For many high school students, the day doesn’t end when the bell rings. Teens are taking on classes during the day and picking up work after school. Despite the challenges, many students see the benefits. Earning their own money can build independence and prepare them for future careers.
Senior Micah Leake is a varsity boys basketball player at LHS and works at Babica Hen and Blackbird Indoor Golf. Working two jobs is difficult enough for anyone, but the challenge comes in when also being a student athlete. So how do high schoolers make it happen?
“Throughout the seasons my hours fluctuate, but I typically work around 20 hours a week,” said Leake. “I will work in the mornings, on weekends as a bus boy or host at Babica Hen, and then after school or even after a shift at Babica I’ll work as a server at Blackbird Indoor Golf.”
Leake has a system that he thinks is very optimal.
“I have recently been trying to make mini-weekly schedules for myself and for me that just looks like knowing what activities I have at certain times throughout the week so that I can find time to keep a balanced schedule,” said Leake.
Senior Kori Krup works at Brandy Melville Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and tries to pick up one or two shifts on the weekends.
If Krup could change one thing about her schedule she would change both her school and work hours.
“I would have all morning classes and early releases so I can work longer shifts,” Krup said.
Teens are living the double life, and students like Leake and Krup show that with discipline and determination, balancing school, sports and work is challenging—but possible.
