How hard is it to maintain work and school? Should I do it?

Question

I'm 17 years old and I'm debating about whether or not I should find a job while attending high school. The main problem is that I'm not sure if I'm able to handle work and school at the same time. I'm going into Grade 12 soon which is the final year so it's pretty crucial that I do well and get good grades in order to get into the right University. I get pretty decent in school and have little trouble making the honour roll and I don't think my courses pose much difficulty for me, except for my two Math courses (Advanced Functions and Calculus) which I’m planning to get a tutor in. But I’m afraid of the fact that my grades will slip if I happen to get a job. I tried looking for work earlier this summer, but most of the jobs I applied for didn't like the fact that I couldn't work full-time due to the fact that I took an extra credit course for summer school and couldn't start work till a long time. I would of like to worked for the remainder of the summer, but my mom says there’s no point because summer break is almost over anyways and that all the good jobs are taken by now.

So should I try and go for a job? Or just concentrate on school for now?...and how hard is it? Please share your experiences if possible.

Answer 1

Concentrate on school.  I tried to do both high school and a job.  My grades slipped a little and I was stressed all the time, and I really wasn't a nice person because I was always tired.

Answer 2

No, concentrate on your schoolwork, this is the most crucial year and you nee to focus on your grades.

Answer 3

Know yourself and if you can handle the pressure.  Usually, high-achieving students are helped by the extra responsibility of a job during school terms,  but realize that you'll probably have to miss some rallies and/or dances because  of work and academic obligations throughout the school year.  

If your grades and scores start to slip,even if in PE, quiot the job asap and conscentrate on school--which is your job as a 17 y.o.

Answer 4

Well, I'm 14 (going into high school in a couple weeks) and during the school year in 8th grade I worked at McDonalds many days after school. I know 8th grade doesn't have nearly as much homework as senior year, but I had no problem balancing school and work. I got all A's! haha and my best friends older brother (senior) works everyday after school and on weekends and he gets straight A's and has mostly AP classes. idk how he does it, but he does. So maybe only work a few days after school and on the weekends, and school and work should balance well.

Good Luck! Hope I helped!