A lot of high schoolers are not just focused on schoolwork, but also on having a job. Even though having a job is a great way to earn money, it can also be very stressful when having to deal with homework, tests, and maybe even extracurriculars. Dealing with school on top of having a job is not always the easiest, especially for students who are still learning how to manage their time.

Learning time management can be one of the hardest parts of working as a student. Students should already plan when to study for tests but because they have a job they have an extra thing to plan around. If they don’t learn how to manage their time, they might fall behind in school. One student said,“I stay up really late to do homework or I finish it during class and make sure I have a schedule to make sure I don’t miss anything.” Also, teachers don’t always realize how much responsibility working students have outside of school, and that can make things even harder.

Most students go to school for seven hours and the ones who work have that extra four to six hours added on because of their job. Then after they still have homework to finish and sometimes even chores. New York Times states, “kids today are already under too much pressure… their time is better spent studying, doing the extracurricular activities they enjoy, and being with friends and family.” Because of all this pressure it can lead to lack of sleep, stress, and feeling overwhelmed. And this can affect students’ grades and mental health.

One of the main reasons why students still get jobs is to make money. Some students also want to work to help their families, or save for things like college, getting a car, and many other things. Junior Olivia Manning says her reason for getting a job was,“ Wanting to set myself up for success later in life… and also needing to focus on something other than just school or just friends.” Having a job can teach responsibility and independence. Students learn how to be on time, communicate with others, and learn how to handle real life situations.

Many students still choose to work though because of the benefits. Having a job young can help with feeling more confident and prepared for adulthood. It can also teach them the value of hard work.

In the end, having to handle going to school and having a job can be challenging, but rewarding. Even though it can cause stress and exhaustion, it can also help students grow and learn important life skills. With help from families, even schools, students can more efficiently be able to handle school and work.