Is it a good idea to get a job while you're in high school?

Hi Sofie,

Great question!

I'm a bit biased (I had my first job in middle school - paperboy - and worked after school during my years in high school), but I'd definitely recommend that you get a job during high school.

I'd recommend it for a few different reasons...

1) Having your own money is fun...you don't need to bug your parents if you want to buy something or you don't need to ask your parents for money. You can also save it and invest it for the future, helping to pay for college or other long-term priorities that you might have.

2) Having an after-school job (or working during the summer between school years) keeps you busy and forces you to stay organized in terms of completing your school work...when you have more time to get something done, it often takes longer to get done. If you have less time, it will probably get done faster!

3) Having an after-school job looks good on a college application. It shows that you are dedicated, well-rounded and that you likely learned a number of important lessons that you don't necessarily learn in the classroom. These experiences / perspectives will make you a valuable member of a college community.

4) Lastly, if you pick the right job, it can be fun!

Hope that helps!

Thanks,

Geoff

Hi Sofie

Working a part-time job could have a positive impact for you. Sofie you are at an age where you can now can handle greater responsibility. A part-time job provides you with an opportunity to explore outside interests as well as earn self-confidence and exerts your independence.

I hope this helps!

Hi,

I think part-time job would be beneficial for most youth. But of course, please do make sure that you have the proper schedule and your primary responsibilities are taken care of, i.e. education, families and etc.

I think part-time job is beneficial as it introduce you to new (work) environment, learn new responsibilities and new skillsets.

What type of part-time job?
Well, if you can find a part-time job that you have interested in as a career or close to it, that would be a fantastic option. Even if working for a company that you might want to join in close future.

What you gain?
Sometime people think that most part-time job is just for the money. But most youth do not think about how it will benefit them in the long run.

Think about what you will gain:
New skillsets, such as customer service, communication, written, business interaction, responsibilities and many more. These are the skillsets that you are not able to practice in school. You can read about it, but you will learn and polish your skillsets even more when you use it. Meeting people in the industry that you are interested in. Interview/discuss with them on their experience in their current career. What do they have to do, what gets them there and who they need to talk to. Networking. Meeting the right people, they could be your referral in your future job. They could be the key to get into the company or industry that you are interested in.

But the most important thing, recognize your current responsibilities and manage it accordingly. Know your priorities.

Good luck and cheers! :)

It is also always nice to actually have some kind of work history when you go to get jobs later and apply to colleges etc.