The Takeaway

The idea that teenagers need to maintain good grades, participate in extracurriculars, excel in sports, work, and have a good social life can feel suffocating. The reality is, while jobs can teach a lot about time management, teamwork, and the value of money, the pressures to get a job should never exceed the importance of prioritizing mental health.

“If you’re not happy where you are in your job or school, take the time you need. You have to prioritize yourself,” Hegenderfer said. “If you don’t have time for yourself, then your life’s not going to be fun or meaningful.”

Unfortunately, this message can be overshadowed by the allure of money and the desire to gain responsibility. Learning to balance this with personal needs is the first step to becoming successful.

“No matter what job it is, I think you learn to balance a lot,” Fan said. “Getting a job is just another way to take on more responsibilities. You don’t have to stick with it, and there’s truly no harm.”

While it’s normal to feel the pressures of getting a job, remember there is no rush to get one. School can be hard enough, and adding this extra responsibility isn’t worth crossing personal limits.