Can You Balance: The Struggles of a Working Teenager

Zaria+Hicks%2C+senior%2C+works+the+window+at++McDonalds.

Photo Courtesy: Ariana Tillis.

Zaria Hicks, senior, works the window at McDonald’s.

Imagine waking up for school after working a six hour night shift at a job that stinks of old grease and rotting trash.

Many students at Blackman live that reality.

People may wonder how students take AP and Honor courses, participate in extracurriculars, and also have time to handle a serious job. Most students balance these stressors without complaint.

However, students do find problems with the time command of their job and realize they do not have extra time to rest nor do their homework or any other school activities.

“It’s pretty difficult because I also do cheer. Trying to balance home life, work, school, and cheer is pretty hard sometimes,” stated Sarah Conn, senior.

Students with jobs see the benefit of jobs with them: earning money, gaining life experience, and saving money for college. But the demand for sleep is still a big need.

“It’s kind of hard sometimes [having a job] cause I don’t get to do my homework. I just get tired, and I have trouble waking up in the morning,” said Chase Lozano, junior.

Students who are 18 years old are expected to hold more responsibility in their work space.

“It’s hard because McDonalds thinks I can work until twelve [a.m.] every night,” said Zaria Hicks, senior.

Creating daily to do lists and having a planner can decrease some stress by making sure the student finds time for sleep and homework. It also helps to take on the days-before-its-due system. Try to get those pesky assignments finished ahead of time before they really cause some problems.

Most importantly, make sure to set aside some personal time. Whether that be tuning in to Netflix for a little while or enjoying a doughnut, little tidbits of motivation help beat procrastination.

The benefit of having a job is an obvious one – more money. But the want for some extra dollars shouldn’t also affect a person’s well-being and education.