Many high school students are under a lot of pressure to pass school and graduate. Since 2010, the ratio of students having jobs has increased by 22.5%. But how are these jobs affecting them emotionally, academically, and socially?
While balancing work and school can be stressful, the financial independence that comes with a job is one of its best perks. Students earning their own money can be a source of pride, helping them provide for their families or save up for future expenses. They think that since they get an income of their own, they no longer have to rely on their parents for money which teaches them responsibility and independence.
A Potosi high school student, Logan Goodson shared his experience. “Having a job really made me feel more empowered, made me get my own money and have my own privileges.” This personal opinion shows how having a job can teach you important life skills like budgeting and managing time, while also helping students grow in confidence and autonomy.
However, despite these benefits, the challenges associated with working while attending school are significant. Many students struggle with the emotional and physical toll of juggling both responsibilities. A common issue is sleep deprivation, as students work late hours and still need to wake up early for school. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, teenagers need around 8-10 hours of sleep every night to function properly, but the demands of both work and school can severely mess up their sleep patterns.
Kaley Holbert, a fellow student from PHS highlighted the mental health effects. “Working while [also going to] school affects my mental health significantly because you get exhausted easily throughout the day from working long shifts and [working] takes away time to do school work at home.” This lack of rest and personal time can lead to burnout, stress, and declining academic performance, which ultimately impacts a students well being.
In addition to the academic and emotional challenges, working while attending high school can also affect students socially. When students spend significant time working, they often have less time to participate in extracurricular activities, hang out with friends, or attend events like school dances or games. This can lead to a feeling of isolation and missing out on important social experiences that you may need to build friendships and social skills.
This situation is echoed by Alexis Lawson. “When I see people from school at my job it makes me feel embarrassed especially when I have to clean in front of them. It also stinks because it takes away time for me to hang out with my friends and I miss that freedom.” Alexis’s experience highlights how working in high school can lead to awkward social interactions and a sense of embarrassment, especially when classmates are aware of their job duties. Moreover, the time spent working often replaces opportunities to engage in social activities or relax, leaving students with less time to nurture friendships or enjoy the carefree moments typical of adolescence. This imbalance can create feelings of regret or resentment, as students may feel that their social lives are being sacrificed for financial stability or work responsibilities.
While having a job during high school can provide valuable financial independence and life skills, it also comes with significant emotional, academic, and social changes. The pressure of balancing work and school can lead to a lack of sleep, burnout, and feelings of isolation, as students miss out on social experiences and struggle to maintain their academic performance. While some students find empowerment and pride in their ability to earn their own money, the toll it takes on their well-being cannot be overlooked. Students, parents, and schools need to recognize these challenges and work together to find a healthier balance between work, school, and personal life.
