Getting a good, well paying job as an adult is not an easy task to do, getting a good well paying job as a teenager is basically impossible. An enjoyable part time or seasonal job that was once a normal thing for teenagers to do is now abnormal. Adults always tell teenagers that a job isn’t just a source of income, but it teaches “responsibility”.For many teenagers, getting a job is an exciting milestone in their life. Teen unemployment is on the rise and there’s no doubt about it. According to the Current Population Survey, or CPS, the national percentage of 16-19 year olds that were employed in 2023 was 13.9%. “Global Youth unemployment rate in 2023 marks the lowest rate in 15 years” (World Economic Forum 2024). Is there a reason for this? Has it become too much for students to handle school and work?
I vividly remember the first job I had and how excited I was when my paycheck hit for the first time. Having a job in high school can pose many benefits. The most obvious one is the financial independence that comes with being employed. People get jobs because jobs pay, if jobs don’t pay why would people work? Atif Russle, a senior at broadrun, said when his paycheck hits he “feels amazing”. Atif goes on to say, “I just get a rush of adrenaline, I spend at least $100 the second I get it”. Even though it might not be the main reason students get jobs, learning life skills at your job is also important. Time management skills, people skills, and teamwork don’t only sound good in an interview but they also prepare you for your first actual job.
It’s common knowledge that having a job isn’t all rainbows and sunshine, especially for a high school student. Trying to juggle school, friends, possibly sports, AND a job is not easy at all. If not managed correctly, having a job while being a highschool student can have a pretty bad affect on your grades. Some teens find it difficult to get enough rest or to participate in normal high school events because their job takes priority over everything else. The risk of burning out is very likely, especially if students work late hours. Tj Oshaughnessy is a junior at broadrun highschool. He is a full time student, plays two sports and works 40 hours a week at his job. When asked how he manages his busy schedule he says, “It’s pretty hard to balance school, work, and sports. I try to take advantage of my study hall and the time I have at home to do my work.”
Overall, having a job in high school isn’t for everyone. Some people want to go to every sporting event and cheer on their school, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Having a job has its pros and cons. Teachers, parents and even managers at work need to work together to make sure that employment while in high school helps build character weather than keep teenagers from being the students they want to be
