Tips and advice for managing an academic career and part-time job
(’23)
The myth that being a teenager is full of carefree fun with little to no responsibilities is blatantly untrue. Movies, parents, coaches, and teachers can often offer a concept that teens do not struggle with psychological stress, which diminishes the very real challenges that teenagers endure daily. Being in high school is undoubtedly a high stress environment that largely determines your future. Teens are building a foundation for their future and that can be terrifying. Not to mention, being a teenager is stressful because this is the period of your life that is full of firsts: Getting your first job, taking your first AP class, taking your first SAT/ACT, and more. While it seems impossible to “have it all,” many of your peers have found ways to succeed with a rigorous academic schedule, social life, and part-time job. So how can you get that coin and get that A?
Like many other aspects of your life, balance is the key to success. According to the College Board website, students should take on a part-time job claiming, “Employment teaches students about responsibility and can also reinforce what they are learning in school.” A job with flexible hours and does not increase mental drain is important to consider when looking for part-time work, especially if you are a student highly focused on academics. JP Welchans, class of 2023 and employee of CycleBar in Wyckoff, says, “I’m a perfect candidate for this, because I work the majority of the school week and I take AP classes. If you are somebody who is academically focused and who has a rigorous schedule, it’s important to focus on that. But I would also like to mention that when applying to colleges, having that career experience is important. A job is a huge commitment so it’s very important to know the hours you would be working and the workload you would have from school.”
Furthermore, a study from the University of Michigan acknowledges the benefits of working as a high school student but found “that long hours at a job during 12th grade contribute to lower rates of college completion and may heighten the risk of chronic cigarette use.” Leading researcher of the study, Jerald Bachman, concluded that, “The students who seem to do best are those who are able to get and hold a job by the time they are seniors in high school, but who do not work more than 15 hours per week, on average.” The fear of not being able to complete your homework or handle the added stress of having a part-time job as a student should not deter you from reaping the benefits such as work experience, including time management skills, budgeting, and of course a little extra change in your pocket. This is exactly why you need to choose a job that fits into your schedule and have those communication skills to talk to your manager about availability. Do not be afraid to be firm about scheduling. Being able to communicate effectively with co-workers, teachers, and bosses will prove to be extremely beneficial when managing both an academic career and part-time job.
While all of the aforementioned skills are arguably more valuable to you in the long run, typically, most high school students apply for a job for the money, which is generally the most exciting part of working as a student. Emma Goldstein, class of 2023 and employee of Blue Moon Cafe, enthusiastically said that, “I really like having my own money to spend. It makes me feel a lot more independent and it feels better to buy things with my own money. When I make a big purchase with my own money I feel a lot more proud to own the item.”
Some high school students bear the responsibility of managing their money early on and having this experience allows you to understand where your precious time should be allocated. Sometimes picking up an extra shift on weekends will be tremendously useful if you need to pay for gas or want to buy accessories for prom season! However, while the prospect of seeing your money grow with every paycheck is exciting, Emma says, “I have had to make sure that I know that school always comes first and I have to make sure I can take off if I need to study. I also need to be aware of how late I am going to be at work so I can get my homework done. I will also bring my homework to work if I am closing.” Whether you choose to focus on school or working, how you allocate your time is important based on your own personal goals.
Ultimately, balance is necessary to take on AP classes, college applications, sports, working, and other extracurriculars. Many students at Indian Hills thrive in all of these different aspects of their lives that they are demanded in, but realistically many do struggle. For this reason it is highly important to understand what you’re capable of and where you can push yourself a little harder. So, what are you waiting for? Get that A and get that coin! But maintain a healthy balance between yourself and your own dedication.
