Right as the school dismissal bell rings, students who have to work rush to their cars, put on their work attire and then fight the heavy afternoon traffic just to make it to work on time. Instead of participating in study groups or other after-school activities, working students are putting in six hour shifts after school, sacrificing some of their social lives in order to make some extra cash.

Senior Shaelyn Smith chose to get a job at Dunkin Donuts, partly because of convenience and partly because of necessity.

“I went there every day and I needed a job,” Smith said.

In just a year, seniors will either be heading to college or entering the workforce full-time. In order to branch out into the world, graduating students must prepare for what it has to offer.

Many students, especially ones who can drive, decide to get part-time jobs. Some students get jobs just to have some extra spending money or save for college, while others get jobs to make payments on their car or for their insurance.

Two important aspects of having a job while still in high school are time management and putting grades before work.

One industry that attracts many part-time workers is the food service industry, which hires many teenagers still in high school. An issue that arises for employers is working around the busy schedules of involved high school employees.

Smith has been at Dunkin Donuts for a year, working around 25-30 hours per week. Luckily, Smith has found a way to still be involved in after-school activities.

“My boss and I are figuring out what days I can have off for football days so I can have somewhat of a social life,” Smith said.

Another issue that arises for working students is balancing the two large responsibilities of school and work. Smith experiences this issue, especially when she has to work late.

“I close on Wednesday nights during the week, and nine times out of ten, I’m late to school Thursday morning,” Smith said.

For Smith, school is her first priority.

“Last year during finals week, I brought all of my chemistry notes to work, and during my down time I would study,” Smith said.

Just a few steps away from Dunkin Donuts is another popular restaurant: Chick-fil-A. Chick-fil-A is a busy place almost all day, every day, except on Sundays, when the chain is closed. According to their website, they strive “to have a positive influence on all who come into contact with Chick-fil-A.” For this, they require employees that will work hard while maintaining a positive attitude. Because of these high expectations, a lot of people who apply are turned down.

Chick-fil-A employs multiple Bryant High School students. Senior Daniel Welch has worked there for a year and a half.

“The interview process was pretty intense,” Welch said. “I had to interview with four different managers before they let me know I got the job.”

Welch’s job requires him to work 10-15 hours per week, so he is able to handle his responsibilities for school, but his social life suffers to a degree.

“My job has definitely interfered with my social life,” Welch said. “Before I decided to take on less responsibility in band, I was constantly trying to work around my band practices.”

Although a part-time job can eat into a student’s social life, it is excellent preparation for what life is like following high school. By being around older coworkers or just by experiencing important responsibilities other than school, a job can help prepare a student for what is ahead of them in the world by teaching new skills.

“I have learned good money management skills,” Welch said. “Having a job has definitely prepared me for the real world.”