Should I get a job?

randomname25
Mon, 25 Jun 2007 11:25:34 +0000

I live in an upper-middle class neighborhood, but my family is in a low income bracket. My dad got fired and money from my job could help support my family but we could do without it. I’m working as a lifeguard now at an outdoor facility; the pool will close for the school year. However, I am guaranteed a part-time job at the ice rink for the school year if I want it (I’m going to be a senior). Lifeguarding is my first job so I’ve never had to balance work and school.

I doubt I’d be able to still volunteer twice a week if I took the job. Also, I will be taking 3 AP’s next year and have never taken any before. Because of a messed up situation my grades started out poor but my last semester unweighted GPA was a 3.5. With no job in the equation, I expect those grades to improve significantly.

So I’m wondering from people who have had part-time jobs during the school year, how hard was it to keep your grades up and work? Also, I want to know if an admissions counsel will fault me for working instead of volunteering. I really want to work but if it’s going to kill my chances at decent colleges (thus eliminating some future job prospects), I don’t think it’s worth it.