There is a small college in our county that is located in a very historic and scenic area. My husband and I often visit the historic grounds there to walk around while he takes photos. We went yesterday so he could take sunset photos, but had to scrap the plan because it was just too busy for us to even find parking. There was construction taking place on the grounds, so parking was blocked off. There were also two other events taking place. The first was a wedding, but that is not what inspired this post. It was the second…there was a college alumni event.

We just recently attended my son’s high school graduation. He has been fortunate to find a full time job with benefits that started the Monday after graduation. His plan is to attend college part-time when he is more settled into his role. Honestly, I feel like he has won the game because his employer will pay for those classes and his starting pay is more than I was making as a supervisory level master degreed librarian when we lived in Florida. It has been a bit of a mindset shift to get comfortable with the fact that he was not going to college right away.

My husband did not attend college until later in life and sometimes feels he missed out. However, as many of you know, I have four degrees. I feel like most of my life has been spent in school (on both student and educator side). When we saw that alumni event this weekend, it had me thinking that I am not their target demographic despite the fact that I have so many universities connected to me over the years. Honestly, I could maybe name three to four people I went to school with. High school was a different story, but my graduating class had 19 students. It was easy to make connections with a group that size for a continuous four years. Yes, I am introverted, but honestly, I did not have much time to make connections. During high school I had a part-time job and shared a car with my mother. During college, I worked full time while attending school full time so I could have enough credits to keep my scholarship. Even with the income, I still graduated heavy in debt. In fact, I am still not completely free from it all.

I see a lot of parallels between my son and I. His job was the result of an intensive internship program he participated in during his senior year. He also worked another part-time job during this….and yes, we shared a car. My undergrad included not only the full-time work, but I was also student teaching while still attending classes on campus because the teaching internship did not give enough credits for those in financial need. I remember another student asking at our information session about balancing the internship with employment. The answer she got was that priorities needed to be decided on and sacrifices made. Honestly, looking back on my grades during these time, I am so proud that my son was able to balance his GPA. I certainly wasn’t.

The truth is that many students find themselves juggling part-time jobs alongside their academic responsibilities. For some, working during high school and college is a necessity born out of generational poverty, a cycle where economic hardships are passed down from one generation to the next, compelling students to contribute financially to their households. While working through these years can instill a strong work ethic and provide essential financial relief, there are undeniable advantages for those who do not have to work during these critical periods of their lives. These advantages span academic performance, personal development, mental health, future opportunities, and networking.

1. Enhanced Academic Performance

One of the most immediate benefits of not working during high school and college is the ability to fully dedicate oneself to academic pursuits. Studies have shown that students who are not burdened with part-time jobs often perform better academically. This is because they have more time to attend classes, participate in study groups, complete assignments, and prepare for exams without the added stress of a work schedule.

For instance, a study by the National Center for Education Statistics found that students who worked less than 20 hours per week had higher GPAs compared to those who worked more hours. The time and energy saved from not having to work can be redirected into studying, engaging in academic discussions, and seeking help from professors, leading to a deeper understanding of the subject matter and better overall grades.

2. Involvement in Extracurricular Activities

Students who do not need to work have more opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities, which are crucial for personal growth and development. These activities, whether they are sports, clubs, volunteer work, or artistic endeavors, allow students to explore their interests, develop new skills, and build a well-rounded resume.

Participation in extracurricular activities also fosters leadership, teamwork, and time-management skills. For example, being part of a debate team can enhance public speaking and critical thinking abilities, while involvement in community service can build empathy and a sense of social responsibility. These experiences not only enrich a student’s life but also make them more attractive to future employers and graduate programs.

3. Better Mental and Physical Health

Balancing work and study can take a significant toll on a student’s mental and physical health. Students who do not have to work are less likely to experience the stress and fatigue that comes with managing multiple responsibilities. They can maintain a healthier lifestyle, with more time available for exercise, proper nutrition, and adequate sleep.

