https://blog.collegevine.com/should-your-teen-work-during-high-school/
To be of use
BY MARGE PIERCY
The people I love the best
jump into work head first
without dallying in the shallows
and swim off with sure strokes almost out of sight.
They seem to become natives of that element,
the black sleek heads of seals
bouncing like half-submerged balls.
I love people who harness themselves, an ox to a heavy cart,
who pull like water buffalo, with massive patience,
who strain in the mud and the muck to move things forward,
who do what has to be done, again and again.
I want to be with people who submerge
in the task, who go into the fields to harvest
and work in a row and pass the bags along,
who are not parlor generals and field deserters
but move in a common rhythm
when the food must come in or the fire be put out.
The work of the world is common as mud.
Botched, it smears the hands, crumbles to dust.
But the thing worth doing well done
has a shape that satisfies, clean and evident.
Greek amphoras for wine or oil,
Hopi vases that held corn, are put in museums
but you know they were made to be used.
The pitcher cries for water to carry
and a person for work that is real.
Marge Piercy, "To be of use" from Circles on the Water. Copyright © 1982 by Marge Piercy. Used by permission of Alfred A. Knopf, an imprint of the Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, a division of Random House LLC. All rights reserved.
Source: Circles on the Water: Selected Poems of Marge Piercy (Alfred A. Knopf, 1982)
As stated by Marge Piercy in her poem ‘To be of use,’ “The people I love the best jump into work head first.” I believe that high school students should work while taking on classes, sports, and extra curricular activities because it adds another element to the table that will influence their life in the up and coming years.
ReplyDeleteStudents who work not only save money for future expenses, but prepare themselves for life in the real world by they enhancing their soft skills that they might not work on during the school day. For example, by getting a job at a grocery store, teens will learn to communicate with people whom they do not know or see everyday. If one chooses to babysit, then they will gain the responsibility necessary of being a leader and a guardian of the children that they are watching. Lastly, for any job, students can work on being punctual— one of the most important soft skills that a person can encompass. Most of the time, if a student is late to school or practice they will receive a warning or a detention which is comparable to a slap on the wrist. However, if the same person would continue to show up late to work, then they could potentially be fired.
In addition, I disagree with the idea that adding a job to a student’s weekly routine will cause an overwhelming amount of stress. I understand that taking on numerous responsibilities at one time can be a lot to handle, but rather than it being “too much” I see it as a way to strengthen one’s mental capacity. Our minds are like our bodies; by lifting weights we become stronger and more athletic and by adding more things to our plate we become more adaptable to stress and our mental stability is intensified.
Napoleon Hill quoted, “Effort only fully releases its reward after a person refuses to quit.” By choosing not to have a job, a student is saying that they are too lazy to better themselves. Working outside of school-related activities has so many benefits that one would be stupid to pass up. It will prepare them for their future both financially, physically, and mentally.
Good argument, Maddie. I like the simile you added in which you compared our minds to our bodies. I would have liked to see you talk about those students who struggle in their studies and how (if at all) a job would benefit them. Overall, I really liked reading this and enjoyed the direct quotes you added!
DeleteGood points, especially with the weight lifting analogy. I think you may be generalizing a little too much, but I fully understand where you're from.
DeleteMaddie, you make some really good points and I only find a bit of contention with one. When referring to "adding a job to a student’s weekly routine will cause an overwhelming amount of stress" you seemingly dismiss the students who, for example, take AP Bio or Human Anatomy. All I ever hear is people complaining in the hallway that they don't have free time because they decided to take one of those AP courses mixed with another. Would you not agree that if all of their free time was taken up by school already then adding a job onto their workload would do a disservice to their academic career?
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWriter Marge Piercy voiced her admiration for working people in her poem titled “To Be Of Use.” She quotes that “The people I love best jump into work head first....” Being submersed in a job leads to the adoption of skills such as determination, communication, and leadership. Students should have a job in high school in order to develop the skills necessary to prepare them for their future. By practicing time management, good communication, and learning a lot about themselves, a job with benefit every high school student.
ReplyDeleteJobs benefit high school students beginning at the application process. They give students the opportunity to practice the intense process of getting a job that they will inevitably experience later in their life. Once the student has a job, they will be required to follow rules, interact with people, be on time, and so many other soft skills that are imperative to the future of students. Having a job in high school will give students an opportunity to practice the skills that will be necessary for their future.
In addition to giving students necessary experience, jobs help high schoolers to learn about themselves. High school is a stressful time as students try to decide what their future will be like. Students contemplate colleges, trade schools, careers, and countless other details about their future. Working can help a student learn what skills they are good at, and what things they do not like about their job. For example, working as a cashier can reveal to a student that they enjoy working with money, but do not really enjoy the customer service aspect of their job. This realization may make the student lean toward a job in finance. Students that pursue a job in high school learn much about themselves and what they see their future looking like.
Although jobs have countless benefits, they can be a heavy burden on some students. Students that have a rigorous class schedule and students that struggle to keep up with their studies may be discouraged at the thought of taking on another task. This does not mean that they should avoid work all through high school. Some jobs such as babysitting a few times a month or shoveling after a heavy snowfall are not majorly demanding. Smaller jobs that do not require many hours of labor still have countless benefits. By finding the right job, each student will benefit from working in high school.
There is something to admire about a high school student taking on a job. They are expanding their horizons and developing impressive skills. In addition, they are learning about themselves and what they want for their future. Students should have a job in high school in order to develop the skills necessary to prepare them for their future.
I understand what you're saying, but if high school is already stressful, is it a good idea to add to it? I know there's many answers to the question, but it is an important question.
DeleteI couldn’t agree more. I liked how you mentioned that they are explaining their horizons and developing skills. This was well written and organized. Good job!
DeleteBailey I never really thought of the aspects like the application process or maybe even and interview process that almost everyone will need someday. It furthers your argument because there is no escaping them and getting a head start will put you way ahead of your peers who are not working. Great job!
DeleteI like the alternatives that you have for high schoolers who are stressed like small, part time jobs. These jobs also raise responsibility just as much as a real job at a store or business can provide. Good job!
DeleteLabor while in school has been a topic for all of us at some point. With so many variables to take account of, the heart of the argument gets muddled and theconversation can dissolve rather quickly. On the surface, the question is whether or not a teen should have a job in high school. To this, my answer is this: it depends. This is because there are a lot of other questions to be asked.
