Students with jobs express difficulty balancing work, learning

The issue of balancing work and school responsibilities for students continues to be a problem for students at Airport.

Students with jobs may affect their learning after they go to work and then go to school. Many issues may come along during their school year. It could be anything from grades dropping, students getting disciplined for being late, having late work, or falling asleep in class.

Students with jobs that were interviewed were looking forward to someone like teachers that they can talk to and relate to about their responsibilities.

Teachers that were interviewed stated that they may go through the same things. For example, Ms. Owen, who has a part-time side job in addition to teaching and can thus relate to students who have jobs, was asked what her reasons for working and earning extra money are. She stated, “The beach for one week, but mostly for college.” So she would be able to relate to most students now that are saving for college, a car, or maybe some entertainment.

Most students may become very stressed or overwhelmed in a way. For example, when asked to rate his stress level from 1-10, Blake answered “around a 6 or 7." Students may not even be offered that much help opportunities when struggling with school work and a job.

“Do teachers try to help you out with your responsibilities?” another student, Dawson, was asked. Dawson answered, “Nah, not really."

However, teachers may have a different point of view. For example, Ms. Owens was asked, “Do you offer help to your students struggling with school work and a job?” She answered, “Of course; any time they ask." Therefore, maybe teachers and students should communicate more with each other and then they wouldn't be so stressed.

Students main point overall is that there may be struggles, but it doesn’t cause that many issues if you have the proper help. Teachers' and staff’s point of view is that they would offer help as long as you let them know that you’re struggling. It is said that around 70-80% of students in the U.S. have jobs during high school. So if you ever feel overwhelmed or stressed about juggling school along with a job before, during, or after school maybe you should contact a teacher or staff member like your school guidance counselor.