Does money buy happiness? Maybe not, but it does buy college, clothes, food, and everything else that the average teenager may require. It’s clear that students need jobs, and they may need them fast with such a high demand from a combination of students from schools across the Atlanta metro area. For many high school students now, getting a job isn’t just about the money; it’s about gaining experience, learning to collaborate with others, and feeling prepared for life. What jobs are ready for the Warriors?
For high schoolers, fast food is a common first step into working. With Chick Fil A on West Paces and Willy’s on Howell Mill, these jobs are easily accessible to teenagers. Walker Jackson, a sophomore at NAHS, has been working at Chick Fil A for roughly a year and a half, and only has one complaint: the pay. Working for $8.25 an hour, while Chick Fil A has offered Walker great social opportunities to work with and meet new people, the low pay can be a slight challenge. “I may complain about getting $8.25 an hour, but at least I get free food and I have something good to put on my college application!”
Jobs aren’t just about the money. Working is valuable and teaches students important life skills they will get to use for the rest of their lives. Retail jobs are a good example of teamwork and communication. A senior at NAHS, Cameron Lanier has been working at Dick’s Sporting Goods for about 10 months and believes that getting his job is one of the best things he could have done for himself. “Yes, I definitely get rude customers who don’t respect the place. But what people don’t realize is that rude customers give me an opportunity to connect with others, and that’s all that matters to me.”
Obviously, not every job is going to be perfect. It’s nice when you get perks like discounts and new friends, but a negative work environment can be an easy no-go for job-seeking teenagers. Playa Bowls, a smoothie-bowl company with multiple locations in Atlanta, is a popular place for teenagers at NAHS to work, like junior Azuka Otunye. Azuka loves the free smoothie bowls she gets at any Playa Bowl location, however, she couldn’t say the same about her boss. “My manager is so annoying– it’s like he enjoys singling me out and treating his employees like trash.”
Overall, getting a job in high school can offer numerous benefits to teenagers. With life skills, college applications, and annoying bosses, you’re sure to gain something valuable from working. So Dubs–now’s your chance– get to work!