ReplyDeleteThe way I see it is this: in many video games, you can put a set amount of points in to certain fields of your character. A prime example is Fallout, a series based on the events following the Cold War if the bombs dropped. In Fallout, there is a system called the S.P.E.C.I.A.L. system. This stands for Strength, Perception, Endurance, Charisma, Intelligence, Agility and Luck. I view real life in much the same way. As we grow, we put more and more points into specific categories depending on who we want to be. Today, most people want their kids to specialize into education, go to college, get a degree, etc. In my opinion and from what I have seen, this has had a detrimental effect on everyone involved. Most parents want their child to go to school and get a degree and get a good job, but this is not for everyone. Not everyone wants to put all their points into Intelligence. I would be willing to bet there are far more people who would put their points into Strength, or manual labor. The point is this; there has been a massive push for higher education for everyone, but higher education isn’t for everybody. There is far too much of an imbalance with this area and it has done nothing but harm most everybody.
The solution is pretty simple. Options after high school, or even in high school, should be laid out as options, not mandatories. Parents should push their kids to be good at what they are good at and work on the stuff they aren’t good at. Right now, the system is putting too much stress on everyone and it is limiting where it should be liberating. Let people be who they want to be.
I like how you said that the system is putting too much stress on everyone and it is limiting where it should be liberating. I agree as well that there is lots of stress and pressure, however, I believe jobs shape young individuals and dramatically help them when they are preparing for the future.
DeleteI think this is quite good. I really like how you answered the question by bringing up another relevant topic. And I really like the analogy with Fallout because I've viewed life similarly, where there is a balance between skills, and everyone can only have so many. Very good.
DeleteI agree with your ideas on parents pushing kids to work on what they aren’t good at, and I also agree there is too much stress and pressure on doing everything right! I still think, however, that a job (even one with limited demand) can benefit everyone and widen their horizons instead of putting all of their eggs in one basket.
ReplyDeleteMarge Piercy explains her thoughts concerning working people in her poem, “To Be Of Use.” She says, “I want to be with people who submerge
ReplyDeletein the task, who go into the fields to harvest and work in a row and pass the bags along, who are not parlor generals and field deserters but move in a common rhythm when the food must come in or the fire be put out.” People enjoy being around workers because they are strong, determined, and working for a good cause, whether that be a new car, college loans, or a family at home. In order to create a community filled with hardworking leaders, students should have a job while in high school. Having a job in a time of stress and anxiety would help the individuals learn time management, leadership skills, and determination. After high school the students will be more ready for their future due to the fact that they are better prepared.
High school students get to first experience the applications and interviews that they will later face many of. Once the students have jobs, they learn and practice qualities such as following the rules, being on time for work, and interaction with people. Having a job in high school would give students an opportunity to practice the skills that will be necessary for their future. Due to the fact that high school is a stressful time where students try to decide what their future will be and what they will do, they can learn more about what they like in a job. Do they like people or computers or factory work? High school jobs allow for them to learn what they like and can impact their choice on what they will go to college for. Working can help a student learn what skills they are good at, and what things they do not like about their job. Also, working in high school is not as stressful for some people as it is others. For me, working is a blessing. I am able to communicate with people, work fast pace, help others, and overall use my skills that I am good at to accomplish goals. However, students that have a hard school schedule and students that struggle to keep up with their school work would rather struggle at having a high school job. Their job would teach them to change and in order to keep up with it all they would keep up with school and hopefully be more organized. When student find the right job, they will benefit from working in high school.Piercy explains that, “The people I love the best jump into work head first without dallying in the shallows.” People love those who work hard for their accomplishments. High school students should jump into work head first and prepare for the future while building themselves into the best they can be.
Emily very nice work on this. You touched on some very important point but I especially agree with the statement of kids will be able to learn what kind of field they like the most. You pointed out that it is better to experiment now than later in life.
DeleteAlthough you do make good points, can't the skills that are learned working be taught at a later date? Also not meaning to be mean here I just want to address the irony in your statement about work mixed with school doesn't create stress, but aren't you the one that complains about being overworked by your ap classes? I mean wouldn't your work be easier to complete if you had those extra 4 hours to put towards finishing todays and tomorrows work? I honestly think it's a matter of pro/con when deciding whether or not you should work during high school.
DeleteActually I think working two difficult jobs at a young age has taught me what I like and don’t like (why I “complain”) which is overall helping my decision on what I would like to do with my future. I chose a side and wrote about it, I did not 100% find facts and logic on this, but I wish I wouldn’t have went against what you said for goodness sakes. I learn responsibly and respect every day at work, hoping and asking that I get that in return.
Delete“The people I love the best jump into work headfirst without dallying in the shadows” is the opening line in Marge Piercy’s poem and it sums up a great mindset for all high school students to have.The line basically says do not procrastinate or wait around just go get your work done. The line is something kids should do in their school work to make sure they keep their grades up. Also drops the hint that high school students should work while they are still in school. I agree with this idea of high school students working. If a high schooler is not playing in a sport, band, or any other time consuming extra curricular activities they need to enter the work force during the school year. The teenagers need to see what it is like to be in the work force. They need to see what it is like to maybe have a bad job to motivate themselves to work hard and get a good degree in college. Kids who do extra curricular activities should work in the summer to get the same benefits. Another great reason is they will be able to do more if they have their own money because “Money doesn’t grow on trees” is heard way to often by high schoolers. If they learn what it is like to earn money they will be smarter spenders, savers, and even givers. Working also gives high school students the chance to “submerge in the task” as the poem states. They will realize that hard work does not go unnoticed. Working while still in high school will prepare kids to be ready for the road ahead and make the time management skills they need for college.
ReplyDeleteBen I like how you encorperated procrastination and motivation into your blog. Good job!
DeleteWe started our blogs off with the same quote— great minds really do think alike! Ben, I feel like at the beginning our your blog you were arguing more against procrastination rather than the topic itself, however just as Stephen said, I do kind of like how you incorporated procrastination and motivation; maybe next time set it up a little differently? I also enjoyed the point about turning the students who work into smarter spenders, savers, and givers. That was cute. Good work!
DeleteEntering into the twenty-first century, a pressure to conform to the educational standard of a college degree has built up so high that it has lead to teens committing suicide among other heinous actions. With this knowledge, it begs the question as to whether or not teens should work during their high school career. My opinion is, of course they should, however, not in the same ideology most would have towards a job.
ReplyDeleteSeven a.m to four p.m. or six a.m. to three p.m., the standard times dedicated to "first shift workers," are being worked by an unpaid group of people, white collar students. White collar students, like adults in the work force, go to school for over half of the day (hopefully) working their butts off to succeed in school, even putting in "overtime" for homework. But, they aren't recognized for their achievements. Instead, they are being forced to join the work force, thus, making their work day total up to over twelve hours excluding their "overtime" for homework. Of course, with the addition of the extra four hours excluding homework time would add additional stress to the white collar students life, thus detrimentally affecting their true job, succeeding in school because they want to go on to get a college degree.
