Nearly 30% of high school students in the United States have part-time jobs. Students take on jobs for various reasons, including learning to gain responsibility, improving communication skills, and learning to be financially independent.
Balancing a job with schoolwork can be challenging, but many students are able to do it.
Junior Keelah Orellana works at Carvel Ice Cream, along with some other students at Foran. Orellana says, “It is difficult to balance school and having a job but I manage by having time management skills and prioritizing doing the important things before I have to go to work.”
Orellana also participates in Foran Gymnastics, which she balances as well on top of school responsibilities and work.
Orellana states, ¨I believe this is a productive way to spend my high school career because it gives me the opportunity to learn financial responsibility.¨
Senior Amy Lahav works as a lifeguard for the Milford Boys Swim Team and other swim teams. Her job entails looking over the people in the water to maintain their safety throughout her shift.
Lahav states, ¨I enjoy my job because I like the idea that I am capable and available for people when they are in need to ensure themselves and their families that they can have a safe swim.¨
Simple jobs such as ice cream shops, and lifeguard gigs help young adults learn the core values throughout life and allow them to be more financially independent. This is an important aspect for students at Foran because many students understand the importance and value of learning how to manage money, smart spending, and how to save wisely.
Senior Allie Stefan works in the take-out part of Jimmy’s APizza, which is located in Milford.
Stefan states, ¨Even though Jimmy’s is in renovations at the moment, I have found an outstanding, welcoming community within my coworkers, and I feel as though I have found a second family, which I am extremely grateful for. And I can’t wait for the reopening on January 29!¨
Jobs at a young age are not only valued because of the money they provide, but also how they give the workers a community to lean on. This is very important for students during their teenage years, as it is their first impression of what a job is like. So, supportive coworkers and bosses are helpful to lead a high school student to success.
Overall, obtaining a job in high school is extremely beneficial to students both in the present and the future due to all of its benefits, such as a valued community, financial stability, as well as communication skills. These tools can be carried with a person throughout their life.
