Being a teen is supposed to be the best years of your life, but imagine you want to go to a party, but unfortunately can not because you have school and work the next day. You miss out on fun experiences and cherishable memories that could have been made.
At age sixteen, many teens face the pressure of entering the work field. Whether it is due to parents wanting you to learn about responsibility and independence or you wanting to buy the things that you want, having a job at this age can be challenging.
Working as a teen can lead to gaining experience and valuable lessons, however, there are several downsides that come along with this.
Balancing school, work, and a social life can lead to stress and feeling burnt out, which could then lead to a decline in academic performance. This might limit a teen’s ability to explore interests, hobbies, or just to enjoy their time in high school.
Teens already have an enormous amount of pressure balancing school and their social life. Every year is important in your highschool career, but junior and senior year are usually important in terms of thinking about college and having the proper grades. This is also around the time most teens try to find jobs.
It is important that they focus on their schoolwork to ensure a successful future, but with work, it can be very difficult to do so. There’s tons of homework and projects along with the pressures of studying for major tests. This is enough to stress anyone out and cause a decline in grades, energy, and mental health.
According to Newport Academy, “Over 11.5% of teens in the U.S. are depressed due to the academic pressure along with the stress of working.”
Aniyah Persaud, a junior at UACHS who balances her part-time job as a cashier at H&M with being a student, shares her perspective.
“It really is stressful because while I’m working I’m thinking that when I get home I have to do my homework,” said Persaud. “It’s really overwhelming and stressful for me because I never have a moment to myself to just sit down and relax.”
The amount of strain that teens constantly feel can not only take a toll on them but it can take a toll on how they perform for their other activities outside of work.
“I can feel the toll of work catching up to me,” said Persaud. “I’m constantly stressed and tired which takes away from the fun I have because I feel like I’m too tired to do anything; I noticed my grades slipping too after I started working.”
For many teens like Persaud, the struggle to balance work, school, and personal life can feel overwhelming, leaving them drained and grappling with the consequences of trying to do it all.
As teens face the challenges of stepping into adulthood they should take the time to utilize school resources. Learn time management, gain the necessary skills, and social interactions so that when they finally get out of high school the transition will be smooth.
While making money and helping provide for your family is important, school and your mental and physical well being should always come first. Find the balance before it is too late.