But, there are other types of students, blue collar students. These are the students who have either no motivation to continue on to college or do not put in the time nor the dedication to their studies that white collar students do. This group of students is perfect for the work force because they do not dedicate enough time to their studies for a job to negatively effect their academic performance. Take for example Brandon Lowe, although he has poor academic performance, he adds to the work environment at Buerks, thus making Buerks his real job because it would benefit him the most.
When deciding whether or not students should have jobs during the school year it is a matter of weighing the pros and the cons as to how it would hurt or help the person. White collar students would be hurt by working an additional job besides school and the odds are they would gain more money through scholarships than they would being in the work force. Blue collar students would be better prepared for their future by working in the work force following school. But, there is a third option which is working during the summer. As this is one I personally do, I believe that both white collar and blue collar students should partake in, after all, it has no effect on academics whatsoever. This is the period of time in which the virtues of working would be instilled in students so they could apply it to their future career or their modern day studies.
Logan what the heck! You don’t call out someone for their poor acedemic performance online. Its no one’s business what someone grades are.That’s very rude and unecessary to your argument. I understand the point you were trying to make, but calling out a former classmate is in bad taste. .
DeleteLogan, I agree with Julie. Education is about character and building up someone’s character. This statement completely ruined your argument. It is sad that you would go after Brandon like that; you do not know what is going on in his life. It just is not fair, especially on a platform on which he cannot defend himself. You are entitled to your opinion, but when it turns into an attack on a person, it is just wrong. So maybe furthering education is not the best option for everyone, but that does not mean they are any less. There are many people in this community that choose not to go to college and that is not a bad thing. Just because someone is different than you does not mean they are any less.
DeleteI do not agree with you saying that blue collar students have no motivation or do not care about their studies. Blue collar students just enjoy working machinery and trades rather than textbooks. Also, thy are by no means less intelligent than a white collar student. If we’re generalizing, white collar students are book worms who know how to fix computers and what not, yet they have no idea how to jumpstart a car, check tire pressure, or run a lawn mower. Blue collar students excel at these handyman jobs. And calling out a former classmate is just rude.
DeleteI am really disappointed that you would publicly degrade a former classmate for the sake of your argument. Even though I took the same side of your argument, calling Brandon out made me immediately discredit your argument. I also agree with Gabe about white and blue collar students. Stereotyping blue collar workers is in fact rude. Many truly enjoy the work that they do and prefer that over getting paid white collar money. For the next blog, I hope you choose to take a different approach especially in your comments. I think you owe Emily C. much more credit for juggling two jobs and advanced placement classes.
DeleteHey, remember when we all used to jump down Chris' throat for disrespecting the church, etc.? Tell him we said hi while you're over there.
DeleteI believe I should clarify my comment regarding Brandon Lowe. It was not my intention nor ever my intention to publicly bash him nor make fun of him for his grades. My point in mentioning Brandon was that we all know him and I wanted to give him credit for his damn good work ethic, he's actually the type of worker I'd love to work beside. Also, regarding "blue collar" and "white collar" I was not saying that blue collar classmates were any less than that of white collar classmates, it is just that they have decided to pursue something other than a college degree, which is what we need more indicated by the demand for trades and unspecialized workers. Blue collar students just don't have the same degree of dedication to their studies that of which white collar students do. It is simply a class distinction, something present in all societies other than that of communistic nation. To summarize, I did not mean to do harm nor bash anyone I was simply praising Jeff for his work ethic, which was detracted by the lack of clarity in my writing. To those who I have offended, I am sorry I just lacked the clarity in which to portray my message and I will work on that from now on.
DeleteI appreciate your clarification on your standpoint regarding Brandon, however you still must not understand blue collar work. Many people working blue collar jobs go to trade schools or tech schools which means they still have the academic dedication you are claiming they don’t have. No, not all blue collar workers have a college degree, but that doesn’t mean that they are any less dedicated.
DeleteA part-time job is something that all high school students should have. Part-time jobs have countless benefits for high school students other than just earning some money. Jobs provide students with the soft skills they might not be able to fully develop in a school environment, jobs teach students the value of appreciation, and jobs in high school help prepare students for their final career.
ReplyDeleteA few examples of soft skills include communication, time management, work ethic, attitude, ability to accept and learn from criticism, self confidence, adaptability, responsibility, leadership, and countless others. Of course, soft skills can be learned through school, however, a job helps the worker to fully develop and recognize these soft skills. These skills are incredibly important in the workplace and giving a high school student a change to develop these skills now, will benefit them in the long run. In addition to this, a part time job in high school allows the student to develop a better sense of appreciation for the things that they buy with the earned money, as well as the things that are given to them as gifts.
Jobs in high school also prepare the student for their career after college. Not only do companies like to see experience on a resume, having a full-time job would be a little less stressful for the worker. The experience and skills that are gained through a part time job in high school would make the transition from full time student to full time employee much easier.
High school students are incredibly busy and overwhelmed. I know this statement to be all too true. However, just because a job might not fit into a student’s schedule between actually going to school and extracurricular activities, doesn’t mean that a student can’t have a part time job. A student can choose to only work during the summer instead of all throughout the year. This option allows for the best of both worlds.
Overall, having a job during high school far outweighs the negative aspects. A job teaches students so many skills that they cannot completely learn by just going to school. Therefore, in my opinion, the importance and skills that a job teaches is something that every high school student must have. The words of Marge Piercy couldn’t be truer, “The work of the world is common as mud. Botched, it smears the hands, crumbles to dust. But the thing worth doing well done has a shape that satisfies, clean and evident.”
Sophie, I thought you did a good job on your blog this week. I liked how you talked about how they can grow on their soft skills when they get a job. I also liked how you had an alternative to a job all year round to just partaking in a summer job. The only thing I found would be it would be nice if you included why getting a job could be potentially bad for a high schooler, however, it’s not needed. It would have just been interesting what you thought. Overall, great job.
DeleteMany people, especially the youth, are trying to get jobs. This is not new, it has been going on for generations. I believe there is nothing wrong with getting a job in high school, it should be considered a great thing when someone decides to enter into the workforce. Even though there can be negatives to working at such a young age, I believe the benefits far outweigh the negatives. The youth should be able to go to work as they and their parents see fit.
ReplyDeleteAs stated previously, children have been attempting to get jobs for generations. During the late 1800’s there were children who work in mills, textile companies, and sold newspapers. Many of these children were doing this so that they could bring money home to their families. Children, even now, are working to support their families not just in third world countries, but also in America. This is honorable that a child would sacrifice their time and efforts to aid their fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters for bringing money home.
