One of the best ways to learn responsibility and time management is by getting a job. Many Arcadia High School (AHS) students get their first jobs during their high school years, at local places in the city as a tutor, barista, or server. Jobs are essential to not only becoming a productive member of society, but also for improving soft skills like communication, work ethic, and problem-solving.
Students being paid minimum wage earn anywhere from $16.90 to $24 an hour, depending on where they choose to work. Choosing a job based on the pay as well as the enjoyment for it is important, since one will be spending multiple hours a week at their job.
Senior Thomas Kim spends his free time mountain biking, and he was able to factor in his enjoyment of the hobby when choosing a job.
“My experience working at Unchained Bicycle Garage has been very positive, and I find it fun putting together bikes and being able to see all the mechanics of the many diverse bikes that come in,” Kim said.
Another student, senior Kaitlyn Man, has been ice skating since she was 5-years-old. She used her skills and passion to become an assistant coach at the Pasadena Ice Skating Center.
“Fortunately, my shifts are after school on Thursdays and in the mornings on Saturdays. It’s very easy to balance, as I think of my job as more of a break from school and other work,” she said.
Jobs such as tutoring are amazing for communication and work really well for students who naturally teach well. Tutoring also helps students in the community grow, and you can become an important community contributor.
“My job has taught me how to settle situations, especially between kids. I talk to the other teachers, but I also do janitorial work and prepare materials for the students,” senior Kimi Wu said, who works with ACI Institute.
Jobs like pet sitting or babysitting are good options. These jobs are very flexible, especially if you play a sport or do extracurricular activities.
Senior Kaarthiga Selvakkumaran has been working with the Institute for Girls Development since her freshman year. The program assists girls and neurodivergent individuals with bonding and friendship.
“It’s essentially a summer camp counselor, but we use psychology backed curriculum to help with social [connections] amongst girls,” she said. “I’ve learned so much. We work a lot with social skills, [which] include conflict resolution, communication, self care— because you can’t care for someone without caring for yourself! — and overall working in a team and learning about others.”
Colleges take note of responsibility through jobs. Holding a position where you have to communicate with others and take a lot of responsibility shows maturity and a strong work ethic. A unique position or job can even build your character, making sure you come off as well-rounded. However, the most important factors are the lessons you learn while working: how to handle conflicts, meeting deadlines, and improving work ethic.
Getting a job in high school is a surefire way to improve soft skills before pursuing a career. It’s an amazing way to prepare oneself for a more serious workload as they continue their education and discover what career they’re interested in.
