By: Kayleigh Martin and Freja Morris

High school can be a very challenging time for teens. However, some teens still seek out employment opportunities. Research has shown that teens who have a job may experience higher self-esteem, increased financial awareness, and better social-emotional skills (Fortune Well, 2024). However, according to a study conducted by the CDC (2022), 30% of high school students who work part time report an increased stress level compared to their peers who do not work. After reading these statistics, you may be wondering, Is having a job really worth it? We interviewed 3 high school students, each with different jobs, to determine how they balance jobs, school, and life. 

 

According to interviewees, the main stressor of being a working teen is managing school and work. A summertime lifeguard, Gracie Lowney, states that a big stressor is if she’s “… not going to get there on time.” Gracie goes on to say that she can struggle with being timely, especially in the summer when she has less of a structured schedule. Other than her timeliness, Gracie rarely struggles with stress due to work. She credits her lack of stress with lifeguarding to the fact that it’s a summer job. According to Samya Kanwar, a year-round babysitter, she is “...very, very busy with SAT tutoring, pottery classes, and dance." Additionally, she finds her job to be stressful because she “wants to do really well in and outside of [work].” Samya’s increased stress levels seem to be due to the frequency of her hours of work, along with the busy schedule that she maintains on top of it. Along with that, the fact that it’s year-round can be difficult for her. Fiona Campbell, a fall season field hockey referee, agrees with Samya. She claims, “The workload can seem unmanageable at times with extracurriculars on top of a job, but I make it work.” She then goes on to say, “It’s all about balance.” Based on the interviewees responses, it is clear that teens do experience heightened stress levels from working, but that they are able to adapt their schedules to accommodate their needs.

 

Among the interviewees, a general consensus is that working as a teen can be manageable if people are willing to make openings in their schedules. The interviewees offer advice to new teen workers. Samya Kanwar states, “Be flexible.” Gracie also adds, “Make sure to manage your time.” Fiona states, “Know your schedule and plan accordingly.” Based on their advice, before choosing to work, teens should consider their schedules and time management skills along with other life factors.

 

These interviews share important pieces of advice when considering pursuing a job.

​

Time Management: One of the most important things that is required of someone who has a job is their ability to effectively manage their time.

​

Course Load: It is important to take into account the time that will be spent doing homework and the difficulty of the classes you will be taking. 

​

Extra Curriculars: If your schedule involves many out-of-class activities, it is important to take into consideration the amount of time that those activities require.

​

School year vs. Summer: If your schedule is always full in the school year, then you may want to consider choosing to have a job only in the summer. 

​

The choice of whether or not to get a job should be made after careful consideration of the benefits and challenges.