Also, in a way most of us can see it, we want to put money into our own pockets. This allows us to see the world from a different perspective. We can gain independence and give us experience for once we graduate whether that be from high school alone or, later, college. Many people who get jobs are better at balancing their time because they know that they need to get to work and so they have to get their homework done; of course there are exceptions, but the time management becomes a priority for many who know they have to balance a busy schedule. They are also very productive with the time they have.
Even though there are many positives to getting a job in high school, it is also important to look at the negatives to getting a job. First, many people are simply not ready for the responsibility. People jump into work, however, they cannot balance their schedules. This often times causes them to fall behind in their studies. Another problem with getting a job in high school is the commitment. Studies have shown that the generation just above us, the Millennials, can not hold a job for more than three months on average. This is scary and because most of our generation is still in high school. Who knows what our outcome will be? Finally, there is the fact that we will have our whole lives to work. It begs the question: why not take the time to relax now? The average full retirement age has been increasing. It is projected that by the time we will be able to fully reach retirement we will be somewhere in our seventies. However, why not get a head start in the world and start working now? It could absolutely reduce that age for anyone willing to put the savings and commitment into it.
By getting a job, communication can also grow. It is important to be able to communicate with others and the best way is to work with others your age and older. Getting to know employers in the area for a job that you may be interested in is also critical. Communicating can get you further in the world, learning how to talk to people is a skill that is important to get a job.
Getting a job could help someone get a head start in the world and gain experience. However, it could also refrain them from moving further in their studies which could prevent them from moving on. Even though a job can be beneficial it is important to know if it will be a good option for you. Pushing yourself is good, but allowing yourself to fall behind is just not worth it.
I like your history of child labor and how you tied that into the topic. However, I want to know where you got your fact about millennials holding a job for only three months. But, overall you were very detailed and established your argument well. Good job.
DeleteI actually got the information about the Millennials on a video on EWTN. It was on World Over-2019-03-21- Dr. Ray Guarendi with Raymond Arroyo. Dr. Gruarendi is a doctor of parenting and family life, they also talked about the collage admissions fraud scandal. It was very good.
DeleteOh cool, it sounds good. I’ll have to check that out. Thank you grace.
DeleteThe highlight of my day this past summer was walking into work, at the local restaurant Tablespoons. I loved taking orders, talking to the customers, hearing the local gossip, and making my own money, and I look forward to returning this summer. Because of my experience I believe that high school students should work, in order to teach them time management, financial skills, and communication tools.
ReplyDeleteTime management is an excellent skill that needs to be learned early in order for it to be implemented in adult life. A job as a young adult certainly helps teach that skill. For example, I knew that my job and swim practice took up most of my time, and that if I wanted to get my schoolwork done, it would have to be done in a certain time frame. Also, if I wanted to hang out with friends, I need to plan to do that as well. I find now that when I do not have as many activities, I procrastinate much more. Time management only becomes more important as one enters into adulthood. Having a job as a teen will help build these skills.
Financial skills are also important to develop at a young age. Personally, I learned how to manage my savings account, how to cash a check, and how to deposit money. I also learned how to budget my funds and the importance of saving. Those are skills that I will use for the rest of my life. In order to learn how to do them, and apply them to everyday life, they need to be taught when a person is young. Having a job as a teen can help build financial skills that they will use for the rest of their lives.
Communication tools also need to be developed at a young age, and a job could help that development. While I was working, I had to learn rather quickly how to respectfully talk to customers, how to negotiate with my manager, and how to work as a team. I will use those skills in college, in my personal life, and in the workplace. Without my job, I would have never developed these skills. Communication tools are one reason why having a job as a teen is vital to their experience.
Marge Piercy said “The people I love the best, jump into work head first, without dallying in the shadows.” I agree with her statement. Jobs teach time management, financial skills and communication tools, all necessary for success. In order to truly get a head start on life, teens should start working as soon as possible.
Great job Julie! I liked how you worked your blog into your personal life. It added a sense of authority and that you know what you are talking about. I also liked how you used the quote from the poem by Marge Piercy within your argument. The only thing I would say is what I said to Sophie: it would be nice if you talked about the negatives or the other side of things, but that is not necessary. It would have just been interesting. Also, thank you for standing up for a former classmate. That definitely shows your character and who you will be in the future. Great job this week.
DeleteThe poem “To Be of Use” by Marge Piercy, is a great explanation of why high school students should have after school jobs. The line, “The work of the world is common as mud.” shows the reader that working is something everyone does. Since most high schoolers already take on a job, it should demonstrate to other peers that the task is not as hard as it seems. It also is a very beneficial option for the student, and it shows when peers have the extra money to spend.
ReplyDeleteAn after school job increases financial freedom and responsibility in young adults. It teaches the student how to properly manage money and take up other responsibilities such as paying a phone payment. It also allows the child to have a little extra freedom in life outside of school. If the kid wants to go to the movie theater with their friends, they can spend their own money and learn quickly that money is not just a frivolous aspect.
Taking on an after school job may seem is a big responsibility, but if the student works properly and efficiently, the job is not all that hard. Talking to a person in charge teaches the kid how to deal with a boss. The students learn how to deal with taking extra shifts, asking for days off, and even how to properly quit a job. The positive aspects of taking on an after school job outweigh the negative effects of it.
An after school job should be highly encouraged for kids of high school aged. It teaches young adults the importance of money and how to deal with a boss. Taking on a job should be something everyone does as a teenager to learn many life skills that will be needed in life after high school.
I like the points you brought up such as responsibility and experience. Having a job really can teach kids many things that will benefit them. But I definitely think that there are many situations where kids shouldn't have jobs in school, they take away time from sports or study and be an unneeded supplier of stress, but I do think your blog has a lot of merit. Very nice.
DeleteAnna, I enjoyed your blog. I especially liked the point you made about learning how to communicate with a boss. I think those skills could help in communicating with any higher authority in general. Great job!
DeleteNearly 30% of high school students are employed in a job for at least a portion of the school year. For many, working a job provides spending money for a social life. For others, working is necessary to help the family make ends meet or to save for college. But outside of the money earned, is being employed while learning a good thing?
ReplyDeleteHaving a job while in high school can provide endless opportunities for examples of "real world situations" in which almost everyone encounters after school. There are a number of things that come from a job that aren't a paycheck such as; learning new skills, gaining work experience, you can learn what kind of job you want in your future, you'll meet new people, you'll gain independence, and much more. These are all wonderful qualities, but Marge Piercy said it herself, "They seem to become natives of that element, the black sleek heads of seals bouncing like half-submerged balls."
