Finding and keeping a part-time job while balancing your high school studies can be a bit tricky. Juggling between work, classes, extra-curricular activities, and homework can be hard, but a lot of teenagers are able to manage doing so along with a list of other responsibilities.
Should a Person in High School Get a Job?
There are a lot of answers to this question; the list can be quite lengthy but you’ll find that the pros can easily trump the cons. Sure, a teen who allots a huge chunk of his or her time doing part time work may run the risk of having their academic works suffer, but then again, doing a less demanding part-time job can be a fruitful experience for some. If teens can get on school in time, keep good grades, and still be able to participate in school activities, then having a part-time job can be very beneficial to their success.
A good GPA and SAT scores are needed for college acceptance, but schools tend to look for more than just good academic scores. Colleges now look for more-rounded individuals. And applications from high school students who are able to hold a part-time job get extra points for demonstrating perseverance, drive and good time management skills.
However, if you’re keen on applying for a part-time job, make sure that you are aware first of the child labor laws that govern your state.
Part-time Jobs for High School Students
Some students take the traditional route in terms of working part-time, but there are others who are taking a more entrepreneurial approach to saving and earning some cash. Below are some part-time work ideas that can fit any typical high-schooler.
Animal shelter worker.
If you’re an animal lover, this is going to be a breeze for you. Animal shelters hire employees on a minimum wage basis for people who want to spend a bit of time with animals, caring for them and cleaning their cages. If you are aspiring to be a veterinarian, this will serve as a great training ground.
Babysitting
Caring for a younger sibling or a neighbour is something most teens undergo at some point in their lives. And if it is something you’re already accustomed to doing, why not monetize your babysitting skills? Babysitters usually work during Friday evenings and Saturdays, which leaves them with the rest of the week to comply with other school activities and finish any homework.
Sitters are paid roughly $12-15 per hour. The pay might vary depending on the babysitter’s age and other clients may be inclined to pay more especially during those times when they’re in dire need of sitters. Babysitters who are CPR-trained are also in demand. If you’re interested, the Red Cross conducts an intensive training for babysitters which include classes for first aid training, feeding techniques, placing diapers, as well as classes teaching students on how to ace their job interviews.
Car Wash Attendant
If you live in an area with warmer climate or are only permitted to work during the warm season, then being a car wash attendant is guaranteed to keep you on your toes. There’s nothing worse than being bored on the job, but if you work at a car wash, you’ll never run out of things to do to keep you busy.
Some possible downsides though, working in this industry almost guarantees you being soaked wet at most times, it may also ruin some of you clothing, and will only pay a minimum wage. On the plus side, you might be given tips by nice customers plus you get to work outside. You can also maintain your own ride looking clean and shiny at no extra cost.
Grocery store employee
Most grocery stores hire students part-time all throughout the year. They also offer a ton of jobs to high schoolers—manning the counters, baggers, doing inventories, stocking the shelves, mopping floors and more. Part-timers do get minimum wage at grocery stores. Working in this arena also comes with a few perks including having shorter shifts, discounts on merchandise, and flexibility in terms of scheduling.
Pizza delivery guy
If you know how to drive and have a good record, then you can apply as a pizza delivery guy. They don’t get paid much but they do receive tips. Work entails going back and forth from the pizza place to get the pizzas and then delivering it to the customers’ addresses. This work may not offer much of glamor, but with the right attitude, it can be a fun way to earn some decent cash.
