High school can be so fast paced with classes, extracurricular activities, friendships, and personal growth. If a part time job is added into the mix, it may feel overwhelming. Yet many students successfully navigate the challenges of balancing school and work, gaining valuable life skills along the way. So, how do they do it?

For some students, working a part time job is a necessity. Whether it’s to save for college, help their family, or gain financial independence, there are many reasons why students begin working. However, balancing work with homework, studying, sports, clubs, and a social life can be very stressful. Time management becomes critical and the risk of burnout increases.

Between school, homework, and their shifts, it may be a challenge to find time to relax and even sleeping can feel impossible. Academic pressure and maintaining good grades while working requires discipline and focus.

It is also easy for students to feel like they are missing out on fun activities or time with friends when they are so busy with life. Juggling multiple responsibilities can easily leave them exhausted and drained of their energy.

Despite the challenges, many students find ways to thrive. Here are some tips to help you balance school and work effectively:

• Plan: 

Use a planner or calendar to map out your schedule. Set aside time for school, work, rest, and any other important things to do. Try to stick to that plan as much as possible.

• Communicate:

Try to talk to a manager about your school commitments. Some employers are willing to accommodate your schedule, especially if you are straightforward about your needs.

• Stay organized: 

Keep track of assignments, deadlines, and work shifts in whatever way works best for you. Breaking your tasks down into manageable chunks can help make them feel less overwhelming.

• Take care of yourself: 

Don’t sacrifice sleep or meals. Health is the foundation of success, so it should be prioritized. 

• Learn to say no:

It is okay to turn down extra shifts or hangouts with friends if you are feeling overwhelmed. Setting boundaries is key to maintaining balance.

• Ask for help

If you are struggling, do not hesitate to reach out to teachers, family, or friends. They can offer valuable support and advice.

Kaymar Aung-Kin is currently a junior at South Lakes who is balancing a part time job at Kung Fu Tea while also being a full IB student. While she considers the course work to be relatively easy, she is thankful that she is able to do some homework at work when the store isn’t as busy.

Aung-Kin isn’t afraid to say no and cuts down on shifts when she gets really busy with homework. She believes that this is essential to keeping school and work balanced. 

“Typically in the third and fourth quarters of the year, school starts to get harder, especially in tedious, homework-heavy classes like HOA and IB physics,” she says.

When asked if having a job may have contributed to any bad grades, Kaymar replied, “I think my grades have actually gotten better, having a job really teaches me to manage my time better.”

Balancing high school and work is definitely not easy, but it is a challenge that can teach you invaluable skills like time management, responsibility, and resilience. By staying organized, setting priorities, and taking care of yourself, you can succeed both academically and professionally.

Whether you are already working or considering a part time job, know that with the right mindset and strategies, it is possible to create balance. After all, high school is about more than just academics, it is also about preparing for the future and having a job is a great way to start!