People become attached to work, and it can become enjoyable for some, and for others not so much. I believe that high schoolers should work while they are in high school, but stay away from full time jobs. Kids need to stay kids for as long as they can and with a full time job over the summer, I hunk that's not possible. High school is stressful, I'm sure every other high schooler can attest to that, but adding a full time job on top of that can be a killer. Part time jobs with flexible schedules can make high school much better because they have much more time to be themselves, have fun, and keep their grades up at the same time as earning some money for spending when your out with friends, college, or whatever else.
I agree that kid should be kids as long as they can. I also really enjoyed the wordage you used towards the end of your blog. This seems like it flowes really well and gets your point across. Good work!
DeleteSteve, I like your point of view given. I see you point of kids being kids, but I think we're past that by now, I feel like we all know have responsibilities we have to do. Its very difficult to stay a kid now, at our age.
DeleteGerg I meant that you should be involved in the activities that interest you while they're still provided. That goes from playing sports to doing band, or any other activity that you won't be able to when you're participating in a full time job. Most aduls cherish their best memories from thir high school days and will for the rest of their lives.
DeleteMany, if not all of us, have thought about getting job during school or have one. So I think it is important to consider the positives and negatives in order to come to a conclusion. There is experience but also stress. I think kids should have a job in the summer but during the school year, the negatives outweigh the benefits.
ReplyDeleteIn the school year, there is a lot of homework do be done, and extracurricular activities to be had. I think having a job will take away from those. My parents always told me that school is my job, it is what I do to learn responsibility and at this point in my life, it is what I need to be doing. I know my brother couldn’t have a job during school because he was always playing sports so he just didn’t have time to. And my other brother was always too busy with school work. There is enough stuff to do for school that having a job can take away form that.
However, jobs can be great too. They teach more responsibility than school, and it is a different kind too. Bosses don’t take your shit when you do something wrong, that’ll get you fired, teachers don’t either but missing an assignment isn’t as big of a deal in school as it is in a job. Having a job greatly increases your time management, especially if coincided with school.
I know I’ve spent many a night working on homework only to get done at midnight, and I don’t know how I would manage it if I’d had a job at the time. But in the summer , there aren’t these time constraints so you can get the benefits of a job without sacrificing your schoolwork. This is why I believe that jobs should be had during the summer, but your school time is too important to be diluted.
It was smart of you to consider the positives and negatives of working during the school year and then reach a conclusion. It was really easy to follow.
DeleteWOAH! That little use of profanity really jumped out at me but I think it really encompasses your strong opinion on this topic. I like how you started off with a hasty generalization; rhetoric strategies really improve your writing. Although, I feel as if the beginning of your blog was a bit choppy, but you brought it together nicely at the end. Overall, this wasn’t bad. I always enjoy reading your work!
DeleteOkay, I need to stop saying the word “really”^^
DeleteI really enjoyed reading you thoughts. The way you incorporated supporting details from both sides of the argument was a great inclusion. I do agree that having a job greatly increases one’s time management skills. I also liked how you mentioned the difference between having a job in the summer as opposed to the school year. This was a great read!
DeleteEven though the average high school student is drowning in homework and extracurricular activities, all high school students should have a job; whether it be on the weekends, after school, or during the summer. A job teaches students valuable life lessons that can be carried forward and applied to their adulthood.
ReplyDeleteMarge Piercy’s “To Be of Use,” describes a type of people that she admires. These people are ones who work and are persistent in their occupation. In Piercy’s second stanza, she says, “I love people who harness themselves, an ox to a heavy cart, who pull like water buffalo, with massive patience, who strain in the mud and the muck to move things forward, who do what has to be done, again and again.” This stanza can be compared to high school students who are balancing academics, athletics, extracurricular activities, and a job. They are constantly working, whether it be pertinent to school or work, and never slow down. They are continuously trudging forward, like the oxen in the stanza. Since they are working outside of school, they will ultimately learn valuable life skills that will benefit them in the future.The students learn time management, selflessness, and responsibility as a result of working during the summer or school year.
Another benefit of working during high school is students will have a little extra cash to spend for food, movies, or whatever they desire. This extra money will also help the students learn to mange their cash, and not spend it all in one day or week. Furthermore, the money can be saved towards college tuition. Most high school students do not realize how expensive college is until they are freshmen at their university. Thus, they did not work during their high school careers. However, the students that did have a job during school have a head start on paying back the student loans compared to the ones who did not work.
In the first sentence of your blog, I enjoyed how you used “drowning in homework and extracurricular activities” to describe how busy students are. I also enjoyed how you directly related Merge Piercy’s poem to the activities a student has to do. Very well done!
DeleteGood use of “To Be of Use.” It really helped support your argument.
DeleteIn Marge Pierce poem “To be of use” she talks about good characteristics of a working person. These characteristics are extremely important in the job field and are areas were students need to develop further. However, having a job is not the only way to build these characteristics. The idea of “jump into work head first” or “people who submerge in the task” does not only come at work. Students can participate in many different extra curricular activities to achieve these types of traits.
ReplyDeleteFor high school students, real life and college is not that far away and a job will bring income to help support them selves or pay for college. However, high school is a time to learn, a time to have fun, a time in which students should be enjoying last moments of relaxation. High school can bring a lot of stress upon a student as the must plan out the rest of their lives. They must decided where they want to live, what they want to do, where they went to go to college at, and balance a job. Money is important, as nothing in life is free. It is what gets a student into to college and sets them on their future path, but does a high school student really need to have a steady job? Should a high school student be focused on the fun and great opportunities that are brought to them through high school or money?
One great skill that can be learned while in High School is time management. A student who is working must be able to balance school and studying with working. If this process is handled properly it could be extremely beneficial to the student. The student is able to learn the many trait s need in the work force and preparing them for the near future. However, working is not the only way to do this. High school sports also make student learn time management. They must balance school and studying with their sport, and the trait that can be learned on the job can also be learned in sports. Sports is one the amazing opportunities possible in high school, but by doing sports leaves out the opportunity for earning money. So, the same question can be asked, “Should a high school student be focused on the fun and great opportunities that are brought to them through high school or money?”
Extracurricular activities is a huge part of a high schooler’s life. A student who can balance school,job, and sport is the best possible solution. This brings in a source of income and prepares them for life out side of high school but also makes it fun. For most, this is not a feasible task. The best advice for a high schooler is to just have fun. If this fun is love working, that a student can get into the college of their dreams or get the career they want, then work is the best option. If money is not the biggest issue than one should purse high school sports, and during the summer pick up a part time job and put away a few dollars, as nothing in life is free.
You made some very strong points and incorporated “to be of use” very well here. Good job.
