After-School Jobs

For many students, having a job after school or on weekends is as important as going to school. Yet other students think working takes valuable time away from what's really important.


THE PROS TO GETTING AN AFTER-SCHOOL JOB.

You'll get work experience. In a world where nearly every employer wants experience, the sooner you get in to the working world, the easier it'll be for you to obtain future employment.

You'll earn money. Besides earning money, you will learn about taxes, balancing a checkbook, and making your money last from paycheck to paycheck. You will also learn the value of money.

You'll learn responsibility. From the duties you'll perform at your job to getting there on time, working teaches you responsibility.

You'll meet people. You might make new friends or develop a client base or other professional connections. And don't forget that you'll have a boss that can be a reference for college and future job applications.

You'll understand more about the world around you. Even if your first job is in a fast-food restaurant, you may be surprised to discover that work is more difficult than you expected. Learning how to deal with customers and coworkers is a skill that you can transfer to other areas of your life. And you'll gain a new appreciation for those serving you, which, besides making you a more compassionate person, can be invaluable later in your career.




THE CONS TO GETTING AN AFTER-SCHOOL JOB

You'll have less time for studying. It's critical, as a student with a job, that you quickly learn to budget your time between study and work. Having a part-time job can look great on college applications — unless your grades suffer as a result.

You'll have less time for extracurricular activities. If, in addition to working, you want to quarterback the football team, star in the school play, and participate on the debate team — all while being president of the student body — something's got to give. You need to rest sometime.




Alyssa.