Fostering a healthy work-study balance

Why do some teenagers choose to work part-time? According to one survey, these are some of the most common reasons:

• To save up money
• To be more independent
• To have more responsibilities
• To gain experience
• To pay for certain personal expenses
• Etc.

For high school students, having a job that’s relevant to their studies and interests increases the motivation to work hard and stay in school. It’s an opportunity for them to pursue their goals while investing in their personal development. In addition, work helps students do the following:

• Better understand their limits
• Check out the labour market
• Build self-confidence
• Improve their communication skills and ability to adapt
• Etc.

Talk to your child to help them find a job that matches their needs and interests. Here are some examples of questions you can ask:

• Why do you want to work during your studies?
• Is there a suitable job for you that’s also related to your chosen career path?
• What are your financial goals?

On average, students work about 15 hours a week. For some, that’s the perfect amount, while for others, it’s far too much. It depends on the individual, and various factors come into play:

• Overall health
• Extracurricular activities
• Academic challenges
• Etc.

There are plenty of ways you can help your child make good decisions when it comes to balancing work and school:

• Ask them about the job they’re interested in
• See how many hours they intend to devote to work
• Emphasize the importance of knowing their limits
• Explain the need for balance in all areas of life
• Etc.

Parents can also help their kids with other tasks:

• Writing their résumé
• Preparing for job interviews
• Keeping their agenda organized
• Etc.

Before accepting a job, your teen should make sure that the employer understands the importance of a work-study balance. Suggest that they ask the following questions at their interview:

• Do you allow excused absences during exam periods?
• Do you limit overtime hours?
• Do you consult with employees before creating work schedules?
• Can employees request to be excluded from night shifts?
• Etc.

Having a job has all kinds of benefits, but it can also come with disadvantages. For example, young people who work more than 15 hours a week have more difficulty balancing work and school. Comparatively speaking, they’re more likely to do the following:

• Consider dropping out of school
• Lack motivation at school
• Experience psychological distress
• Suffer from significant fatigue
• Get into accidents
• Etc.

Asking the right questions can help you determine whether your child is working too much and keep them from jeopardizing their grades:

• Are you dedicating less time to your studies?
• Are you often late for class?
• Do you feel more stressed?
• Are you more tired?
• Do you feel less focused or motivated at school?
• Etc.

If your child answers yes to more than one of these questions, help them adopt a healthier lifestyle. Here are some examples of steps they can take:

• Reconsider their work schedule and choose better hours
• Work fewer hours
• Work only in the summer
• Find a different job
• Use their agenda to stay organized
• Etc.