DeleteI like how you said that a student must find balence between working and studying. I understand that is hard, but it will benefit the individual as you stated. Good Job. -Dan
DeleteThe capabilities of a hard working individual are endless. For this reason, it is essential to teach the youth, high school students in particular, what it means to invest time and energy into something that will not only benefit themselves but also the community.
ReplyDeleteWorking throughout high school has a long list of benefits. One of the most obvious benefits is receiving a paycheck that can be used for whatever one desires. Although there seems to be little other reason to work other than for the money, that is not the case. Learning new skills and gaining work experience are priceless benefits of obtaining a job at a young age. Attaining new skills is something in everybody’s best interest. Skills learned can become skills used in future jobs. The experience a job provides a high school student is just as invaluable. It adds to create a productive mentality that the student can apply elsewhere in life. This experience can also help the student decipher and possibly discover what profession he or she wants to peruse after high school. Learning new skills and obtaining work experience are two definite benefits to working that would help any student.
Although some may argue that working takes up much time in a student’s already busy schedule, it actually teaches students how to better their time management skills. Without this essential skill that is used nearly every day of one’s life, everything would be chaotic and incomplete. It also causes students to find dedication in their work. Typical jobs obtained by high school students are low paying and require little education. If a student wants better work, he or she needs to perform well in school in order to receive a better education and have a better chance at a better job. Although it sometimes seems like an obstacle, being able to work in high school is a blessing.
Working as a student can be tough. It can be rough. It can even be miserable. Although many cringe when they hear the word “work” spoken, it is a crucial element to the success of any individual. Students can learn many life lessons and values from a job, which is why it should be supported by all. Work is a wonder that can do things unimaginable, and this concept certainly includes the high school students who can perform it.
I like the idea of work helping high school students learn to manage thier time. I reference to Marge Pierc’s poem could have added support to your clam.
DeleteRegis, I liked yours. I like how you put a job and school on the same level. The only problem. Their could be with that is that we could lose sight of our school work, but that's the only problem I see with that.
DeleteWorking in high school comes with both pros and cons, as does anything. One major advantage that arises from not working in high school is hat it allows students to have more time in their day. When students have more time they can do more homework or even join a sport or a club. By joining a sport or a club students can develop new skills. A lot of the skills that someone can develop at a job they can also develop in school. For example, everyone always says a job is what teaches a student responsibility but so does school. Students have to show up on time, be prepared, hand in their work on time, et cetera. Another reason that students should more of their focus on school rather than work is that this time will run out eventually. They have the rest of their lives to work but they don’t have the rest of their lives to spend in high school with their friends, making memories. Of course, by working a student can earn money become more independent. I do think that it is important for teenage students to work but I feel as though an odd summer job that allows them to earn a little money is way better than working year round and trying to juggle their job with their schoolwork.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who is busy all the the time, I like what you said about the development of new skills through sports and activities.
DeleteLake, I personally took the opposite side of the argument, but I think that you defended your side well with your blog and brought about some interesting points such as school is already a job. Great blog!
DeleteI enjoyed reading your point of view on this subject. Your supporting facts really helped state your position. I like how you mentioned the difference in what skills can be learned in various fields, such as school and work. This was a great piece!
DeleteThe typical legal working age in Pennsylvania for most jobs is 16. This is generally around the time when teenagers get their driving privileges and are balancing many other activities. However these activities require more responsibility and most of the time more money. A vehicle needs gas to run and insurance to be legal to drive. Neither of these are free. Students should be encouraged to work to eliminate a sense of entitlement that can accumulate as a result of parents taking care of these expenses. Also, early work experience can prepare these students for future jobs and help teens decipher what they want to pursue as a career later in life. For example, a student interested in computers may take a job at the lower end of this career spectrum to test the waters of their interest.
ReplyDeleteOverall, the experience of working a part-time job can only bring about positive growth in the mind and life of a teenager. I believe all teenagers should try to get a job at some point during high school. This can lead to better financial skills and a better work ethic, so fill out that application and punch in those time cards.
There is so much you can get out of a job. Work ethic, knowledge, and of course pay are some of the things you can get from a job. I a job, doesn't matter how many hours you work, is important to a teenager to have.
ReplyDeleteWork ethic is such a important part of your life. You need a good work ethic in high school, college, and through your job through the rest of your life. Having a job at younger age let's you train yourself to have a better work ethic in your life, so you don't struggle with that later in life. This could prove invaluable, because you don't know your true work ethic until you have a job. Better to figure this problem out sooner than later.
Whatever job you do, your gonna learn something new. Whoever is mentoring you will usually try to help you the best they can. It's up to you if you want to take the information they are giving you. Even if it's simple as polishing parts, you'll learn that not all jobs are quick and easy, but sometimes tedious and precise. It will also teach you time management. With school and a job, and if you do extracurricular activities, your gonna have to find time for all those things. Each person is going to learn their own lessons thoughout having a job.
Also, one of the best parts of the having a job is of course the pay. If you get money, they you are on a course to independence. Its one of the best feelings buying your first tank of gas, or buying something you want without mooching of your parents. You also they have some buffer money you can use to buy food or put into savings. It's really great getting your own money, there's no better feeling than getting your first paycheck.
I liked your main ideas but you are missing a conclusion to tie all your ideas together at the end.
DeleteI thought you had well developed points for your blog. Good job!
DeleteI enjoyed how you included independence. I think it is important that we get our own money and understand how hard it is to keep up with paying for gas and other things we want. -Dan
DeleteHigh school is a time of learning, growing, as well as the taking on of many challenges. Students are constantly being faced with one thing after another. Therefore, having a job should not be something kids should be worrying about on top of everything else. If high school students had jobs, their grades, sports and activities, as well as teen life would suffer greatly.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to the grades of the student, they may drop when the student takes on a job. They would have less time to study their material before tests and less time to do homework, causing them to stay up later at night, trying to cram it all in.
If students were to get a job in high school, their participation in sports during high school would be very low. Usually, companies prefer hiring students that do not have a sport at the same time that they are working. Students usually only work during a season of the year that they are not doing a sport. However, for someone who wants to get a job in high school but does at least three sports, that is extremely hard to do. They would have to choose between a school sport and a job. This would be very difficult because, for most people, they do not go on to play an organized sport in college.
Lastly, high school students are already stressing about everything that is going on in their lives. They have so much going on. Currently, I go from track and field practice straight to practice for the musical and get home very late. Then, I stay up quite late in order to finish all my homework and study for any tests. Many students at Elk County Catholic High School, as well as around the world, are doing the same. There is simply no time for a job. With a schedule like this, students are indeed working constantly, just not for money. Instead, they are investing into their futures. They are learning about time management and what it means to be committed to different activities.
These students will be working the rest of their lives. They should enjoy the time they have as a teenager in high school and live in the moment.
