Getting paid pays off

Lessons learned from long hours at work

Getting paid pays off

Yonka Angelova, Reporter

On a Monday night, Michelle Domain stocked up all the shoes at Famous Footwear. She then went home to write an English essay and complete her Pre-Calc homework. While at first it might seem that work interfered with school work, Domain was able to accomplish it all–because she works. She, like other teens who work,has acquired the skills of responsibility, communication, and self-assurance through working.

unnamed.jpgDomain has four jobs. She works at Carter’s, Osh Kosh, Unlimited Wholesale, Famous Footwear, and is waiting to hear back from Michael Kors. Sometimes Domain works with her mom and helps her out when needed. For the rest of the week, Domain usually works anywhere from 16-45 hours. After going to school for 8 hours Domain feels exhausted and claims “I still find the courage to go to work because I want to save up money for myself, as well as help out my family.” Even though Domain doesn’t have time for much, she’s still focused on school and challenges herself every day without falling behind. By working and attending school at the same time Domain learns to become independent and builds up a lot of character.

Working a reasonable number of hours and balancing those hours with other responsibilities can help students build up skills that will help them after graduating high school. Working allows you to learn professional skills, such as communication, time management, and, most importantly, responsibility. In addition, The College Board stated that “Working can help you explore career directions and reach your goals too. Rhea, a college sophomore and aspiring pharmacist, found her career path when she started her job at a pharmacy while in high school.” Thus, working provides you with the experience to learn about being independent as well as who you could be.

Having a goal set is what drives you to push yourself everyday. Whether your goal is earning money for yourself or helping out your family, you still have a goal in mind. In addition, work allows you to learn about responsibly, communication, and who you are as a person. I think that if you put your mind to both work and school you can be successful at both. Domain has four jobs, but she’s still successful and glad to be working.