Getting your first job can be exciting and scary at the same time. There are positives and negatives when deciding if you are ready to start your first job in high school. Students having a part-time job teaches them financial responsibility and to be independent. It also teaches them to be responsible because they need to be able to get everything done at work and school simultaneously.

“The things I like about working are getting a break from school for a couple of hours, and also getting to see my favorite coworkers and regulars that come in.” Said Natalia Lopez, junior. “But I don’t like my hourly wage nor do I like the fact that when I do work during the week, I’m taking time off of my schoolwork which makes it harder for me to have good grades.”

Having a part-time job as a high schooler can take a toll on a student’s mental health, having almost no free time and having lots of stress on them all the time with working long hours. Many students who are old enough to work may also be taking college-level courses which are more difficult. A positive thing about working at such a young age is learning early responsibilities and getting experience working for a legitimate business. It will teach you the necessities you will need later in life to make you as successful as possible. Making money and learning to be financially responsible is a good thing considering these are aspects you will need in the future.

Shawn Whoriskey, junior stated, “I like being responsible for myself by having a job so I get to make my own money and manage it responsibly, but it takes a major toll on my free time as I work late nights after school and over the weekend having almost no free time.”

Learning communication skills along with how to problem solve also plays a big role in growing up and maturing. Learning to work with a new crowd of people of different cultures and races along with a variety of ages is something that will help you out later down the road when looking for a higher education or seeking a financially responsible job.

Konnor Cappiello, junior says “I work at Wings Plus part time and I love it! Working a job and being a full-time student teaches kids like me how to effectively manage my time with homework and making sure I get good grades in school while helping out at my restaurant.”

Students working at a young age teaches them how to effectively communicate and learn excellent customer service skills. Overall, the positives outnumber the negatives and it is important to keep a balance with all the responsibilities you have.