While I personally took the other side of the argument, I think you provide logical points that many students can relate to. You did a very nice job supporting your opinion.
DeleteMarge Piercy opens her poem To be of Use by beautifully stating, “The people I love the best jump into work head first without dallying in the shallows and swim off with sure strokes almost out of sight.” High school students who dive head first into getting a part time job certainly experience a significant amount of benefits that those without a job certainly will not have. Students with job experience gain life-lasting skills, an impressive resumé, and financial knowledge.
ReplyDeleteThe goal of each individual is to have a job when they graduate from school, whether it be college or just high school. Having a part-time job in high school allows teenagers to get their first experience of what it is like to work in the “real world.” Some may argue that juggling school and work at the same time would be too stressful, however it teaches the skills necessary for later on in life while they are trying to juggle a real career, family life, and adult responsibilities. Working shows them the skills they excel at and lack in for the career they want to pursue, especially if they are working in a related field.
In my personal experience, I have learned extremely valuable lessons and skills that can help me in both the near and distant future. I have learned necessary communication skills, time management, and financial responsibility. Surely I do not use these to the extent that I will in my future, but I believe that such skills will help give me and other working students a slight advantage later in life, as compared to those students who do not hold a part-time job. Going to school and having a job concurrently has given me a much stronger personal drive than I have ever had before, and I believe other students in my situation can agree that it is important that high school students have a job.
I thought your blog was well thought out. I actually do agree with all your points, almost exactly why I believe having a job is important. Good job!
DeleteA line in Marge Piercy’s poem says, “I want to be with people who submerge in the task, who go into the fields to harvest and work in a row and pass the bags along”. I firmly believe that working in high school allows one to gain knowledge and experience with things that a school cannot teach. This knowledge that one learns can help the student flourish in the job they went to school to receive, allowing them to “pass the bags along” or teach others too. Students who have a job throughout their high school careers excel in time-management skills, people skills, and grasp what it is like to have financial responsibility.
ReplyDeleteTime-management is definitely improved with someone who has a job during high school. The student has to learn to balance school work, sports, and their working life. Some jobs depending can go until late hours of the night. Which can lead to a student having to have the homework done prior to going to work, or else they would be up later than they may want to be. I think this is a great skill for one to learn early in life because later they may have to balance a family, their job, and deadlines they may have to meet within that job.
The next skill a student obtains by working in high school is their people skills. Working at this age allows one to see the strengths and weaknesses of some in the work force. Using communication is necessary to help others, talk to your boss about issues you may have, or how to build up your weaknesses. It’s important that one can be vocal and have a say in what they do. I believe people skills are needed in every job.
Lastly, teaching a student to have financial responsibility is very important. Some students leave high school and have never cashed a check, filed taxes, or have a form of a banking account. These are little things that are a necessity to know before going to college or the work force. Having an income in high school is important. It allows the student to learn how to save money, what money to spend, how much they can spend, etc. Financial Responsibility is very important.
Having a job while in high school allows the student to grow as a person. This job, as simple as cleaning a factory after a shift is done, all teach valuable lessons. It teaches the student how to treat others whom they may manage later in life, what they dislike and like in a job, and other minor things we may forget about. I believe every student should have a job in high school.
Lauryn, you made really points to back up your opinion. I agree with your thoughts regarding the fact that high schoolers should work.
DeleteA never ending debate goes on regarding whether or not young adults in high school should have a job. People have their own views on what is right or wrong. I believe there are many advantages and disadvantages that accompany having a job. High school is a very important time in a teenagers life where much growth and maturity needs to be developed. I believe it is very important to get a job in high school. Some advantages include, learning responsibility, time management skills, and learning how to handle money of your own, as well as not relying on parents for money.
ReplyDeleteIn my personal experience, I have learned so much through work experience. It has expanded my ability to communicate with adults, how to balance my schedule, and most importantly, how to adapt and work in any circumstances. I have enjoyed working so much. I started as soon as I could at age fifteen. I had no clue what I was getting myself into, but it is amazing how I grew from that opportunity.
The quote from “To be of use,” by Marge Percy, “I love people who harness themselves, an ox to a heavy cart, who pull like water buffalo, with massive patience, who strain in the mud and the muck to move things forward, who do what has to be done, again and again,” has much truth to it. Working is not fun, it can be hard an challenging, but it is when you can decide what kind of person and worker you want to be. You can give it your all, or you can go through the motions. But at the end of the day, it has to be done.
Teenagers have a lot of pressure to constantly be involved in everything. Working is wonderful, but by forcing it into a loaded schedule is sometimes exhausting. Many people pose the argument, “you have your whole life to work.” But, although the money aspect of working is nice, it is about way more than that. In order to be a good worker, or even student, many life lessons are gained from this experience. By always being on the go in sports and extracurricular activities, it is okay to step back and not have a full time job. I believe there are many goods and bads, but having a part time job is a wonderful experience for a young adult who needs to figure out how the world works. There are things you have to give up, skills you have to learn, and much expanding through ones comfort zone. Work should not control a high schoolers life, but it can be an incredible and necessary experience to have.
I really liked your point about how it is okay to not have a full time job because of all of the other things going on in ones life, as well as the others, but that one stuck out. Great Job!
DeleteHaving a job used to be a rite of passage for high school students. They’d put in some hours during the school year and over the summer and often be able to pay for most of their college expenses with the money they earned. However, as today’s current high schoolers are facing piles of homework, pressure to excel on sports teams, clubs, and extra-curricular activities, and tuition costs that no entry-level job could ever cover, many people are rethinking the concept of high schoolers working. Although, there could be skills missing from the youth if they continue to not have at least a part time job during their high school years. There are numerous benefits to getting a job in high school, some of which are obvious and others less so. The most obvious benefit to getting a job in high school is making money. Now, since a high schooler is starting at the bottom rung of the ladder, this likely won’t be a ton of money. However, even the salaries of low-paying jobs begin to add up over time, and since they’re in high school, their expenses are very low or non-existent. That means they can put all that money towards whatever they want, like a college fund or new clothes. No matter what the first job may be, even if it seems incredibly easy and/or incredibly boring, a high schooler is guaranteed to pick up skills that they did not have before. These skills can include anything from learning how to work a cash register, to building customer service skills, to figuring out the trick to balancing all those restaurant dishes on their arms at once. The skills that are learned may not be that interesting, and they may not be anything close to the skills that may be needed for the future, but it never hurts to gain new knowledge. It may end up being interesting or useful down the line. In addition to learning new skills, a high school job will help one gain valuable work experience. Everyone goes through a learning curve when they first begin working as they learn how to manage their time effectively, how to interact with coworkers, how to make sure they get to work on time, etc. If someone starts learning the skills to being a good employee in high school, they’ll set themselves up to be an outstanding employee later on down the line. One of the most important benefits of teenager jobs is that they will achieve a degree of independence they likely have not experienced before. As a high school student, they have probably lived their entire life with their parents and been under their rules or their school’s rules when they are in class. At a job, someone is deemed responsible enough to manage their own duties. Having a job is not for every high school student; many teenagers these days already have jam-packed schedules between school and sports and clubs. However, for many high school students, there are numerous benefits to be gained by having a job.
