Earning Whilst Learning
By Lauren Law Feb. 12, 2025
After the bell rings, most students at the school already have to juggle extracurricular activities, sports practice and homework from AP classes. Some choose to add another responsibility to their afterschool to-do list: earning a paycheck. From brewing coffee to babysitting to lifeguarding, these young workers are learning life lessons and managing responsibilities far beyond the classroom.
According to Indeed, high school students most commonly take up jobs as fast food attendants, servers, baristas, grocery baggers and retail sales associates. These positions offer flexible hours to adapt to students’ other responsibilities, in addition to valuable experience for young workers entering the job market. Popular employers include fast food chains, retail stores, tutoring centers, local businesses and summer camps.
Students take up part-time jobs for many reasons. Some join the workforce to earn money for personal expenses, savings or college funds. For some, these jobs align with their career interests, offering insight into specific industries they may seek to formally enter later. Others seek work experience to build their resumes, develop new skills and gain independence. Senior Stephanie Lu works as a swim instructor at Waterworks Aquatics, a company dedicated to teaching children water safety. Since starting in July, Lu has committed two days a week to this role with the full support of her parents, who encouraged her to gain work experience and prepare for the future. She took the job to save money for college and to have extra spending cash. While Lu enjoys the job, she does not see it as a long-term career and plans to step
away after next summer.
“Balancing work and school can be challenging, but I strive to manage my time effectively to ensure my grades remain strong. Through this experience, I have developed greater patience, kindness and empathy—qualities that are especially important when teaching young children, who can sometimes be tough to instruct,” Lu said.
Other Chargers, like Junior Swathi Thayaparan, merge their personal hobbies with part-time jobs. Thayaparan saw tennis coaching as a perfect opportunity to earn money while playing the sport she loves. She works at the Almaden Racket Country Club, where she has coached tennis for children twice a week since last summer. She plans to increase her hours especially during the summer before college and hopes to return to the job during college breaks to contribute to her savings.
Thayaparan’s job offers a refreshing change of pace and an escape from school-related stress. The fact that she gets paid for doing something she loves keeps her motivated and makes the challenges of juggling both responsibilities feel worthwhile. One particularly unforgettable moment highlighted the balancing act she manages daily—rushing to work while running out of gas and driving most of the way in neutral gear.
Meanwhile, Junior Brianna Le has been a ride operator at Great America for about a year.
“I wanted something productive to do over the summer and to save money to attend concerts. While working, I learn to quickly communicate and devise solutions while thinking on my feet. But by far my favorite part of the job is when my coworkers and I get to ride the park’s attractions after we close,” Le said.
While many students rely on traditional part-time jobs, others earn undeclared income outside of working for a formal organization. Senior Manya Patel creates unique jewelry, bracelets, bag charms and upcycled clothes sourcing materials from thrift stores and flea markets. She markets her products on social media, Depop and at in-person pop-up markets like the Berkeley SoSo Market.
“As my own boss, the more effort I put in, the more sales I make. One highlight was being featured in SoLucky, a student-run magazine, where I had my pieces professionally photographed and displayed for a ‘Gossip Girl’ theme,” Patel said.
For many students at school, balancing academics, athletics and extracurriculars is a challenge in itself, but adding a part-time job to the mix adds another layer of responsibility that requires extra dedication, resilience and drive. Whether they are teaching swim lessons, operating amusement parks or independently selling handmade goods, part-time jobs not only teach students the value of hard work but also allow them to explore their interests, build independence and create lasting memories along the way.
About the Contributors
Lauren Law
staff writer
I like to listen to music and hang out with friends. My favorite artists are SZA and Drake.
Ryan Park
artist
Ryan Park is an Artist for Advanced Journalism in Leland High School. He wants to be able to improve his drawing skills during his time in Journalism. He likes watching anime, hanging out with his friends, and going to the gym.
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