Should Kids in High School Work?

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Should Kids in High School Work?

Posted by FiscalFizzle 857 days ago, popular 856 days ago (http://www.fiscalfizzle.com)
Category: Personal Finance | Tags: career kids teens work high school

Considering the benefits and trade-offs of teenagers working in high school, my own story, and my thoughts on what's acceptable and what's not in my mind. Also, some thoughts on the current economy as it impacts this subject...

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Moneymaker 857 days ago

I think it is a good idea. I know when I was in HS I had a part time job. It helped put money in my pocket as well as giving me an idea of what to expect if I did not continue on with school.

MoneyEnergy 856 days ago

I say it depends on the child. If your kid is really bright and intellectually gifted, suggesting they get a job too soon can have adverse effects because this is still a time when they can be intellectually developing - putting their energies into the marketplace could be a waste of their own gifts at this time. It depends on what your own child is naturally talented with and how self-directed they are. If they're not liking school or doing well there, trying a job could be useful in the short-term. But if there's no financial need for someone under 16 to work, I wouldn't push it on them.

danielle 856 days ago

i'm 32 and i worked from the time i was 16 until i graduated from high school. i started working again when i was 19 until the end of college. i played high school varsity soccer, was in gymnastics, did a stint of cross-country freshman year in addition, was in choir, had lots of friends, and graduated with honors. i didn't get straight A's, but who does? i still graduated with a 3.5 gpa. it may be zero-sum, but the parents should also help guide the kids to optimizing their time to being well-rounded individuals. you can fit a lot of various activities into one week, while making it fun for the kids.

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