As a student, having a job may seem impossible balancing 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, have it in the town of Los Banos or the outskirts of town and work for only 1 to 2 hours
As a working student you need to be able to know how to manage your time and be organized. Knowing when to do your 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, 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 prowess.
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. It shows what hard work could accomplish. Having to focus both on work and school helps a person mature.
“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 workshop class taught by Mrs. Nicoletti has helped students find and secure jobs. This class helps build the students’ resume and references for better chances of obtaining their desired position. Requirements to have a job while going to school at the same time. You need to have good grades and have a 2.5 GPA or higher, nothing lower than that and can’t have any F’s. If wanted, you can drop both electives or one while working. But if so you will need to meet 20 hours of work to drop both elective classes or 10 hours of work to drop only one elective class. When dropped you will still receive elective points and credit. If wanting to take the work experience class you will have to meet up with Mrs. Nicoletti once a week and have her check your hours. Mrs. Nicoletti every quarter goes to your employer and checks how you’re doing at your job and has your employer sign some papers acknowledging you as a worker and how you’re doing.
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. When young money is like a bomb ready to detonate in spendings. This bomb needs to be controlled to avoid reckless spending.
“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 that are juggling work along with school experience meaningful stress, large sleep deprivation, in addition to 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.
