I am 17 years old and I got a job during the summer of 2014. It wasn't anything big but I had to check people's badges in a private community lake. Although that job was just for the summer, I learned a lot about having a job and the responsibility that comes with being employed. I am a senior in high school now and having a job throughout the school year is a blessing but also a curse.
Blessing #1: Having a job during the school year is a blessing because you make money!
It's amazing to have money to spend during the school year. You actually have a social life and it helps you become more independent with the way you treat your money! This gives you more freedom to do things.
Curse #1: You have a job.
A lot of my friends have very flexible work schedules, but my job has long hour shifts. This week alone I work 4:00-9:30 two times after school. If my friends want to go out and grab a bite to ear, or see a movie, normally I can't because I have work. I can't call out or miss the shift because I could loose my job in general, but sometimes it is a pain to say no to my friends over work.
Blessing #2: Having a job looks great on college applications!
It shows that you can manage having a job and balancing your classes in school. Promotions especially look good! Having a job is hard work, but when you make an effort at the job, it makes the hard work worth it!
Curse #2: Sometimes the job may not be so great.
I get yelled at, cursed at and screamed at once a week at my job. There have been so many times when I've cried at work, and have wanted to quit instantly or I go to work and I find out I did something wrong and someone is mad at me. Having a job can be great but at the same time, the job can have its ups and downs.
Overall, having a job in high school can be a blessing due to the money you make and the people you meet, but sometimes there are downfalls with being employed.
