Searcy, AR (LP) — Part-time jobs are an essential part of many high school students’ lives. Typically, about 30% of high school students work during the school year, with the amount increasing a little during the summer. The pandemic gave students more free time, especially during quarantine. Some students chose to get a job, and have maintained them throughout the pandemic.
Senior Lily James began working as a barista at Stu’s Bru during quarantine. “I was a virtual student, so I worked from six to twelve in the morning, and then did all of my schoolwork and cheer practice afterwards. I quit during my junior year,” said James. She began working at Stu’s Bru again during the summer, and will work during this school year. “I work three or four mornings a week. My shifts are typically four hours. I open from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM,” stated James. Her hours look a little different during the school year compared to the summer. “When I worked in the summer, I worked from 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM some days. Sometimes I would work from 12:00 PM to 6:00 at night,” said James. She has benefited from many skills learned through her job. “It has helped me with saving money. Since I’m going to college, I’m trying to save. It has taught me time management, multitasking, and how to communicate effectively with people,” explained James.
Junior Mark Williams worked during the summer. “I had a job at Sitane’s Market and Deli. I would serve tables, restock shelves, and take out whatever trash and cardboard there was. It got boring at times, especially after lunch rush,” said Williams. He is involved in several extracurricular activities, including band, drama club and Beta club. “I don’t have a job mainly because of stress from school. I didn’t think I would be overloaded with so much work. I want more time with family and friends. With what I am doing now besides school, work wouldn’t allow me to be at home often. Right now, a job would take away what little time I have to spend with the people that I cherish,” explained Williams.
Government teacher Christine Edelmann understands both sides of the discussion about part-time jobs and students. “I’m not really positive or negative about it. I think students have to make decisions that are best for them, and for many students, having a part time job is a wonderful part of their development and something that they need to do. For some, they may want to focus on school opportunities,” said Edelmann. While having a job could possibly affect a student’s performance in school, it can vary from student to student. “I don’t really see a difference, but there are so many other factors that play into performance,” stated Edelmann. The COVID-19 pandemic provided some students with opportunities to work a lot more. “Many students, when we had virtual-school options, began to work a lot more. That became more of a financial need in their families. A lot of students are now in the position of having to make that decision of sacrificing some time that they could give to schoolwork because they have to work,” explained Edelmann.
Edelmann respects students for trying to find the balance between work and school, as it can be challenging to manage. Jobs can have both positive and negative effects on anyone. As each student’s life is different, there are many factors that determine whether or not they can have a job.
