Work, Work, Work, Work, Work – Making High School and Work Work

Are you a worker? Probably so! You do homework. You try to get your brain to work early in the morning. And, many of you are actually going to work after you finish working all day at school! It can feel like a balancing act at times, or perhaps like juggling fine glass china – while standing on a beach ball.

Even the CollegeBoard acknowledges how prevalent part-time work is for current high school students. You can find their thoughts on high school employment under a tab entitled “Big Future” – indeed, that is exactly what part-time employment during high school can and should be cultivating! Whether you need to work or want to work, this is an opportunity to gain valuable, on-the-job skills in addition to career and vocational insights – all of which can truly propel you into a Big Future!

Right now, you may feel like everyone is asking you questions – where do you want to go to college? What is the answer to #10? Are you going to play in the big game next week?

The last thing you probably want to do is ask yourself questions. In fact, asking yourself questions can be even harder than when others barrage you with questions. However, making work work for you during high school requires you to ask questions! It is our hope at Clayborne that we can help you pursue your goals both in the classroom and in your career – we would love to walk with you through that journey. In the meantime, here are some helpful questions you can be asking as you clock your hours:

1. What type of job will work best with my schedule, skills, and personality?
2. How can I capitalize on downtime at my job to do other school-related work?
3. What is my job teaching about myself – my skills, my passions, my goals?
4. What are some stories from my work that I can write down to use when I tell my personal story to college admissions counselors or people that I meet?
5. Do I have time each week that I block off to spend with family, friends, or resting in some way?

You don’t have to know the answer to all of these questions, but as you navigate your school work and employment (on top of everything else going on in your life) use these questions as a helpful guide to a meaningful balance!