On the positive side, working during high school offers students the chance to gain experience, build responsibility, and learn time management. But the key to benefiting from a job while still thriving in school lies in finding the right balance.
Top 3 Jobs at Blue Springs High School
Many students at Blue Springs High School hold part-time jobs, and here are some of the most popular ones:
- Walmart
Walmart is a popular choice for students, known for offering flexible hours and a supportive work environment. Many students
Masen Ivy, Senior report working between 25 to 35 hours a week. Alayah Pace, a junior, shared that she loves working at Walmart and appreciates the friendly atmosphere among coworkers. However, she also mentioned that Walmart’s strict point system can be challenging, especially for high school students who sometimes find it difficult to maintain perfect attendance. Despite the challenges, Alayah considers Walmart a good first job. Another student, senior Masen Ivy, has been employed at Walmart for two years. He spends most of his time at work either filling online orders or manning the cash register. While working at Walmart, Masen has learned to “expect the unexpected.”
- Rally House
Madison Gleason, Junior Rally House is another popular workplace. The store offers flexible hours and a relaxed dress code, allowing employees to adjust their schedules each week. Junior Madison Gleason enjoys working at Rally House and plans to continue working there throughout her high school years. She started working for personal reasons but now uses her earnings to buy things she wants, like clothes and shoes. Another happy employee at Rally House is senior Maddie Leffler. Maddie originally started working at RH because of her love for shopping and KU, and the discounts are another benefit. A year and a half later, Maddie still enjoys spending 20-30 hours a week working there. Leffler also appreciates that RH allows students to easily balance school and work. “Go Chiefs!”
- McDonald’s
McDonald’s is a well-known first job for many high school students, offering open schedules and the ability to
Bri McMullen, Junior hire workers as young as 14. Bri McMullen, a junior, shared that McDonald’s is her first job and that she doesn’t plan on leaving until she graduates. The job offers an employee meal during each shift, and Bri appreciates that her supervisors are understanding when life events or school commitments prevent her from coming in to work.
The Importance of Balance
While having a job can provide high school students with valuable skills and experiences, it’s crucial not to let work interfere with academics, family, or social life. Finding the right balance is key—students can gain workplace skills while still excelling in school and maintaining personal relationships. By managing their time effectively, students can make the most of both their education and their work experience.