entertaining. It can help you start being more independent. It teaches you how to manage your money, how to react with people in real life also makes you a more responsible person. Maybe having a job right now can help you find your career of your future or at least give you directions!