ReplyDeleteDom, I really liked all of your points about the money making aspect of a teenagers job. It was really thought out. good Job!
DeleteI used the idea of paying/saving for college in my discussion as well, and I think that it is a very strong point. It was great that you established that right off the bat!
DeleteThe poem “To be of Use” by Marge Piercy gives great insight and examples to why high school students should be getting a job while in school. As a student, we are able to experience many things throughout our Hugh school career, and the experiences that come with working should be some of them. First, jobs teach us a sense of responsibility on another level. Yes, we have to be responsible when doing school work and playing sports or playing in the band, but jobs give teens a taste of responsibility in “the real world,” because they come in contact with many different faces, personalities, and tempers each day. Jobs are also very beneficial in the time management criteria. Although it may be difficult to balance homework, sports/band, and a job all in one day, it can be done if one is able to be tactful and teaches themselves not to procrastinate. As mentioned previously, working helps a become more in touch with the real world and the other people we do not see every day. I saw it first hand. I worked at Vito’s Hoagie House this past summer and I was able to see many people I did not even know lived in our area everyday. I got to see many people of different life styles, the rich and the poor, and the middle class walk through those doors each day. The owner of that small store greeted each person, no matter who it was with a smile on her face, and it taught me something more than any book could ever — even a small gesture like that could turn someones day around and change their outlooks on that day, week, month, or more. Working gives teenagers a look into how we are going to be everyday of our lives after graduation and college, so we know a little bit more of what we are to be prepared for. Finally, although money may not be everything, it teaches management on that spectrum too. No matter if minimum wage is being made, or an upwards of $10/hour, it’s fairly easy for some teens to go blow that money off in one weekend. But, most likely one will get payed every two weeks, which will teach saving and putting that cash into a bank account to save for college, and to put a little spending money away. Like Piercy said, “I want to be with people who submerge in the task,” employers will want to hire people who want to be there, which will also teach a lesson, because that teenager probably does not want to get fired, because frankly, that would be embarrassing. Working as a teenager is able to increase many skills and helps us delve into life as a working adult. I believe that working in high school should be desired, because of all the great benefits it carries with it.
ReplyDeleteWorking in high school has its ups and downs for sure. In my opinion I believe all kids should work while in high school. It teaches kids the value of a dollar, and as well as what some people have to go through to make a dollar. I have worked many jobs over the course of me being in school such as; maintenance worker at a plant, umpire, painter, and machine operator. All of these jobs have helped me learned under no circumstances that I want to work in a plant. However, I seriously appreciate everyone that does work there seeing what they do. Working in a plant has given me more motivation to do well in college, and a greater appreciation on what people do to provide for their families. Working teaches very valuable lessons that school does not teach, such as people skills, mechanical skills and the effort it takes to complete the tasks people do to make a living. Those who do not work in high school can not fully appreciate what occurs on a day to day basis. While working may take away from your studies, it will broaden your knowledge of the future, as well as mature you. Thank goodness college isn’t for everyone because we do need people to work in the plants, as they work very hard. Without them the world would not progress. Working has also taught me about taxes, how to constructively take direction and criticism from a supervisor if I didn’t do a good job. All of this has helped me what I want in life, and I wouldn’t change this experience, because it has shaped me into who I am.
ReplyDeleteDan
DeleteYour personal experience tied in well with your argument, especially when discussing the importance of appreciating the people who choose to work in the positions that some of us don’t particularly want to do. Although, I think there could have been other occupations you could compare to other than only jobs in the plant. All in all, I think this was a great blog and even inspired certain aspects of my own blog.
DeleteThe personal approach was different than most which made yours pretty unique. Which also made this enjoyable ya read!
DeleteAs stated in 1 Corinthians 4:12 “We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it.” Making a living is an essential part of life, if you are not able to support yourself then your be forced to face continuous struggles throughout your life. In our modern society, in a way it’s more difficult for teenagers to work. Many teenagers feel ashamed by the fact that they have a job, especially if a classmate sees the individual working their job. In addition, having a job while in high school can make it a little more difficult to complete school work, as well as keep up with sports, or any other extracurricular activities.
ReplyDeleteAlthough having a job in high school proves to be somewhat challenging, balancing a job with your school work prepares you for the responsibilities of adulthood. Getting a pay check comes with an immense amount of responsibility and freedom. It also teaches teenagers to take initiative and have integrity. Also, students can learn to earn their own money, rather than rely on that of their parents. Similarly to school, individuals are taught that they can’t simply skip a class or work shift when they have a responsibility to be present.
It takes motivation to be able to handle school classes, extracurricular activities, and a workload all at once. However, by learning how to handle these responsibilities prepares you for life after school, whether that be college, military, or the work force.
Many individuals will argue that by taking accelerated classes in high school, it is much more difficult to have a job after school. I firmly disagree with this statement, as long as the student doesn’t procrastinate on their school work, they should absolutely be able to handle an after school job. Although I’m not suggesting that every high school student must have a full time job, this is simply unrealistic. However, high school students, should be able to handle a part time job.
“To work or not to work, that is the question.” That’s how that saying goes, right? Well anyways the answer to that question should be, to work! During the summertime, a perfect opportunity is presented for young kids to make money and learn how to be productive for their future lives. No matter the extent of the job, it teaches young men and women to provide for themselves and manage their own responsibilities. Also, having a job teaches the youth one of the most necessary things to reminder when preparing for the future, and that is the valuable management of time. Students will have to balance time between their job, summer work, sports, friends, and family. This will teach them a valuable lesson that they will need to institute into their lives for college.
ReplyDeleteAnother very important reason for working during the summer is in regards to paying for college. In most families, the kids are forced to pay for their entire college tuition and that will most likely not be possible without a job. Another scenario would be for those that will have to pay off their college loans. Almost everyone has to pay these off, and starting out by saving money made from a summer job in high school can go a long way.
Finally, having a job will allow for kids to manage money on their own. They should no longer have to ask their parents to borrow money and they will know how and when to spend their own money. Let’s go kids, get out and go work!
You had very good points on the benefits of working, but I think th prompt was more towards working during the school year and balancing a job and school.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete