Despite the image depicted in movies and television, the phenomenon of high school is not always what it may seem. Quite unlike the leisurely, free-spirited version of the teenage years portrayed in Hollywood, today’s teenagers are burdened with numerous extracurriculars, one of which is a job. This overuse of time can lead high school students to be under substantial pressure as well as being stressed.

“On days where I have work and [do] other activities, I definitely am tired because work is really fun, but it’s also draining at some points,” junior Natalie Denny said.

In addition to the perpetual task of schoolwork, Denny, a florist at Company Flowers in Cherrydale, has taken on the responsibility of a job. Her choice to maintain working alongside studying is similar to many of her peers. Although it is beneficial for teenagers to earn money, it can be constantly depleting to manage these two aspects.

“I probably spend more time working to be honest,” sophomore and Lost Dog Cafe host Sonnet Gustafson said.

While working can be an activity that occupies a large bulk of their time, teenagers are able to form habits that lead them to balance these two responsibilities efficiently. Making use of Patriot Period as well as prioritizing assignments are common strategies found in successful, working students.

Although earning income as a teenager is valuable, taking on a part-time job can often fill the hours in which one would typically spend studying. High school students find it necessary to recognize their most essential activities and decide which are most crucial at their current age.

“If you have means to not have to work, I’d say studying would take priority,” Denny said.

Focusing on learning and performing well in schoolwork are the fundamental tasks of students during their high school years because of the immense effect on their futures. While studying should be the priority, acquiring a job in high school has numerous benefits as well.

“I think it is important, whether that’s babysitting or mowing lawns, to make money because once you get out of high school, even if you’ve done great and have amazing grades it’s going to be hard to pay for life. It’s kind of nice to be taking in more money than you’re spending,” Gustafson said.

In addition to the asset of handling responsibility and time management, saving money as a teenager provides extra spending money for college, during which very little students find time to sustain a job. Refraining from immediately spending money earned from a part-time job in high school will inevitably be of benefit in years down the road.