WHy high school students should work

By Ayden Myers

Have you ever considered picking up a part-time job while pursuing your academic career? Well, I’m here to tell you that’s one of the best decisions you can make for yourself. 

Having a part-time job includes many different benefits, you not only get paid and learn to be financially stable, but you also gain employable experience that applies to the real world. 

Although working in high school is challenging to balance with your academic career, the benefits are undeniable. Working a job in high school allows you to be financially secure for the time being, which would allow students to build savings and learn to invest. Not to mention, this financial security gains you more freedom, and you're more or less able to save and purchase whatever you’d like, whether you need money to drive or shop, it’s a no-brainer. 

I’ve personally had a lot more freedom because of this. Working has allowed me to be able to drive, go out to eat, and buy anything I desire as long as I'm willing to save.

Along with this, there are many other benefits to having a job that prepares you for your future. Having a job gives you the chance to gain work experience, this is often looked upon by employers, as previous references are crucial to the hiring process. This experience allows students to interact with their peers outside of school, in a more work-inducing environment that requires skills and work ethic.

Because of this, I’ve gained a clearer understanding of the value of real work. time is much more valuable than it used to seem. And working has made me more responsible and driven to pursue bigger goals.

An upside to having a job that’s usually overlooked is some employers have contracts, where they’ll pay a sum of an employee’s college tuition. This is seen to be beneficial, as many students are working towards future career plans, and this step makes it easier in a sense to accomplish their goals.

I’d like to mention that I’ve worked in a few places of employment, which has helped me grow in the long-run. I worked fast food for my first job, which helped me gain experience in the food industry, and also helped me get my next job as a lifeguard. These experience opportunities have benefited me greatly, making me much more skillful in the workforce.

I’d recommend to a student in high school any job opportunity you can find, whether that’s in retail, fast food, or anything that pertains to one’s interests.

In general, I believe that high school students should work, for the opportunity to gain financial security and be more skillful in the workforce.