Besides the debate over whether or not children should be paid for chores, another question many parents ask themselves is whether or not their high school student should have a job while also participating in a sport. I’ll present both “sides” of the issue, along with my own personal opinion.
Yes, They Should
Participating in sporting events doesn’t mean a teenager can’t work. There’s plenty of time in the day to do both. Furthermore, balancing two separate schedules teaches responsibility and provides a taste of adult life.
Some school districts have a “pay-to-play fee” and parents shouldn’t necessarily be on the hook by default. If a student wants to play a sport, they should be responsible for the associated costs. Working is a way to pay these expenses. Furthermore, some teens honestly have to work to put gas in the car or to pay for typical high school events like prom.
No, They Should Not
High school is a time to have fun and enjoy life. There will be plenty of time to work when you’re an adult. Sports command a lot of time and it isn’t fair to sacrifice time practicing in order to work. Students need time to study and complete homework. It can be hard, if not impossible, to squeeze in academic tasks when practices and shifts are required to be completed.
My Take
I don’t have any problems with high school students working and playing a sport, if they can handle the pressure and time committment that goes along with them. Sports and work shouldn’t overtake school. Most students could probably work 10-20 hours a week without sacrificing their grades, but others cannot.
I think the biggest problem is you can end up with kids who spread themselves way too thin. I’ve been a member of my school’s cross country team since the 7th grade and I honestly don’t think I could have added a part-time job into the mix during the season. Practice was held every weekday from 2:30-4:30. I wouldn’t get home until 5. The earliest I could have been at work was 6. That kind of tight scheduling would not have been good for my grades (or body).
If you can avoid that problem, then by all means, start working. Even better, get a job with an employer that will allow you to take a leave of absence for the few months your sport is in season. Then, after your sport is over, you can head back to work. Obviously, this is easier said than done, but it’s still a great option if you can find it.
