As a student, having a job may seem impossible with balancing family, work, and school at the same time.
Some people think that it’s a lot of responsibility and impossible to have a job while still in school. Some students have their own jobs or business such as mowing lawns, doing landscaping, babysitting for family or friends and detailing cars. Students say that their parents want them to apply to different types of jobs or plan on getting a job soon so they can start to have responsibilities.
According to a recent poll, most students that do have jobs, work in town or the surrounding areas for only one to two hours.
A working student needs to be able to know how to manage time and be organized, know when to do work at school and not goof off. Responsibilities like this help a student be prepared for real life.
Kyle Cascia (12) stated, “I try to keep my school stuff in school, and try to get it all done within the time period.”
If not taken seriously, times will get difficult and prevent the student from working on their educational goals. Cascia stated, “If stuff starts getting backed up, then it gets tough.”
Working as a young student helps mature the mind on what reality is for his or her future. It shows what hard work could accomplish.
“Hard work is your name. If you work hard, people recognize you for that, and if you slack off, then you’re going to be known as one of those too,” Cascia stated firmly.
Finding a job as a young student is very difficult, especially in Los Banos, even with previous work experience or not, it’s a hassle. The work experience class taught by Mrs. Nicoletti has helped students find and secure jobs. This class helps build the student’s resume and references for better chances of obtaining their desired position.
There are requirements to have a job while going to school at the same time. Students need to have good grades and have a 2.5 GPA or higher, nothing lower than that and no F’s. If students want to and can, they are able to drop both electives or one while working. this would allow them to leave school during periods 5 and 6 in order to work. Students need to meet 20 hours of work to drop both elective classes or 10 hours of work to drop only one elective class. Students will receive elective points and credit for their work experience. If wanting to take the work experience class, students will have to meet with Nicoletti once a week and have her check work hours. In addition, every quarter, she goes to work site and speaks with your employer and checks how you’re doing at your job. The employer signs papers acknowledging you as a worker and states how you’re doing on the job.
Cascia stated, “Thankfully the work experience class helped me get a job at Tractor Supply.” The work experience class could definitely open some opportunities for students wanting a job.
Receiving a paycheck every two weeks builds a habit of saving money wisely. “I’ve found I’ve spent a lot more money than I ever had, and I also saved a lot more too,” Cascia stated.
Having a job teaches students to be mindful of their financial decisions, encouraging them to save for the future or for specific goals. “I set aside a certain amount of money out of each paycheck and the rest of the money I put in my checking, so I do about $200 in saving each check,” Cascia stated.
Downsides also exist when it comes to having a job during high school. Many students who are juggling work along with school experience meaningful stress, large sleep deprivation, in addition to a lower academic performance. A job can also restrict social time because of having to clock into work. It could also severely limit involvement in extracurricular activities.
