Wake up, leave for school by 8:15, sit through four classes, leave school at 4:30, be at work by 5, work five hours, clock out at 10:30, get home around 11, do homework and shower, bed by 1 in the morning, go to sleep, wake up, leave for school by 8:15. It’s an endless cycle.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this is a schedule 22% of American high school students follow, two to three times a week, maybe even more. It sounds like a lot but making their own money is something teens are eager to work for.

Sixteen is an exciting milestone for many teens. They are finally able to drive around, pay for food, and pay for gas. However, it can get overwhelming having no money to pay for the exciting things that come with being 16, which is why many kids get jobs.  

Getting a job is a huge responsibility that lots of people don’t realize. Being part of the 22%, I have seen countless students get hired at my work and last less than a week. They are just looking to get quick money and look over the big change a job will bring to their life.

I have had a job for over a year, starting at 14. It was a rocky start, I would be lying if I said I was the best employee but that is something I have learned how to do. Having a job has taught me so many crucial communication skills that I have used with classmates, teachers, and adults.

Getting a job as a teen is a really good way to learn how to manage and save your money as well as budget your percheches which is a skill needed in the teen years of your life.

Learning how to balance your schedule is also something that you can pick up from a job. You will have to sacrifice going to many things before you get the hang of asking off and taking/giving away shifts, but it helps time management for school.

While this is true most of the time, I’ve seen jobs teach kids respect and communication skills, which in my opinion is needed in a lot of high schoolers. A respectful attitude can give you many opportunities for your education and life, communication skills are universally needed for relationships, school, jobs, etc. 

For some people, it is hard to fit a job into their schedule without being overwhelmed, so something more manageable like babysitting or walking dogs is a great alternative, it may not teach you as much, but it is still rewarding.

While everyone’s situation is different, I and 22% of high schoolers can say that a job is one of the most beneficial things to get in high school. It has taught me patience, work ethic, communication, time management, and money management, with still much to learn.