To Work or Not to Work

Finding and keeping a part-time job while attending high school could be a baffling 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 jobs along with their other responsibilities.

This year as a junior, I took on the challenge of working a part-time job as a lifeguard. As my first job it has been fun so far and I do like making money, but it is definitely a challenge when it comes to putting in the same amount of work ethic into my assignments. If you plan on working a part-time job just remember that school should always come first.

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 school work suffer, but a less intensive part-time job can be a wonderful learning experience.

I've come up with 4 part-time jobs that are popular among high school students and the advantages and disadvantages for each:

1. Animal Shelter Worker- If you love animals, working at an animal shelter could be a great part-time job while you are in school. Shelters hire minimum wage employees to spend time with the animals and clean our their cages. If you want to be a veterinarian, this part-time job provides you with hands on experience, working closely with animals. Although, you could end up assisting with sick animals which can be sad, messy, and heart-wrenching. For most people the rewards outweigh any uncomfortable moments.
2. Arts and Crafts Production and Sales- If you have artistic skills, there may be a market for items that you create, especially during the winter holidays. The only disadvantage for this would be the fact that you would have to pay for supplies and rental fees for booths or tables. It could be easier to set up your shop online, consider selling your arts and crafts on Etsy.
3. Babysitting- usually work Friday and Saturday evenings, leaving the week open for completing homework and participating in school-related activities. Babysitters are paid well for their time. You do have to be on your best behavior at all times in order to keep their job.
4. Car Wash Attendant- Especially for Las Vegas, the warm climate will guarantee you to stay busy. There's nothing worse than being bored at work, so that's a key perk of working for a car wash. Some possible downsides to working for a car wash include getting soaking wet, ruining your clothes, and working for minimum wage. On the plus side there is always the possibility of taking tips.

With this information take a good amount of time to think about whether working part-time would be beneficial towards you or not. Everyone is capable of doing anything as long as they are willing to work for it.