Finding and keeping a part-time job while attending high school can be a daunting task. Balancing work with classes, homework, extracurricular activities, and just hanging out with friends can be tough, but millions of teens are able to manage part-time work along with their other responsibilities.
During my first two years of high school I was a paper delivery boy, leaving at 4 am every morning to deliver newspapers. I also went out once or twice a week in the evening to collect money from my customers. For the last two years of school I had a retail job, behind the counter at a mom and pop drugstore. These jobs taught me how to manage money, how to handle responsibility, and how to deal with the general public. They were invaluable experiences and provided me with some much-needed autonomy and spending money, too.
Should High School Students Work Jobs?
There are different schools of thought on whether teenagers should have part-time jobs, but I find that the pros easily outweigh any cons. A teenager who works long hours every day after school could see his or her schoolwork suffer, but a less-intensive part-time job can be a wonderful learning experience. If kids can get to school on time, maintain solid grades, and participate in school activities, part-time jobs in high school can be beneficial to their success.
Solid GPA and SAT test scores are important to gain entrance to college, but schools look for more than just good test scores. Universities also look for well-rounded students. An application from a high school student who holds a part-time job demonstrates determination, drive, and perseverance.
Before applying for any part-time job, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the child labor laws in your state. Some states require that minors have work permits in order to apply for jobs. In some areas, minors are not permitted to work in certain types of occupations, or cannot work during school hours. Some states also require that students maintain a specific minimum grade point average while they are working.
Part-Time Jobs for High School Students
Some students work in traditional part-time jobs, but many students take a more entrepreneurial approach to earning money. There are a number of side business ideas you can begin that take advantage of your unique skills and abilities. Starting a business appeals to many students because the hours are flexible, the pay is as good as or better than a “real” job, and you’re the boss.
Some of the most popular part-time jobs and small business opportunities for high school students include being an animal shelter worker, working in arts and crafts production and sales, babysitting, working at a car wash, documenting and archiving, working at a grocery store or for a landscaper, deliver pizza, become a mover or waitstaff, tutoring or becoming a web designer.
Visit www.moneycrashers.com/part-time-jobs-high-school-students for the full list, including some of the advantages and disadvantages of each job opportunity.