Mental health is another critical aspect. The pressure of performing well academically while also fulfilling job responsibilities can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression. By not having to work, students can enjoy a more balanced and less stressful life, enabling them to approach their studies and social interactions with a clearer and more focused mind.

4. Increased Flexibility and Freedom

Not having a job during high school and college offers students greater flexibility and freedom. They can pursue internships, study abroad programs, and other opportunities that align more closely with their academic and career goals. This flexibility allows them to gain valuable experiences that might not be possible with the constraints of a part-time job.

For example, a summer internship in a prestigious company or a semester abroad in a foreign country can provide unparalleled experiences and networking opportunities that are highly valued in the job market. These experiences can be pivotal in shaping a student’s future career path and open doors that might otherwise remain closed.

5. Focus on Long-Term Goals

Students who do not have to work can focus more on their long-term goals and aspirations rather than immediate financial needs. They can spend time exploring different fields, conducting research, and making informed decisions about their future careers. This long-term perspective can lead to more fulfilling and well-suited career choices.

Additionally, these students have the luxury of taking on unpaid internships or volunteer positions that offer significant learning opportunities and professional growth, rather than taking on jobs solely for financial reasons. This strategic approach to building their future can pay off significantly in the long run.

6. Strengthened Connections and Networking Opportunities

One of the most significant advantages for students who do not have to work during high school and college is the ability to build stronger connections and engage in networking activities that are crucial for future success. Networking is often touted as one of the most important aspects of professional development, and students with more free time can leverage this to their advantage in several ways.

Students who are not tied to part-time jobs have more time to interact with their professors and academic mentors. These relationships can be instrumental in providing guidance, academic support, and professional opportunities. Professors can offer personalized advice, write strong letters of recommendation, and introduce students to influential figures in their field. Additionally, professors often have extensive networks themselves and can facilitate connections with industry professionals, researchers, and alumni.

Without the constraints of a work schedule, students can participate more fully in professional organizations, industry conferences, workshops, and seminars. These events are prime opportunities for networking with peers, industry leaders, and potential employers. Engaging in these activities allows students to stay updated on industry trends, gain insights from experts, and make connections that can lead to internships, job offers, and collaborations.

Finally, having the time to socialize and build connections with peers is an underrated yet crucial aspect of networking. Friendships formed during high school and college can evolve into professional relationships later in life. Classmates today can become colleagues, business partners, or valuable contacts in various industries tomorrow. Engaging in social activities, study groups, and campus events helps students build a robust network of peers who can support each other’s career aspirations.

The ability to focus solely on academics and personal growth without the need to work through high school and college provides students with numerous advantages. Enhanced academic performance, greater involvement in extracurricular activities, better mental and physical health, increased flexibility, and the ability to focus on long-term goals are significant benefits that can profoundly impact a student’s life and future career. Beyond these, the opportunities for building strong connections and effective networking can significantly enhance a student’s future career prospects. These relationships, whether with professors, industry professionals, or peers, are invaluable assets that can open doors and create pathways to success that might otherwise remain inaccessible.

However, it is important to acknowledge that not all students have the privilege of not working during their studies. Many must work out of necessity to support themselves and their families. Recognizing this privilege should inspire a greater appreciation for the opportunities available and encourage those who benefit from it to use their advantages to support and uplift their peers who may not have the same luxury. As such, the support to focus on education and networking during these formative years is a crucial investment in a student’s future and, ultimately, the broader society.

I am very proud of how far my son has come. Yes, there is mom guilt that he faced some of the same challenges that I did. Despite all of that, I feel that he has been able to overcome much. However, there has to be a better answer out there to the economic situation many families find themselves in. I think the best analogy I can leave you with is this…ramen, the staple meal of many a teen and college student was $.10 a package when I was my son’s age. Today it is $.80 a package where we live. While that may not seem like much, I want you to consider that this is just one of many of the small insecurities that students today face.

You know I love Maslow! Well, if they are stuck worrying about the bottom tier of the pyramid for their safety and security, how can they ever reach the top where they can be their best selves? There has to be a better way!