The average employed teen at SHS works between 20-30 hours a week. 28% of students surveyed said that working has an impact on their schoolwork.

Some said that their job actually helps them with their work or teaches them the skill of time management. Paula DaSilva, senior, said, “It doesn’t really interfere with school. I have learned to manage my time for homework.” Freshman Angela Floro added, “It helps me because I do my homework there.”

Others said that it negatively affected the ability to complete their schoolwork. Sophomore Amanda Amaru stated, “If and when I work during the week, I’m there from 4-9 and by the time I get home, I’m really tired so I don’t study.”

Senior Jamaal Rawls-Payton said, “I have to spend time at a job instead of doing homework.” He also added that his grades sometimes go down.

Few said that they have had to drop a sport or club to work, but some have said that money is a motivator to work more hours. “I make a lot of money so I love it when I work,” added Lindsay Turner, senior.

Forty-five percent said that if they made more money they would work more. A few said they must work to pay their bills and expenses. “I work so much to keep my car and pay my bills and college soon. I spend less than an hour on homework,” said senior Jessica Dias.

Freshman Kevin McLaughlin said, “I make a sufficient amount of money; hence, I don’t pick up any more hours.”

As for some of the employed, such as senior Erin McNamara, no matter the money, “ I work quite enough,” said she.