As Newsome high schoolers mature and grow into young adults, many find themselves in need of money. However, as all students know, a parents wallet will only stretch so far, if at all, for teenage shenanigans. This leads many students to join the U.S. rat race and begin applying for part-time and after-school jobs. 

   Having a job, like many things, is neither wholly positive nor negative. On one hand, it teaches young adults responsibility outside of household chores and homework. For what will be the first time for many teenagers, they will be expected to perform certain duties and responsibilities for someone in a professional capacity. 

   Jobs also present teens with the opportunity to learn new skills, such as customer service and hospitality or culinary skills. With these skills, future resumes have better chances of catching employers’ eyes, especially if teens get jobs in beginner positions of workforces they intend to go into.

   On the other hand, jobs take up time in many high schoolers’ already hectic schedules. After-school jobs and weekend gigs can take up a lot of time and leave many young adults feeling exhausted or sick from overworking. Teens, who studies already show do not get enough sleep, might stay up to unhealthy hours to complete school work or may even neglect important homework and study time in order to catch up on sleep debt.

   All in all, whether or not a job is the right choice for a teen is up to them and their parents to decide. If a teen and their family believe them to be able to uphold their responsibility on top of work hours, then a job is a great way for teens to make a few extra bucks or save up for a car. However, teens should also be aware of the downsides of working and make their choice accordingly.