Student Life

Individual Profiles and Their Stories

Are Students Working too much?

A Look Into Working Students Schedule

By Hailey Dillen and Jacob Cisneros February 28, 2023

In today's society, many students feel pressure to balance school, work, and extracurricular activities. While part-time jobs can offer valuable experience and financial independence, students working too much can have negative consequences on their academic performance, mental health, and overall well-being. In this article, we will explore the potential downsides of students working too much and offer strategies for finding a healthy balance between work and other aspects of student life.

The Statista website states that half of minimum wage jobs are held by students from 16 to 24 and 19.4% of High School students work.

6:00 AM - 7:00 AM: Wake up and get ready for school, including hygiene, dressing, and packing necessary items.
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM: Commute to school, either by walking, biking, or taking transportation.
8:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Attend classes, participate in extracurricular activities, and take breaks as needed to eat lunch, socialize, or rest.

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Commute back home from school.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Eat a quick snack or meal to refuel before work.
5:00 PM - 11:30 PM: Work at the job, taking breaks as needed to rest, eat, or socialize with coworkers.
11:30 PM - 12:30 AM: Commute back home from work.
12:30 AM - 1:30 AM: Wind down and prepare for sleep, including hygiene, relaxation, and reflection on the day's activities.
1:30 AM - 6:00 AM: Get a full night's sleep, which should ideally be 8-10 hours for teenagers.

This is what experts recommend for a guideline for a healthy day but with some changes to fit in the average work schedule gotten from the MWE class at LHS. As you can see, to fit in a productive day you have to sacrifice sleep and be perfectly motivated all day as a student.

One important point to consider when balancing work and school is the potential impact on mental health. Many students who work too much may experience increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, which can have a negative effect on their academic performance and overall well-being. It's essential to prioritize self-care, such as getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in physical activity, to mitigate these effects. Additionally, seeking out support from friends, family, or a mental health professional can also be beneficial in managing the stresses of balancing work and school.