T
here are several reasons why getting
a job seems like a great option for
homeschooling high schoolers. A job
brings extra spending money, time out of the
house, and a sense of independence; plus, with
your flexible schedule, it seems all too easy to
work around and between your job and your
schooling.
However there are a few things you should keep
in mind before sending in those applications.
1. IT WON’T BE AS EASY AS IT
SOUNDS.
When I got my job, I figured that I could do a
few hours of school after an eight hour shift no
problem. Boy was I wrong!
A sudden change from spending the day reading
and doing school to being on my feet most the
day and dealing with customers is not an easy
transition in the least. And while your body
and mind do get used to it, it’s still a difficult
balance.
You’re probably going to end up falling a little
behind due to loss of time, and ultimately it will
be up to you if the experience and compensation
is worth the shortened summer.
2. DON’T APPLY FOR A JOB
YOU WILL HATE.
If you do not like being around food all day,
the burger joint probably is not the best option
for you. If a local bookstore is outspoken about
something strongly against your morals, cross
that off your list as well. If you are not very
good with children, and kids tend to get on your
nerves, a nursery probably is not a good match.
On the other hand, don’t hold out only for
something that is absolutely perfect. Cashiering
and putting away clothes are not on my list of
favorite things to do, but I do it anyway because
I don’t hate it.
Look for a job that plays to your strengths. If you
have good customer service skills and can work
fast, retail might be a good place to start. If you
like the quiet and an even-paced workplace, go
for a library or bookstore.
3. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE
TRANSPORTATION.
If Mom and Dad are busy at work and you don’t
have your own transportation, that will be a
problem. If you see this happening, apply for a
job within safe walking or biking distance or be
prepared to stay at nearby places for a few hours.
More often than not, my mom’s schedule
conflicts with my own, and I’ve had to wait in
coffee shops or fast food places. If you do end up
with a long wait to be picked up, that’s actually a
good time to get in some school work.
On the subject of transportation, if your
parents are driving you to a paying job, offer to
reimburse them for the gas. It’s not a lot, but it’s
taking responsibility and bringing you one step
closer to some independence.
4. FINALLY, GIVE YOURSELF
DOWN TIME.
Going from working to school to working some
more is the perfect formula for a breakdown.
Give yourself extra time to rest, nap, or read a
book. It’s good for you.
If after reading this you feel prepared to enter
the working world, go for it! There are few
things better than buying a new pair of shoes
with your own money that you know you earned,
or growing your college fund through your own
hard work.
My name is Philomena Kelly, and I’ve been
homeschooled for the past eleven years and have
been living on this little planet of Earth for the
past sixteen years. I’m the second youngest in a
family of six kids (all homeschooled too, yikes). I
spend most of my time thinking about writing and
maybe not enough time actually doing it, drawing,
and trying to figure out little ways to make life
easier for the rest of us.
19
BAYLEY BULLETIN, DEC 2016-FEB 2017
