Balancing schoolwork, extracurricular activities and a social life is already a challenge for many high school students. Adding a job on top of that can seem overwhelming, but for some students, working has become a meaningful and manageable part of their lives.

For sophomore Graham Waibel, refereeing soccer games is more than just a way to earn money. Waibel, who has played soccer for years, said he enjoys that his job allows him to stay connected to the sport while also giving back to the soccer community that taught him to play.

Waibel works about four to five hours a week as a referee, typically serving as an assistant referee (AR) rather than a head official. “I only do AR,” he said. “It decreases the pay, but it’s not worth the stress [of being a head official].” Despite the challenges of officiating competitive games, Waibel said he would recommend the job to other students, emphasizing the importance of giving back.

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Another sophomore, Sam Worrall, works at Punch Pizza in St. Louis Park as a cashier and food runner. During the summer, Worrall worked up to 30 to 35 hours a week, but during the school year, that number drops to about five to 12 hours. “My favorite aspect is probably just the balance of being able to socialize with coworkers and customers while also working,” Worrall said.

Managing time is a key part of holding a job while in school. Worrall said he schedules most of his hours on weekends and relies on careful planning. “I balance it by creating schedules and making sure I’m not wasting time on my phone or watching TV,” he said.

While money is an obvious motivation, Worrall said the benefits go beyond the paycheck. “The money is a big aspect of it, but also the experience I’m getting,” he said. “I like working in a restaurant and cooking is a big part of my life.”

Similarly, senior Devyani Nelson finds that her job offers more than just a paycheck through the opportunity to work with and support younger swimmers. Nelson works at Jewish community center (JCC) and is a lifeguard. “I enjoy working as a lifeguard because I can work with younger swimmers,” she said. Nelson does not work during the school year but works an average of 20 to 25 hours a week during the summer.

Nelson said she would recommend having a job to other students because of the valuable lessons and qualities gained in the workplace. She believes working helps students develop responsibility, time management skills and communication skills that are useful both in and out of school. According to Nelson, these experiences prepare students for future careers while also teaching them how to work well with others and handle real-world responsibilities.

All of the students agreed that having a job can be valuable for high schoolers, as long as it doesn’t interfere with academics. “If you have a lot of extra time and don’t want to spend it on a screen, it’s a good way to be resourceful,” Worrall said. For students like Nelson, Waibel and Worrall, working isn’t just about earning money; it’s about learning responsibility and finding balance during high school.