For many students, the image of a successful academic career involves late-night study sessions, busy work, and a packed social calendar. But for an increasing number, that image also includes something else: a job. This trend comes with a fundamental shift in how teenagers view their path to success, blending academic life with their professional workplace development.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 10.5% of high school students were in the workforce in 2010. In 2023, that number had risen to 22.5%, with the number of students expected to grow even more in the coming years.

Many upcoming high schoolers enter the workforce for the extra spending money or to save for their post high school education, but tend to overlook the added benefits of getting a job young.

High school jobs have long been a rite of passage, but today’s students have begun to see them as more than just a paycheck. Whether it’s refereeing youth hockey games, serving food, or customer service, teens are learning lessons that extend beyond the classroom. These experiences are shaping them in profound ways, teaching them skills that are often overlooked in traditional academic settings.

Wayzata senior RJ Hill works as a USA Hockey On-Ice Referee. While most people see the job as fast-paced and demanding, Hill finds that it challenges him in ways school cannot. “My biggest challenge I have faced is dealing with chaotic games where sometimes it is hard to maintain control over the match,” he said. “The key is to stay confident and stand by your calls.”

Refereeing requires quick decision making and the ability to handle criticism, both of which are real challenges that students will face later in life. RJ admits that while school teaches patience and persistence, it’s his job that has taught him how to be confident under pressure.

For Jase Olson, a junior who worked at the Park Gun Club over the summer, the biggest lesson wasn’t about confidence but setting boundaries. “I have become okay with telling people no, where before that was hard for me,” Olson said. “You get a fair share of guests who can’t take the word no; I have learned to find some way to cater to them without compromising a part of my work.”

Olson’s experience highlights how a job can sharpen specific skills, such as negotiation, professionalism, and respect; qualities that are less common in a classroom setting.

Still, for many high schoolers, the decision to work isn’t easy. The main concern being balance. With AP classes, sports, and extracurriculars already filling their days, adding shifts into the mix can feel overwhelming. But for those who are able to manage it, the payoff is worth it.

Asher Denkmann, a Wayzata junior currently working at the Hyvee Market Grille in Plymouth, explained how scheduling and self-discipline made the difference. “I worked more hours in the summer, but during the school year I got my schedule changed so I only work 4 to 7 on weekdays, and that’s only for two days. On Saturdays I typically work 2 to 8,” he said. “I plan time to do homework during school so I have plenty of time even after work….it’s manageable. It’s very flexible, and I think I balance it pretty well.”

That balance is something many students figure out through trial and error. By learning how to juggle responsibilities, they build time management skills that will serve them well in their future.

Jobs also offer another overlooked benefit, exposure to the adult world. For many teenagers, school interactions are limited to peers and teachers. A job forces them to engage with supervisors, coworkers, and customers of all ages. Asher put it simply: “I’ve learned how to interact with customers and coworkers, and got better at interacting with adults, as you have to treat every customer with respect.”

These interactions can build confidence and maturity, preparing students for the workforce years before they graduate. Employers often notice the difference, too. Teens who work are frequently seen as more responsible, reliable, and adaptable than those who don’t.

Of course, not every high schooler chooses to work in the traditional workplace. Many choose to make money by babysitting, mowing lawns, walking dogs, or tutoring. These gigs can teach teens time management, independence, and the basics of running a business.

Wayzata High School also offers a plethora of opportunities for students to make money on campus. For example, some opt to join the student work program to serve lunches to fellow students. The COMPASS program also has ways to work side by side with professionals of different fields whilst making money and earning college credit.

And while having a job during high school can provide many benefits, not every student needs to work, especially if they are already stressed with AP courses and extracurriculars.

But for those who do, the experience often provides more than spending money and employee discounts. It creates independence, teaches resilience, and builds interpersonal skills that can’t be found in textbooks or lectures.

For RJ, Jase, Asher, and countless other teens, the lessons learned on the job are just as valuable as the ones taught in the classroom. As more students embrace the challenge of balancing books and paychecks, one thing becomes clear: the workplace has become another classroom, one that prepares them for the challenges ahead.