When students are of high school age, their parents most times have an expectation for them to become more independent and financially responsible for themselves. Parents feel it is important that they learn how to manage their money and to pay their own way so to speak. Students will then learn the value of money and how hard they need to work to earn a wage. As teenagers, there is a time that they should pay for their clothes and entertainment.  In some less fortunate families, it may be a way that the student can contribute to the family financially if needed. 

It is also during this time that students may be thinking ahead to their future which may include attending college or university. Not all students are fortunate enough to get a scholarship or be from a family that can afford the high costs of post-secondary education. Getting a job and saving can be beneficial if this is the case. Books and accommodations cost more than students expect. Their goal could be to attend a college or university not close to their home which would mean there would be travel expenses as well.

There are other factors that can be positive for a student to start a job. Some students have trouble in social situations or making friends. Jobs can be a new start. New start to making new friends and learning new skills. Jobs can enable them to see what they like to do which may be entirely different than they thought. For example, A student may think she would like to be a waitress but is surprised that she doesn’t really like that and decides that she would be more comfortable stocking shelves. They will also learn to make decisions independently, and deal with cases where they will have to react quickly and sensibly to get the best outcome.

Finally, I feel that making the choice to get a job keeps students in a positive mindset. They won't be as likely to be on the streets and get into trouble if they are working. They are also away from social media which can be damaging to their self-esteem as well as they sometimes get caught up in the drama of it all.  Meeting new people at work can also be positive because they will most likely be of the same mindset. Managing their time in a positive way is also a factor. Making time for keeping up on their schoolwork and social time can be difficult.

In conclusion, I feel that once a student starts to receive a paycheck and realizes how hard they had to work for that money, they will gain a new respect for the adults in their life who have worked hard to get what they have. They will understand that things aren't just handed to them and how making an honest living can be rewarding.