Aidan Duke

Writer

A student’s life includes many activities that they are involved in, which can be very complex with their schedules.

These activities can include a variety of electives, such as athletics, band, vocal, FFA, art, drama and journalism, to name just a few.

Though in school commitments are typically most of students’ schedules, they are not the only one. Working a job while still attending school is another extracurricular activity that has made a huge impact on students for many years.

A huge part in students’ lives is Marlow High School counselor Amy Hershock.

“Jobs can help students learn many different skills that they can use and benefit them,” stated Hershock. “Students working can be very positive but can also have its negative sides causing many stunted to be overwhelmed and stressed.”

According to a 2021 study by Statista, around 19.4 percent of teenagers between ages 16 and 19 were employees while enrolled at school in the United States, increasing from the previous year which was 17.6 percent.

There are various reasons why a student seeks employment while attending school.

Some of these reasons may include the ability to earn their own wage, which can help them understand the true value of a dollar, teach them the importance of budgeting and help them learn time-management skills according to Waldenu.

Jobs can also provide a multitude of opportunities that students can learn via working.

According to Students USDC some of these opportunities can include better time management skills, gaining independence, acquiring new skills and self confidence.

Working a job can come with many challenges that are both positive and negative for any student while still attending school.

One student that feels working while also attending school has positively affected them is sophomore Gavin Cain.

Cain has been employed at DYO pizza, which is a part of the mall in Duncan, OK for about six months now.

“I first started working at DYO pizza because my older brother had already worked there, most of my friends already had jobs and I also wanted to save up some money for my future,” expressed Cain. “In my opinion, I don’t think having a job affects me too much as long as I remember upcoming dates that I am supposed to work on and certain activities.”

Another student that feels her job doesn’t affect her schedule whatsoever is freshmen Delaney Topping. 

Topping works at the Italian restaurant Giuseppe’s in Marlow, OK where she has been employed for almost one year.

“I first started working at Giuseppe’s because my best friend and cousin both worked there, and I wanted to start saving money to buy a car,” stated Topping. “I find that having a job while still going to school is not necessarily difficult because you just have to be up for the challenge and motivated to do the job.”

Jobs can have many positive aspects but can still be challenging with other students’ schedules making it sometimes difficult for them.

One student that finds that having a job can be very hectic is senior Tyler Brown.

Brown also works at Giuseppe’s where he first started when he was a junior in high school.

“I started working at Giuseppe’s because my friend’s parents owned the restaurant, creating a good environment for me. I needed money for gas and wanted to start saving for college,” stated Brown. “I feel that working a job can be very difficult with the various activities I am involved in and can be pretty stressful as well.”

Another student that feels jobs can be extremely stressful and challenging with their schedule is junior Lauren Misner.

Misner has worked at the Mexican restaurant Esperanza in Marlow, OK for about two months.

“I first started working at Esperanza because I wanted to start earning money and also wanted to learn more time management for my future,” concluded Misner. “With school being during the day and work afterwards, it can sometimes be challenging with still having to do schoolwork.”

Jobs have been a major part of today’s society allowing upcoming generations to learn various opportunities and skills.

Employment while still in high school can have its advantages as well as negative consequences.

Jobs have and will continue to help students benefit from learning to be responsible and impacting their upcoming future.