Most students have been there: sitting in the NASH parking lot, looking at the clock that reads 2:30, and panicking because they work at 3. It is a common occurrence for many high schoolers with part-time jobs.

Whether or not they participate in different clubs, play a sport, or are in the Marching Band, they all have to find a way to balance going to school, maintaining a job, and remembering to eat three meals a day. They have to make it work.

While some students have jobs in preparation for their future endeavors, others simply enjoy working just to work and using the money simply for pleasure.

“I’m really happy that I have a job that pays well because I am constantly buying things,” said senior Rebecca Wertz, who has a part time job at Target.  “I don’t mind having a job and balancing school, because working is my choice. I’m fortunate enough that I don’t have to work. However, my parents want me to focus on school and college rather than working.”

No matter the reason why students work, it’s important to recognize the struggle they all face. For many seniors, it is prime time for completing college applications, getting transcripts finalized, and asking for letters of recommendation from teachers. But before college arrives, they have to find ways to pay for it, so they get part time jobs and make short-term sacrifices to achieve their long-term goals.

“Balancing school and work feels really difficult at times because I’m constantly torn between trying to become a responsible adult with a steady job and getting good grades,” said Claire McMahon, who spends her evenings working at GAP, participating in Marching Band, and trying to keep up with her school work.

The toll of employment during adolescence can have an effect on course scheduling.  Working drive-thrus, folding clothes, and washing dishes can make it difficult to manage a heavy schedule of AP classes. Students who work part-time generally know they won’t be able to spend all of their hours on the homework those classes demand. 

“I go to school for seven hours a day, five days a week, then I go to work right after school, three to four days a week,” said senior Victoria Gonchar, who works at Chick-fil-A.  “It’s exhausting. I should be focusing on school and applying to colleges.”

When the final bell has rung, they pull out onto Route 19 with their work uniforms in their backseats. They might be agonizing over the history paper that is due at 11:59 that night. They might be nervous about their solo performance on Wednesday. Perhaps they are anxious about the football game on Friday, especially if they have to get up at 6:00 am on a Saturday to go to work.

Nevertheless, they wake up day after day and do it all over again, because some way, somehow, they make it work– they always do.