Going to school while maintaining a job is a reality for many students. According to Zippia’s demographic reports, over 30% of high school students have jobs from the ages of 16 – 19. Having a job can be rewarding monetarily, but it also prevents violence. According to Walden University, having a job decreases incidents of violence by teens by 43%. Students who work learn valuable life lessons and even skills they can apply to their future careers.
Sara Nelson: senior
Where do you work?
JC Penny’s
What are the benefits of working during the school year?
I have money to help pay for college and pay for my friend’s Chick-fil-A.
What career do you want to pursue in the future? Do you think your current job will teach you valuable lessons that you may use in the future?
I want to work as a game developer. I might be able to use sales experience to help sell my game.
What is your favorite part about your job?
Getting paid.
Payton Gross: senior
Where do you work?
Kings Grant Exxon Repair Shop
What are the benefits of working during the school year?
I get paid a good amount of money and it keeps me out of trouble.
What career do you want to pursue in the future? Do you think your current job will teach you valuable lessons that you may use in the future?
I would like to be an aircraft electrician in the Air Force. I am not sure if my current job would be beneficial towards it.
What is your favorite part about your job?
I like working on cars in my free time, so getting paid to do it is nice.
Joshua David: senior
Where do you work?
Chick-fil-A
What are the benefits of working during the school year?
I get a chance to apply for scholarships.
What career do you want to pursue in the future? Do you think your current job will teach you valuable lessons that you may use in the future?
Architecture is what I want to pursue in the future. With my current job now, I think it’ll help me learn communication and teamwork. Those two are very important values that I think are needed in my career and job.
What is your favorite part about your job?
If there’s any cookies or brownies that are broken, we’re allowed to bring them home. We also sometimes have parties or events.
Tre Turner: senior
Where do you work?
Buffalo Wild Wings
What are the benefits of working during the school year?
As of now, I get free food and free drinks while on the clock. I also get 25% off when I am off the clock. After a year, I get paid time off and tuition reimbursement.
What career do you want to pursue in the future? Do you think your current job will teach you valuable lessons that you may use in the future?
I would like to be a network administrator or network engineer in the future. My current job will help with my software skills mainly.
What is your favorite part about your job?
I get to eat the food they mess up in the kitchen; I am always hungry.
Emmanuell Perry: senior
Where do you work?
The YMCA
What are the benefits of working during the school year?
There are no benefits.
What career do you want to pursue in the future? Do you think your current job will teach you valuable lessons that you may use in the future?
I want to pursue Computer Engineering. I believe my job has taught me collaboration and communication skills.
What is your favorite part about your job?
The kids who attend the YMCA.
Hope Waltermire: senior
Where do you work?
Michael’s
What are the benefits of working during the school year?
There are no benefits.
What career do you want to pursue in the future? Do you think your current job will teach you valuable lessons that you may use in the future?
Professional musician! I believe my job teaches me how to communicate, but I’m already pretty good at communicating and compromising with people.
What is your favorite part about your job?
My favorite part of my job is probably how many people from different places I get to talk to! I’ve met people from Scotland, Japan, Germany, Russia, everywhere!! It’s awesome!!
According to Saranga Comprehensive, maintaining a job not only serves as a life lesson to teenagers but can also cause teenagers to become more positive in their day-to-day lives. Having a job during high school has pluses and minuses. It takes time away from hanging out with friends and sometimes even schoolwork, but it also teaches lifelong skills and allows students to start making an income.
