Jobs For High School Students: Benefits, Tips For Balancing Work And Study

March 14, 2023
By AdmissionSight

Jobs For High School Students: Benefits, Tips For Balancing Work And Study

Do you ever wonder what jobs high school students can get? There are many opportunities out there for you to earn some extra cash, whether you’re trying to put away funds for school or you just need some spending money. We’ve compiled a list of the best jobs for high school students, whether you’re looking for part-time, full-time, freelance, or one-time work. All of them are great jobs that don’t require a high school diploma. Some of them are very easy, and some of them pay very well.

Why work while in high school?

Let’s first look at the reasons why you should be interested: Why work while in high school? Here are some reasons why:

  • It can show the link between earning money and getting an education. Most high school students work low-paying jobs that don’t require much education or training. This can help show that school is important if you want to make a good living.
  • It can show how much money is worth. Teenagers who don’t have jobs have to depend on the money of other people. Getting a job gives students their own money and teaches them what a dollar is really worth.
  • It can show how important it is to stick to a budget. Students can see how quickly money that was earned can be spent on things that are not important.
  • It can teach people how to use their time well. Students need to learn how to plan their days so they can work and study at the same time.
  • It can boost your self-esteem. Students may feel more capable when they have a job than when they don’t.
  • Teenagers can use it to stay out of trouble. Having a summer job has been shown to cut the number of violent acts by poor youth by 43%. Jobs after school could offer similar advantages.

Young man serving meals on a canteen.

While working jobs for high school has its benefits, it also has challenges. These include:

  • It can make it harder to do well in school. Even though it’s hard to measure the link between working and grades, researchers have found that students who work more than 20 hours a week do worse in school.
  • It doesn’t always teach useful skills. Research has shown that most jobs that high school students have do not teach them skills that can help them move up in their careers.
  • It can make people feel bad about work. Most high school students have jobs that aren’t fun. That can make people feel bad about their jobs in general.
  • It takes time away from me. Some high school students who work also have to go to school. They need money to have friends, but when they work, they don’t have time for friends.
  • It can make you tired. A student who works and then goes home to study may not have much time to sleep. This can make you tired, which can hurt your health and well-being as a whole.

How to balance studying and working?

How to balance studying and working? Balancing work and study can be a challenge, but with proper planning and time management, it is possible to succeed in both. Here are some tips to help balance studying while working jobs for high school:

Create a schedule: Make a schedule that includes time for work, study, and other activities. Include all important deadlines, such as exams and work shifts, and prioritize tasks based on their importance and deadlines.

Prioritize: Determine which tasks are most important and focus on completing them first. This will help you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Communicate with employers and teachers: Let your employer and teachers know your schedule and commitments. This will help them understand your availability and work with you to create a schedule that works for both parties.

Use your time efficiently: Make the most of your time by using any free time to study or complete assignments. For example, if you have a break during work, use that time to review notes or complete a task.

a female intern talking to a male employee

Set realistic goals: Set realistic goals for what you can achieve in a given day or week. Be honest with yourself about what you can accomplish and adjust your schedule accordingly.

Take care of yourself: It is important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally. Make sure to get enough sleep, exercise, and eat healthy meals. Take breaks when needed to avoid burnout.

Be flexible: Sometimes unexpected things happen, and plans may need to change. Be flexible and adaptable, and be willing to adjust your schedule when needed.

Balancing work and study can be challenging, but with the right mindset and strategies, it is possible to succeed in both areas. By creating a schedule, prioritizing tasks, communicating with employers and teachers, using time efficiently, setting realistic goals, taking care of yourself, and being flexible, you can successfully balance work and study.

Here are some of the best jobs for high school students:

Retail Associate

A retail associate works at a local store and does things like answer questions, help customers carry things, give advice, and find products. It’s one of the most popular jobs for high school students because you can choose a brand you like and an industry (like clothing or home goods) you’re comfortable with. You can also get discounts, move up in your career, and just hang out with people while you work.

