Hey there, I'm a junior thinking of getting a part-time job, but I'm slightly worried about the time commitment. On average, how many hours do high school students who work usually clock in per week?
It's great that you're considering a part-time job! It's a wonderful way to build transferrable skills and learn about the working world while still in high school.
The average number of work hours for high school students varies and often depends on available time, the intensity of their academic workload, extracurricular involvement, personal commitment, and labor laws in their states. That said, it seems that across the country, a lot of high school students who work part-time typically work around 15 to 20 hours a week.
It's also important to note that according to the US Department of Labor, students under 16 years old are not allowed to work more than 3 hours on a school day, more than 18 hours in a school week, more than 8 hours on a non-school day, or more than 40 hours in a non-school week. For students who are 16 and 17, these restrictions are often loosened.
Before signing up for a job, consider how much time you have available after accounting for school, homework, studying, and any extracurricular activities you're involved in. Make sure you have enough time for relaxation and self-care as well. Overworking can lead to burnout, which can affect your academic performance and overall well-being. Balance is key!
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