Between calculus homework and clocking in for an evening shift, Skyline students are mastering the art of balance — but at what cost to sleep (and sanity)?
At Skyline High school, many students aren’t just managing classes, homework, and extra curriculars — they’re also working part- or full-time jobs after school. Balancing academic deadlines with work shifts has become a daily reality, forcing students to find creative ways to stay on top of both worlds.
Why do students get a job in the first place? “I got a job because I want to save up for a car,” says Amaya Canada (‘27). “My mom and grandpa are matching my half of what I save…and I just needed to occupy myself during the times I would just sit at home and be bored.”
As soon as the clock hits 2:51, some students head home and relax for the rest of the day. Other students swap their backpacks with work uniforms. “Most of the time I go straight to work after school,” says Markell Freeman (‘27), “and if I do have a break, it’s like 10 minutes.”
The other option for students was to work on days that they don’t have school, AKA the weekends. “I had two jobs, but I quit the one where I worked during the week because it was too much,” says Olivia Watters (‘26), “so now I work on the weekends from 1:30-3:30.”
It’s nice to be able to make money, but what is the price that these students have to pay?
Unfortunately, the reality for working students is that the struggle to get their grades up, or even maintain them, is no joke, as many must constantly juggle long work hours, heavy coursework, and personal commitments just to stay afloat.
“It’s difficult to do my homework because oftentimes I work closing shifts so I’ll get home at around 11:00,” says Watters. “Then I have to shower and then start to do all my homework. Which honestly makes my work not the best it could have been, because I’m obviously tired and I have to go to sleep, and then I don’t get enough sleep. It’s kind of like a little vicious cycle.”
Managing your employment outside of school alongside academic responsibilities is tough. But are there any techniques/strategies to being able to tackle your deadlines with ease? Let us know by filling out this google form here!