Cashier

Also, being a cashier is a good job for someone in high school. For example, if you work as a cashier at Target, your shifts will often be very busy and go by quickly. If, on the other hand, you want to work in a smaller shop, like a boutique, your cashier duties could also be combined with those of a retail associate. You could work as a cashier or checkout clerk in places like gas stations, fast food restaurants, pharmacies, ice cream shops, and more.

Fast-Food Worker

Fast food work is one of the most popular jobs for high school students. Fast food restaurants are always looking for students like you, whether it’s KFC, McDonald’s, Burger King, Taco Bell, or any of the other brands.

As a fast food worker, you might have to do a lot of different things, like take orders, make food, and clean tables. It’s a good experience to put on your resume for future jobs, and high school students can almost always work after school and on weekends.

Yard Worker

Some good jobs that don’t require a high school diploma are yard work and lawn care. And it changes with the seasons, making sure you’ll always have something to do. For example, in the spring you might mow the lawn, in the summer you might clean up the garden, in the fall you might rake the leaves, and in the winter you might shovel the snow.

A male intern being assisted by an employee

It’s good physical work if you want to stay in shape. It would be a great addition to the life of a high school student who spends most of their time studying at a desk.

Babysitter

It seems like babysitting would be a good job for a high school student. It’s great for students because parents often need someone to watch their kids after school and on the weekends. Even though you may have to clean up messes and make food for your charge from time to time, there is plenty of time between tasks to scroll through Instagram or do your homework.

Barista

High school students often choose to work as baristas because it’s one of the few jobs for high school that doesn’t require as much work as the average fast food job. You will take orders for drinks, suggest sides and desserts that go well with the drinks, make coffee and tea drinks, and clean the restaurant when necessary. You might even get some money in tips at the end of your shift.

Dog Walker

If you love dogs and want a job where you can be on your own and get some exercise, there’s no better job than walking dogs. Pet owners who work late at night will want someone to let Fido out earlier, so it’s perfect for a high school student like you who gets out at 3 p.m.

Lifeguard

Lifeguarding often goes hand in hand with summer vacation, which makes it a job that high school students are almost made for. You could go somewhere inside, like the community pool or YMCA, or you could go to the beach and get a tan. Also, if you have the skills to be a lifeguard, you might want to think about becoming a swim teacher, which is another popular summer job for many students.

After-School Tutor

You know what it’s like to be in middle school and elementary school because you’re in high school. Why not use what you know to help someone who is younger? If you’re a high school student, they’ll probably look up to you in ways that a regular teacher would envy, and you’ll feel good about yourself every night when you go home.

How to find a job?

How to find a job? You can look for work in a number of different ways. Here are five things you can do if you are still stuck and can’t find a job:

Cold calling: Calling a company out of the blue can be very effective. This is a quick and sure way to ask if there are any jobs available.

View of a student smiling at the camera.

Flyers: Flyers are a great way to get your name out there and find work. You can make a flyer for a number of job opportunities, such as tutoring and babysitting. Make sure the flyer has a way for people to get in touch with you. You can put these up on bulletin boards in local restaurants, on street posts, in places of worship, and in other places.

Help wanted signs: Keep an eye out for signs around your neighborhood that ask for help. Don’t be afraid to walk in with your resume and ask to talk to a manager.

Personal connection: You can find jobs for high school through the people you know. Ask your friends and family if they know anyone who is hiring and would be willing to hire a high school student.

Zippia: Zippia has a great job search tool that lets you choose things like the type of job you want, the company you want to work for, and your highest level of education. You can say you’re looking for a part-time job and haven’t finished high school yet.

Working while in high school can provide numerous benefits for students. Balancing work and study can be challenging, but with proper planning and time management, it is possible to succeed in both. Therefore, high school students should consider taking advantage of job opportunities to gain valuable experience and skills that will serve them well in the future.

Learn more about college by consulting with college admissions specialists like the ones found here in AdmissionSight. At AdmissionSight, we have over 10 years of experience guiding students through the competitive admissions process to get accepted to the top universities in the world. Feel free to set up an appointment today to book your initial consultation.

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