High school is an incredibly hectic time of a person’s life. High school kids often have to balance school, sports, family, faith and friends. Luckily for me, I did not have to add a job to that list.

Not having a job has allowed me to spend more time with my family. As a senior, I know my time spent living with my parents is getting shorter. With an already busy schedule, it is hard for me to find time to be with my family. If I had a job, I would be away from home even more than I already am. I really cherish the extra time with my family members, and they feel the same way.

“I am happy that you don’t have a job because it means I get to spend more time with you. I also think high school is a time for kids to focus on studying,” said my mom Kris Parker.

If I had a job, I know my grades would suffer. Personally, I am not a night person, so a long night of homework after a shift at work would be mentally and physically exhausting to me.

Being exhausted is no way to live life. Sleep is largely important to your health, and especially to the development of high school students, but many fall short on sleep because of their busy schedules.

“Trying to keep everything balanced is incredibly stressful. Quite often, I’m physically exhausted, but I find ways to push through it. My life would be much less stressful if I did not have a job,” said senior Ally Renaud.

Not having a job means I do miss out on some life lessons and skills, but my stress levels are significantly lower. Spending time practicing my faith by going to the sacraments and adoration are things I value tremendously. If I had a job, I would have to sacrifice some of the things I enjoy most. Luckily for me, my mom realizes this.

“I also think high school is a time for kids to enjoy life. You get to be with family and do events at church. I know those things make you happy, so that’s a reason I don’t require you to have a job,” said Kris Parker.

Overall, I think having a job is a great way to build character and gain experiences that will help later in life, but for some kids like myself, it would be too much for me to handle. Those who have the ability to balance so much during high school are really special and will undoubtedly be successful in life, but I sure am glad I don’t have the added stress.