Column by J1 Elsa Barrett

The obligation to report to a boss, manager, and a set schedule is a valuable life lesson that all high school students should learn. Interacting with coworkers and finally seeing that paycheck in a biweekly deposit is something that is rewarding and helpful in real life. 

Having an obligation is an essential thing to learn during the high school years. However, we may babysit or mow or shovel, and that is certainly important too, but getting a taste of your income being taxed at just 15 is not comparable to mowing your neighbor’s lawn for 20 bucks. High school students should learn the ropes of a work-life balance. 

Summer after freshman year I started my first job being an amateur lifeguard at Champions, 20 minutes away from my house. I couldn’t drive, and I didn’t start with any of my friends. I was scared and intimidated by all the returning lifeguards. I did not know what to expect out of my first job. 

I made work friendships and learned how to interact with my superiors. Not being able to do whatever you want and needing to have a work schedule is vital to a high-schooler’s development if they are going to enter the workforce in their future. 

My first job taught me many things: how much I’m willing to work for new clothes and to get good sleep the night before so I’m not dozing off on the stand. I know many more things than just putting the effort in just so I can buy new clothes. Most importantly I know how it feels to be rewarded from working hard and challenging myself.