5 answers
Kaiya
Student
Montgomery Village, Maryland
1
Question
Updated
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How to find a job while doing dual enrollment in high school and dealing with a chronic illness?
I am a rising senior in high school, and going into my 2nd full year at MC as a dual enrollment student. I am also dealing with Wegener's Granulomatosis.
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5 answers
Wala'a B
Healthcare and Student Succeses Advocate
10
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Wala'a’s Answer
Peace, Kaiya,
I hope you are doing great!
Finding a job while navigating dual enrollment and a chronic illness like Wegener’s Granulomatosis is a delicate balancing act, but it is possible, especially if you prioritize flexibility.
If you must work (whether for financial reasons or to build experience), I highly recommend looking for something remote or hybrid. Your winning card here will be a job that can flex around your health and academic demands, not the other way around. I would cold email the professors, companies, and institutions that have positions that interest you listed on their pages.
I see you tagged psychology on the question: one sustainable route could be to reach out to a psych lab at your college (MC) and ask if they need any help with data entry, transcription, literature reviews, or coding/analyzing surveys. These roles are often project-based and can be done from home on your own time. They also look great on applications and help you build relationships with faculty, which could be invaluable down the line.
If you’re looking more for experience than income right now, I’d actually suggest volunteering instead of working. Volunteering allows you to explore interests, gain skills, and build your resume without the pressure or rigid expectations of a paid job. Plus, if you end up loving a place you volunteer with, that can sometimes turn into a paid opportunity later.
Lastly, if you do find work and don’t need the money urgently, consider saving it intentionally so that you have a cushion in case future health or academic needs arise. Think of it as your “emergency buffer” for the unexpected.
You’re already doing so much; dual enrollment is no small feat, and managing a chronic illness on top of that takes real strength. Don’t underestimate the value of rest, pacing yourself, and saying no when needed. You deserve a path that supports your well-being, not one that drains it.
You got this!
I hope you are doing great!
Finding a job while navigating dual enrollment and a chronic illness like Wegener’s Granulomatosis is a delicate balancing act, but it is possible, especially if you prioritize flexibility.
If you must work (whether for financial reasons or to build experience), I highly recommend looking for something remote or hybrid. Your winning card here will be a job that can flex around your health and academic demands, not the other way around. I would cold email the professors, companies, and institutions that have positions that interest you listed on their pages.
I see you tagged psychology on the question: one sustainable route could be to reach out to a psych lab at your college (MC) and ask if they need any help with data entry, transcription, literature reviews, or coding/analyzing surveys. These roles are often project-based and can be done from home on your own time. They also look great on applications and help you build relationships with faculty, which could be invaluable down the line.
If you’re looking more for experience than income right now, I’d actually suggest volunteering instead of working. Volunteering allows you to explore interests, gain skills, and build your resume without the pressure or rigid expectations of a paid job. Plus, if you end up loving a place you volunteer with, that can sometimes turn into a paid opportunity later.
Lastly, if you do find work and don’t need the money urgently, consider saving it intentionally so that you have a cushion in case future health or academic needs arise. Think of it as your “emergency buffer” for the unexpected.
You’re already doing so much; dual enrollment is no small feat, and managing a chronic illness on top of that takes real strength. Don’t underestimate the value of rest, pacing yourself, and saying no when needed. You deserve a path that supports your well-being, not one that drains it.
You got this!
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
678
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
That is a lot to deal with. I often tell my kids that school is their job. Do you need to actually work or do you want to work?
There are always the simple things like pet sitting or offering to watch homes for those going away for a weekend.
My first job was being a mentor in high school and I just got a small stipend. Maybe you can find something like that?
There are always the simple things like pet sitting or offering to watch homes for those going away for a weekend.
My first job was being a mentor in high school and I just got a small stipend. Maybe you can find something like that?
Jane Doe
19
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jane’s Answer
Hi Kaiya! Balancing dual enrollment with a chronic illness is no small accomplishment, and the fact that you're also exploring job options shows a lot of initiative. When looking for work, it may help to focus on roles that offer flexibility and can fit smoothly alongside your school and health routines. Part-time or remote jobs can be a good starting point, especially those with adaptable hours or independent tasks. You might consider remote internships—even short-term or unpaid ones—as they can offer great experience and sometimes lead to paid opportunities. Freelance work like tutoring, writing, digital art, or managing social media may also be worth exploring, since it can give you more say in how and when you work. Montgomery College may have on-campus positions that are designed with student schedules in mind, so checking out the college’s job board, career center, or even reaching out to professors could uncover some helpful leads.
