Hitting the snooze button four times, struggling to stay awake at school for seven hours, then working until it’s time to go to sleep–this is the average day for many students at Plainwell.

Between school, homework, sports, and a social life, students have a lot to balance.  On top of that, many students also have a part-time job.

The law limits students to working 24 hours a week when school is in session, and 40 during the summer.  

“I work at least 20 hours a week so I can save up money to pay for my car, college, and life,” Anna Preuss ‘19 said.

Preuss works at both Sweetwaters and Aubree’s.

Preuss, like a lot of students, has many financial responsibilities including her car, gas, insurance, repairs, college, as well as anything involving social activities.   Despite being so busy, many students like working.

“Working forces me to manage my time, stay organized, and be responsible.  It can be tiring and overwhelming but at the same time it makes me feel more accomplished.  I feel weird if I’m not busy,” Preuss said.

Students at Plainwell have jobs for many reasons.  Their parents might make them, they might have financial responsibilities, or they might just enjoy working.  

“I work at Joe’s Pizza.  My parents don’t make me, I just need money,” said Levi Betz ‘20.  

“Outside of making money, working kind of sucks,” said Betz.

Connor Buschini, ‘21 also works at Joe’s Pizza to make money for gas, car maintenance, and other things.

“It’s made me develop time management because I’ve sometimes had to leave sports early for it, do homework during class, things like that,” Buschini said.

Working gives students a chance to take on responsibilities outside of school and the home.  Building a resume is important for college and applying for post graduation jobs. Students who have worked throughout high school might have a leg up on other applicants for the same job.  

Mollie Brock ‘20 works Zeigler Ford and Chrysler about 10 hours a week.

“I like working because I have an income. I like earning my own money.  Balancing school and work is hard, but sometimes my bosses let me work on my homework if I’ve completed all my tasks.  Working has shown me that I’m not always going to be able to do whatever I want, like hanging out with friends or going to school functions,” Brock said.  

Working in high school can give students a taste of what life might be like after high school.  Some students are even lucky enough to find a high school job doing something like.

Trysten Whittington ‘19 has a seasonal job at Bittersweet Ski Resort, this year as a manager.

“I love my job! Everyone is super chill there and we all share the same passion, which is skiing,” Whittington said.  

Working in high school has its drawbacks, but many students find it to be a rewarding experience that is helpful for later in life.