After School Jobs: More Than Just Extra Cash
As we grow older, we find ourselves wanting to buy more and more things. Whether we want clothes, iPods, or videogames, the cost adds up. In order to make some fast cash, many high school students find themselves looking for after school jobs; after all, our parents cannot buy us everything we want. In Acton-Boxborough, many retailers including Dunkin Donuts, The Paper Store, and Roche Brothers hire high school students. Many AB students take advantage of these opportunities to earn a little pocket money.
For most students, money is the main reason, if not the only reason, to show up for work. “It’s all about the money,” says Rahul Bajaj, a student who has been working at Domino’s in Acton for over three years. Rahul, like many other students, uses his income to pay for his car, gas, clothes, as well as other things. Besides material purchases, people also spend their earnings when they go out to restaurants or the movies. An after school job comes in handy to fund material needs as well as personal indulgences.
After school jobs teach students discipline and become more than just a way to earn money. Lorena Balbio comments, “Although working at McDonald’s isn’t the most enjoyable job, it has taught me patience and responsibility.” Sometimes dealing with customers is difficult, especially when students are very tired after a hard day at school, not to mention stressed out about massive amounts of homework. Learning to be patient with customers also takes practice and discipline. However, a job can also be fun and something to look forward to. “When I first started working at my job,” says Abby Copp, “I thought I wouldn’t have good relationships with my co-workers. But now, I see them as almost part of my family.” Having an after school job is a great way to meet new people and establish new relationships. Jobs also expose students to many new experiences and teach them life lessons.
Although a great number of high school students have after school jobs and enjoy the benefits, many other students do not. With frequent testing and heavy loads of homework, they simply do not have enough time for the commitment. Ashley Endress comments, “I have a summer job so I can have money to spend, but during the school year I don’t have enough time for a job because of extracurricular activities and tons of homework.” Many students join sports teams, participate in school clubs, or do volunteer work during the school year. Burdened by their hectic schedules, students cannot spare the time or effort that a job requires, and the last thing they need is even more stress.
Having an after school job can be a great experience and also allows students some materialistic luxuries. Those without jobs are spared the stress and have more time to focus on their studies and other obligations. Whether students need quick cash or want to learn people skills and life lessons, students can find the perfect job to suit their needs.
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