Comments on: Should Kids in High School Work?

By: Lucy Y.

Lucy Y. — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 02:00:09 +0000

I really like the idea of working during the summer. A lot of my friends work as lifeguards or at the pool. Great alternative to working during the school year! It’s guaranteed to just be during the summer since those are the months that the pool operates and you learn the work experience WITHOUT having pressure to align your job with school!

By: Wojciech Kulicki

Wojciech Kulicki — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 12:16:00 +0000

The “keeps them out of trouble” perspective is something I don’t think anyone’s touched on yet! That’s definitely a commonly quoted reason by parents for putting their kids in activities or to work!

By: youngandthrifty

youngandthrifty — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 06:15:08 +0000

Wow cracking an egg with one hand? That seems quite dexteriously difficult.
I’m going to try that next time. =)
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By: youngandthrifty

youngandthrifty — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 06:12:03 +0000

From a 20-something perspective (alas, I was in highschool in the not too distant past), I think that it is a very good idea to encourage your children to work while in high school.

I started working when I was 14 (going door to door asking for donations for this Canadian Charity!!) and have been working since (not there, thank goodness). I think it helps you get a sense of discipline, of organization (it forces you to manage your time well), and to know the “value of a dollar”.

My grades were not impacted, in fact, I think I got better grades by working throughout high school and university. I worked about 8-15 hours a week and more during the summer months.

It also helps your teenager get into the job market better by having better developed interpersonal skills, and actually something to write on that resume! AND it keeps them out of trouble (hopefully) (e.g. if they have to work Saturday morning at the mall, they are more likely NOT to go to that drunkfest on Friday night–hopefully!)
youngandthrifty´s last post: TFSA (Tax Free Savings Accounts) Basics

By: The Katana: Rough Waters On The Horizon | Financial Samurai

The Katana: Rough Waters On The Horizon | Financial Samurai — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 09:02:38 +0000

[...] “Should Kids Work In High School?” asks Wojo. My thoughts are they should for some experience, but to stop as soon as work [...]

By: Black Coffee: My Favorite Blogs, Money News & Opinions #31

Black Coffee: My Favorite Blogs, Money News & Opinions #31 — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 01:25:55 +0000

[...] pepper, Wojo, made the list. This week he asked us to consider if it really is a good idea to let kids work while they are in high school. I think the benefits generally far out weight the risks – but I know there are a lot of [...]

By: Money Making Sense » Blog Archive » Weekend Roundup

Money Making Sense » Blog Archive » Weekend Roundup — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 01:56:46 +0000

[...] If you've got a teen who desires to work Fiscal Fizzle shares great advice about the pros and cons of a working teenager. [...]

By: Wojciech Kulicki

Wojciech Kulicki — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 23:54:22 +0000

Janet, Thanks for all the compliments! Obviously, I am writing from my limited perspective (as a very young parent), but I try to think ahead as much as possible and consider other points of view. It’s definitely refreshing as many of my readers call me out on a wide variety of topics.

I hear you about time management! That was a challenge for me personally, and for many of my friends. And you’re raising an awesome point about the importance of volunteering as a means of getting the best of many worlds–learning the importance of working, time management, AND giving back.

Interesting observation about high-school dropouts: in an economy like this one, where job competition is at a very high level, what can these drop-outs look forward to? It’s definitely a challenging position to put yourself in.

Thanks again for your comment!

By: Wojciech Kulicki

Wojciech Kulicki — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 23:49:59 +0000

Thanks for sharing the link, Ryan. A lot of people share your view that it’s “not really that hard,” but I also know many people who find it a challenge. Different strokes for different folks, I suppose.

By: Janet Porcaro

Janet Porcaro — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 22:20:29 +0000

When I read your blog my first reaction was, “This guys is obviously still a young parent!” After reading the series of posts after, I must credit you as wise beyond your years. I may sound like I am a ninety year old granny, but that’s only because I am the mother of a 17 year old. Don’t want to invade his privacy but let it be noted, that each teen is different. There are tons of teens who are great at hands-on learning. In those cases, a job as potential for raising self esteem especially for those kids that have had a lot of failure at school or maybe even at home. There are other kids who are in all honors classes and need a good dose of stress management. A job would put them over the top. However, I really wish all kids were required to do a certain amount of volunteer work in order to instill a sense of the importance of social capital. In an ideal world, there would be a balance between academics, extra-curricular activity, work, volunteerism, and fun time. But talk about time management!

I am active in the school and have gotten to know a lot of my son’s friends. The comment about the state of the economy and its impact on teen job availability is right on. There is an epidemic of high school drop outs even as we type away. The priority should be to develop healthy teens engaged in positive activities that they love. This to me is what helps build internal motivation because you know what you love to do and you do it for a living.

Hopefully by the time your child/chidren are in school there will be some evolution in education and society. Right now our kids are in distress and we need to put on the brakes and reprioritize.

Great blog. Thanks for your work.