Students at IHS have begun to take up employment as an after-school activity. Whether it is for experience, money, or simply to keep busy with an extra benefit, almost the majority of students spend their free time after school or on weekends working. 

When thinking about applying for a job during the busyness of the school year, it is appropriate to take into consideration the positive and negative attributes of a job.  

The most popular jobs students have experience in involve retail service, fast food or working in a restaurant. These jobs are great for students looking for a way to make money while in school since employers are usually looking for younger hires. 

Jobs can be a lot to handle however, especially for students who involve themselves in school-related activities like clubs, sports, band, or theater. Not only is there a limited time to get assignments completed for school, but a possible decline in students’ mental health due to overbearing stress.

Junior Marvel Fasanya explains, “After school, I have to go straight to work, and then when I come home I usually do homework and I don’t go to sleep until 2 A.M. in the morning, which is really bad.”

A lack of sleep greatly impacts the mindset of students, causing the inability to focus in class, a habit of poor work ethic, unmotivation and an increase in anxiety. 

For many students, it is crucial for them to enjoy their days off with friends and family. But with working on weekends or general exhaustion from the week prior, maintaining a suitable schedule is not always achievable. 

Although, these issues are not guaranteed and can be prevented by pursuing healthy ways to stay organized. “It is important to make plans beforehand, stay connected with friends, but use your time wisely because you’ll never get it back,” offers junior Leia Wells. 

Despite the difficulties of working, jobs are also found to be just as equally rewarding. 

Part-time jobs are more likely to be flexible when it comes to scheduling high school students.  Employers acknowledge the accommodating factors that students may have to balance throughout their week like homework or sports.

Junior Maddie Shirley elaborates on the advantages of having a job, “It’s nice making my own money that I earned, dedicating my time for and being able to feel more independent.” 

Making money on your own opens up new experiences which is helpful to future possibilities. Being exposed to the workforce while still in high school shows responsibility to later employers or colleges.