To Work or Not to Work

Ana Lara-Cruz, Staff Writer

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, except not really. Around this time most work places are hiring massive amounts of people to prepare for the busiest time of the year: the Holidays. What most students don’t seem to understand is that once you obtain a job, its hard to manage both school and work at the same time. For seniors, there are other priorities such as college applications and scholarship applications that can consume most of time.

“It’s pretty hard honestly,” said Elsie Phanord, a senior. “I have AP classes and it’s really hard trying to keep up with the work and a job.”

Having a job can also take away time from participation in extracurricular activities, so for an athlete it will become even harder to try and juggle school life and work life. Depending on where you decide to work, the extensive amount of hours and amount of days can become overwhelming, especially if you work in a high speed place such as a fast food restaurant.

“I do a lot of clubs and after-school activities so it can get really stressful,” said Phanord. “Although, I’ve learned to manage my time more wisely.”

Usually the only places that are willing to take minors are fast food restaurants. Places that have a certain age requirement are usually retail stores. Forever 21, H&M, JCPenny, Macy’s and many others have a requirement of at least 18 years or older in order to apply to their establishment. Although, there are stores like American Eagle, Aeropostale, Plato’s closet, and Wet Seal that hire workers 16 years or older, especially around the holidays.

If students really need a job and think they can handle it, then go for it. Although, if you have a busy class schedule and have various extra curricular activities that are time consuming, then it is suggested to rethink your decision on a job.The stress and sleepless nights can be become overwhelming, but it all depends in what kind of business you decide to work in.