Many people see being a student as their full-time job. However, being teenagers, we love to have money in our pocket. Let’s face it, we can’t rely on our parents to buy us Chipotle for the rest of our lives (unfortunately). Jobs are a must.

Nobody likes to work, but students today have jobs to help pay for college and put gas in their car. I am one of those people. I have a full-time job as an honors student at VHS, and a part-time job as a cashier at Kings Supermarket.  And, I  am cheerleading captain. I work about 18 hours per week and make a decent amount of money. Not only am I able to pay for my own gas and food when I go out with my friends, but I am able to save for college because tuition isn’t exactly pocket change. It can be challenging at times trying to juggle a social life, a job, and school, but you make it work. Many other students have jobs as well.

Rachel Josephson, a senior at VHS, lifeguards at the local pool. Although school is not technically in session during the summer, students are given extensive summer assignments that have to be completed.

“I make about $7.25 per hour. My job isn’t that hard. You really have to pay attention because you are responsible for others, but it’s not too bad,”said Rachel. “It’s kind of hard to juggle school work and a job because you should always put school first and sometimes you just don’t have the time for things.”

Some students juggle multiple jobs. Gabi Horton, a senior at VHS, is not only in the top 10 percent of the graduating class and a track participant, but she also has multiple jobs.

“I work as a hostess at Toast in Montclair, tutor twice a week, babysit occasionally, and drive a little girl around to all of her errands and after school activities once a week,” Gabi listed. In the beginning, Gabi said that it was hard working and going to school, but now that AP exams are over, it is getting much easier.

Andres Sandoval, a senior at VHS, works three times per week at a pizzeria in Little Falls. “I am a host and make about $9.25 per hour,” Andres stated. “It’s not really hard juggling a job and school at this point because I hardly get any work nowadays because the senior year is coming to an end.”

Other students not only excel in school and work, but juggle being a captain of a sport. Nell Karpinski, a senior at VHS, works at the Montclair Golf Club as a junior tennis pro.

“It was hard at first juggling school, sports, and a job, but then you get into a routine and it becomes second nature. It keeps you focused on your goals and teaches you to work hard,” Nell stated.

Having a job, school, a social life, and playing a sport can be extremely challenging, but students make it work. In the adult world, everyone is always busy doing something, so we need to get ready for that.  I do try to go to the park with my dog, go shopping by myself, or get my nails done at least once a week just to treat myself. My schedule is so jam packed every week, I find it extremely important to find some things to de-stress so I don’t make myself crazy. Having some time to yourself is important no matter how busy your schedule is because it is good for your health.

So if you’re juggling a busy schedule, keep in mind: it’s not impossible and it’s a real life skill that will be needed in the future.