As you look for opportunities, it’s totally okay to define what kind of commitment works best for you. A role that’s 5–10 hours a week can still give you valuable experience and connections. And it’s important to recognize the strengths you’re already developing—navigating school while managing your health builds organization, self-awareness, and persistence. Through your coursework, you're likely building skills like communication, critical thinking, and research that transfer well to many jobs. There’s no one “right” path, and the one you’re on already reflects determination and capability. Best of luck as you find something that aligns with your goals and interests!
As you look for opportunities, it’s totally okay to define what kind of commitment works best for you. A role that’s 5–10 hours a week can still give you valuable experience and connections. And it’s important to recognize the strengths you’re already developing—navigating school while managing your health builds organization, self-awareness, and persistence. Through your coursework, you're likely building skills like communication, critical thinking, and research that transfer well to many jobs. There’s no one “right” path, and the one you’re on already reflects determination and capability. Best of luck as you find something that aligns with your goals and interests!
Richard A. (Tony) Eckel
31
Answers
Updated
Richard A. (Tony)’s Answer
Kaiya,
At the risk of being trite, you have to pick your battles. In other words, prioritize your time for YOU.
1) Your Health - no amount of time/effort should be spared staying healthy, including avoiding activities and stresses that may exacerbate the symptoms or progressive damage of GPA.
2) Education - you are young and may feel pressured to excel when compared to your peers, taking on extra workload to achieve a goal. All goals are internal and relative to the abilities and resources of the individual. If achieving that goal is motivated by a need to "overcome" an obstacle to prove you are better than your peers, you have misplaced motivations. Work within your resources, not against your limitations.
3) Work - Without knowing the motivation of why you "need" to work, the most obvious is to do Work-Study at MC. Without knowing the logistics (you NEED to minimize transportation loss time) and times of classes, it is difficult to plot a path of maximum efficiency. The employment alternative is to find weekend work in customer service, but that will be very hard as those are the prime shifts for full time employees. You never mentioned what your studies were focused on, but there may be internships in the area that you can leverage into a part time gig. Alternatively, online work that is task based/piecework that you are qualified to perform. Point is - look for something close to where you are, and make work your lowest priority until you complete your education.
Key Communications you need to prepare:
A) Alert your health care providers that you are limited in your time flexibility. Make it clear, purposeful, and compelling. As much as possible, Doctors and Therapies have to work with YOUR schedule. Skipping a class for a checkup is very costly in your life; share "regular" times you can accommodate (keeping transportation in mind) and keep them up to date as your schedule is changed. Do everything you can to make them your friends - Notes, cards, candy, etc.
B) Work with your employer to be flexible - this may mean odd hours - but help them understand why you have limitations and ask THEM how you can contribute under your circumstances, i.e. the blocks of available time you have. Good employers are willing to creatively assist if you can provide good options to them, and there may be support programs that reward hiring you specifically.
Most importantly - Do not be in a rush to accelerate your education, or earn money, at the cost of your health. Compartmentalize your life and tasks to not overload your physical and time constraints. Constrict your life to tasks in the three buckets and schedule, schedule, schedule to prevent additional stress on your time. Knowing where you need to be and what you need to be doing is critical. NEVER forget that a 15 minute car ride takes 30-45 minutes (and that's if parking is nearby!). Maybe shift to an electric bike that can be secured close to your destinations to eliminate that hike through the parking lot.
Finally, Reserve "You" time - 8-16 hours/week (not all at once) to just "breath" and relax. Maybe do some physical exercise, ignore the world, or do something to step away from the hustle while using task based alerts on your phone to keep yourself focused and organized. When the next task alert comes in, take a deep breath and re-enter your "matrix".
Good Luck and Good Health,
Tony
At the risk of being trite, you have to pick your battles. In other words, prioritize your time for YOU.
1) Your Health - no amount of time/effort should be spared staying healthy, including avoiding activities and stresses that may exacerbate the symptoms or progressive damage of GPA.
2) Education - you are young and may feel pressured to excel when compared to your peers, taking on extra workload to achieve a goal. All goals are internal and relative to the abilities and resources of the individual. If achieving that goal is motivated by a need to "overcome" an obstacle to prove you are better than your peers, you have misplaced motivations. Work within your resources, not against your limitations.
