Similar to most people, many high school students need or want money. For various reasons, money is a necessity, but it can also just be something that people want. For some, parents provide this money, but for others a job is an additional responsibility in their schedule. High schoolers already have a lot on their plate with academic, athletic, social and extracurricular responsibilities. Therefore, some students can not always add a job to their to-do list during the school year.

Those who can not earn extra cash, in addition to the stress of school and life, have to do it at other times. For example, summer break is a great time to work because of all the excess time student have due to the fact that they are no longer in school or school-related extracurricular activities. With one months left in the 2017-2018 school year, the search for employment has begun for many people. Even though it seems somewhat far in the future, some people have already applied and started working towards getting a job. The application and interviewing process can seem daunting, and for some it is. A few begin the job hunt as early as the beginning of the year. Sophomore Allison Beckman’s application process to be a lifeguard and swim instructor started in January and is still continuing.

“I had to take a week-long CPR and lifeguard training class that included various tests, and for the swim instructor job I’ll have to take an online course,” Beckman said. “The application [process] was extremely long and tiring because it was done online and I needed referrals, my personal information, along with tons of other forms to be filled out. It was a lot of emailing back and forth until I had the job secured.”

Beckman is one of many who has to go through this procedure and ones similar to it. However, not all employment opportunities require as many tasks to be completed before working is permitted. Therefore, those still looking for work should not be frightened by the unknown ahead. Junior Joseph Whittall is hoping to find a job this summer, but has not yet started to apply.

“I want either a job at the movie theater or Lovin Oven,” Whittall said. “I decided I wanted a job when my mom told me I needed to get one; I need money.”

Some students do not voluntarily work. Whether they have to because of financial issues at home, a need to get out of the house or any other reason, it is possible a parent made the decision for them. Either way, no matter whose choice it is, working can be a great lesson for everyone. The responsibility of working, managing money and time and learning the skills of a job one may work at is a beneficial skill for anyone to have.

Summer is approaching quicker than one may realize and it is important to plan ahead if one wants to earn a wage, especially if the person has somewhere specific in mind. Working in high school can be an experience that teaches one lessons they can use for the rest of his or her life. Although working may not be the ideal way to spend summer vacation, it will help improve skills in numerous fields.