By contributing writer Jackie Couto (’28)
Every student knows how hard it is to balance their academic, athletic, and personal life, but what about adding on a work life? The number of teenagers working jobs has slowly decreased over time as a result of the higher stress levels high school students experience. However, some still have a job.
Senior Rekha Phoba is a hostess at Drumlins. Phoba found her job when her sister told her about it. After a brief interview, she got the job. Phoba feels like it hasn’t been hard balancing school and work. “I only work three to four days a week.” She works after school and uses the weekends for studying and homework. Rekha feels like working this job has impacted her free time. “I have less time for myself and my friends.”
Senior Diane Amoako works at McDonalds as a server. Amoako found out about her job because her brother works at McDonalds. Working at McDonalds means that Amoaka’s free time has been impacted a lot. “Don’t take too many hours, because it’s a lot of work, and make sure you have time for yourself,” advises Amoako.
Freshman Sofia Koenig is a babysitter. Koenig has a stable babysitting job with a family where she cares for three kids. Koenig feels like her free time has not been impacted, saying, “I only babysit when they me need to, which is usually on the weekend, so it’s not that bad.” Koenig recommends being a student worker. “It has taught me to be responsible and independent. I’ve also learned money making skills.” Koenig feels like getting a job with a good boss is crucial to being a successful student worker.
Senior Alyssa Forgione works at Dunkin’ Donuts. She found the job when her classmate said he liked working at Dunkin’ Donuts. “I applied and got hired. I was really excited about starting this job,” Forgione says. Advice that Forgione gives is to work really hard in the beginning to show to your bosses that you have a good work ethic. “Always prioritize school work and yourself over your job,” Forgione says.
Balancing work and school can be exhausting and hard but learning good work ethics and responsibility can help students learn good values and achieve their end goal.