3) Work - Without knowing the motivation of why you "need" to work, the most obvious is to do Work-Study at MC. Without knowing the logistics (you NEED to minimize transportation loss time) and times of classes, it is difficult to plot a path of maximum efficiency. The employment alternative is to find weekend work in customer service, but that will be very hard as those are the prime shifts for full time employees. You never mentioned what your studies were focused on, but there may be internships in the area that you can leverage into a part time gig. Alternatively, online work that is task based/piecework that you are qualified to perform. Point is - look for something close to where you are, and make work your lowest priority until you complete your education.
Key Communications you need to prepare:
A) Alert your health care providers that you are limited in your time flexibility. Make it clear, purposeful, and compelling. As much as possible, Doctors and Therapies have to work with YOUR schedule. Skipping a class for a checkup is very costly in your life; share "regular" times you can accommodate (keeping transportation in mind) and keep them up to date as your schedule is changed. Do everything you can to make them your friends - Notes, cards, candy, etc.
B) Work with your employer to be flexible - this may mean odd hours - but help them understand why you have limitations and ask THEM how you can contribute under your circumstances, i.e. the blocks of available time you have. Good employers are willing to creatively assist if you can provide good options to them, and there may be support programs that reward hiring you specifically.
Most importantly - Do not be in a rush to accelerate your education, or earn money, at the cost of your health. Compartmentalize your life and tasks to not overload your physical and time constraints. Constrict your life to tasks in the three buckets and schedule, schedule, schedule to prevent additional stress on your time. Knowing where you need to be and what you need to be doing is critical. NEVER forget that a 15 minute car ride takes 30-45 minutes (and that's if parking is nearby!). Maybe shift to an electric bike that can be secured close to your destinations to eliminate that hike through the parking lot.
Finally, Reserve "You" time - 8-16 hours/week (not all at once) to just "breath" and relax. Maybe do some physical exercise, ignore the world, or do something to step away from the hustle while using task based alerts on your phone to keep yourself focused and organized. When the next task alert comes in, take a deep breath and re-enter your "matrix".
Good Luck and Good Health,
Tony
Andressa Amaral De Lara
psychologist
1
Answer
Cuiabá
Updated
Andressa’s Answer
Balancing dual enrollment, high school, a chronic illness (like Wegener’s Granulomatosis), and a job is challenging but possible with careful planning and self-advocacy.
Health First: Be realistic about your energy levels, flare-up frequency, and treatment schedule. Work with your doctor to determine how many hours/week you can safely commit. (remember that if you don't look to yourself with care and feel good you will not be able to take care of someone else)
Review your dual enrollment and high school schedule. Aim for a job with flexible hours that won’t overwhelm you like some remote work: Data entry, tutoring, freelance writing, or virtual assistant roles. You can look to some on-Campus Jobs: Check if your community college has part-time jobs (library aide, lab assistant) with student-friendly hours.
You’re not required to disclose your illness upfront, but if you need accommodations (sitting breaks, limited hours) provide a doctor’s note if necessary.
Resume: Highlight skills from school (time management, teamwork) and any volunteer work.
Networking: Ask teachers, counselors, or MC staff if they know of flexible opportunities.
Job Boards: Use Indeed, LinkedIn, or Snagajob with filters like “part-time” or “remote.”
Always remember of protect your health, your time, prioritize rest and take care of yourself.
Health First: Be realistic about your energy levels, flare-up frequency, and treatment schedule. Work with your doctor to determine how many hours/week you can safely commit. (remember that if you don't look to yourself with care and feel good you will not be able to take care of someone else)
Review your dual enrollment and high school schedule. Aim for a job with flexible hours that won’t overwhelm you like some remote work: Data entry, tutoring, freelance writing, or virtual assistant roles. You can look to some on-Campus Jobs: Check if your community college has part-time jobs (library aide, lab assistant) with student-friendly hours.
You’re not required to disclose your illness upfront, but if you need accommodations (sitting breaks, limited hours) provide a doctor’s note if necessary.
Resume: Highlight skills from school (time management, teamwork) and any volunteer work.
Networking: Ask teachers, counselors, or MC staff if they know of flexible opportunities.
Job Boards: Use Indeed, LinkedIn, or Snagajob with filters like “part-time” or “remote.”
Always remember of protect your health, your time, prioritize rest and take care of yourself.