The impact of part time jobs on students in high school and colleges

Most authorities in the world allow students to work as they pursue their studies. This is done though under a check where the number of hours is limited to avoid interference with their normal studies. This enables student to get exposure, earn some money and be independent.  Though some people have argued that this may affect students performances, studies have shown that there is no much difference in performances between students who study normally and those doing part time jobs. Part time jobs are very valuable they empower students technically, socially and financially.

The part time jobs for students became popular in the 20^th century. This was mostly in US and Western Europe. Firstly it was to make graduates more eligible in the job market. Second students wanted to get pocket money, assist their families and even pay part of their school fees. Last but not least was the issue of being independent and gaining experience which created a lot of opportunities for them. All this motivated the students to engage in these jobs. 

Part time jobs come in different forms, some companies’ offer vocational training and internships. Other companies give employment contract where students work for specified hours in return for a wage and mostly not more than 10 hours a week.

A survey conducted in US and UK showed that most students go for part time jobs to gain experience. There some practices which one acquires when in part time job which cannot be learned in formal education. A part from the wage and the availability of time students engage on part time jobs for the enjoyment. Many students who engage themselves in part time jobs are found to be responsible and moral up right as compared to the other students.

Part time jobs are found to nurture students to be responsible, for example their elder colleague at work becomes their mentors and counselors. This helps them to deal with various challenges in life and making wise decisions. Part time jobs also allow students to put into practice what they have learned in their institutions. It also helps the education sector in identifying gaps and incorporates the on goings in the market.it also form a solid relationship between the employer and the education systems. For example the increase use of electronic communication has made learning institutions to incorporate it in their curriculum. Therefore both parties benefit, students gain experience and employers get value for their money.

At the societal level part time jobs minimize unlawfully activities, hence save the resources which could have been use to tackle or curb these activities. Idleness is mostly the cause of these activities so if the students are busy they become productive and a source of economic growth. Incentives earned help them in many ways and mostly raising their standards of living.

Critics have argued that part time jobs may affect the students’ performance this is not so in fact there is no evidence to show that students who do part time jobs fail because of their work. Another concern is that when these students begin to earn money they see themselves as superior and overlook their parents and elders. Also there is the fear of exploitation hence the need to create better policies that regulate issues of part time jobs by institutions, governments and employers.

Part time jobs offer lot of benefits to students therefore should be encouraged.  Some people have criticized the program by saying that it exploits students and make them unruly when they start earning. These are just but minor weaknesses compared to the enormous advantages it has. Part time job for students should therefore be encouraged by institutions and employers for a better breed of students and societies.

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