As high school students attempt to balance the many responsibilities in their lives, including academics, extracurriculars, and social lives, another responsibility is occasionally thrown into the mix: part-time jobs. 

For many students, the first time they have the opportunity to make money, gain career experience, and hone new skills is through part-time jobs. Despite these benefits,, a part-time job can also introduce stress due to increased responsibility and more to keep up with, which could lead to inevitable burnout. Before high school students decide to take on a part-time job, it is imperative that they gain an understanding of how it can impact their lives—both positively and negatively. 

One of the greatest advantages of working a part-time job is financial independence and stability. For many students at Dublin High, college is the next step after high school. With a part-time job, students can save money in anticipation of the high costs associated with college, as well as any other unexpected expenses if the occasion arises. 

Alongside earning money, students who work part-time jobs gain soft skills, which can prove useful later in the workforce. These skills include communication, customer service, life balance, and responsibility. Working may also even give students insight into what career paths they want to pursue, bringing them a step closer to discovering their career goals. 

For example, a high school student’s part-time job in retail may illuminate a desire to go into business. Similarly, a part-time job could allow students to explore career interests that are already established: if a student wishes to go into culinary, for instance, they would benefit from a part-time job in food service. 

Although a part-time job can be rewarding, it comes with its challenges. One such challenge is the potential impact on academic performance. Imagine that you have a major math test the next day, but before you can go home and study, you have a 3- or 4-hour shift. High school, being a demanding aspect of adolescent life, requires significant focus from students if they wish to succeed. If a student cannot balance all these responsibilities with their extracurricular obligations, they may feel overwhelmed and stretched thin. According to a finding from Walden University, researchers have found a correlation between working 20 hours a week and weaker academic performance.

Another drawback of having a part-time job is inflexible work schedules. Riya Bindlish, a junior at Dublin High School, stated, “I enjoyed the financial aspect of working at a part-time job, but occasionally, the work schedule would be strict and I would have to work around that.” Consequently, students who participate in part-time jobs can even miss out on social events, family events, and extracurricular activities.

Ultimately, choosing whether or not to secure a part-time job depends on the individual and their personal circumstances. In the end, there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution: some jobs may be less demanding while others will enforce rigid schedules. If a student is hard-working enough, they may be able to make the commitment without sacrificing much, but if they have other priorities, it may be difficult to navigate all of these obligations and may be advisable to pursue other extracurricular engagements. By weighing the pros and cons, students can make the decision that aligns best with their goals, promoting a balanced and fulfilling high school experience.