Balancing school, friends, and activities is already a lot, so adding a part-time job might sound overwhelming. Still, I think having a job during high school can be a great way to learn life skills and prepare for the future. It’s not just about earning money; it’s about growing as a person and learning how to handle responsibilities.

When you work, you have to figure out how to manage your time wisely, which is a skill you’ll need your whole life. For example, balancing school assignments and shifts teaches you how to stay organized and prioritize. “Getting from school to work, work to home, and homework to sleep, and in between all that and still being able to think about the next day, has forced me to learn time management,” says senior Mateo Spath who has his own experience in running his business in car detailing.

Plus, earning your own money feels fulfilling, it gives you freedom and makes you more independent. You learn to save for things you want or need instead of always asking your parents. “My part-time job makes me feel like I’m getting a head start at life as I get to save my money,” adds senior Liz Colston who works at Starbucks. 

That said, balance is really important. Working too many hours can mess with your grades, leave you exhausted, and even make it harder to enjoy life outside of work. “Although I know some students have more of a necessity to work, I hope we are here to learn and go to college and that their work is something to add to their education,” says Mr. Bergin If your job takes up all your free time, it can lead to stress and burnout, which isn’t worth it. That’s why it’s important to limit your hours to something manageable, like a couple of shifts a week. School and your well-being should always come first. 

With the right balance, a part-time job can be a smart move. It teaches responsibility, time management, and independence which are all things that help you prepare for life after high school.