Best after school jobs for high school students?

I'm a high school junior looking for after school jobs to earn some extra money and gain experience. What are some part-time jobs that are manageable with school commitments? Any advice on balancing work with studying and extracurriculars?

Taking on a part-time job during high school can be beneficial for multiple reasons like gaining work experience, learning responsibility, and earning some extra cash. Here are a few options that are typically manageable for high school students:

1. Tutoring: If you excel in certain subjects, you could offer your services as a tutor to younger students. This job not only pays well but also helps reinforce your knowledge of the subject.

2. Retail or Food Service: Jobs like being a cashier, bagger, or waiter are popular options. These jobs could help you develop customer service skills which are beneficial in any career.

3. Babysitting: Babysitting is a common job among high school students. You can either babysit for families in your neighborhood or get connected with families through platforms like Care.com.

4. Dog Walking/Pet Sitting: If you love animals, you might consider setting up a dog walking service or offering your services as a pet sitter.

5. Freelance work: If you have specific skills like graphic design, writing, programming, or photography, consider taking up freelancing jobs on platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr.

Balancing work with school and extracurricular activities can be a challenge, but here's what can help:

1. Time Management: Creating a schedule that includes time for work, school, homework, extracurriculars and downtime can help ensure you're using your time effectively.

2. Prioritize: Understand your short and long-term goals and prioritize accordingly. If work starts to interfere with your schoolwork or extracurricular commitments, you may need to reassess your schedule.

3. Communicate: Keep an open line of communication with your employer about your schedule and availability. Many employers are understanding of a high school student's commitments and will work with you to create a flexible schedule.

4. Learning to Delegate: If you have too many responsibilities on your plate, consider delegating some tasks to others. For example, you can form a study group with fellow students to share the workload for preparing for tests.

Remember that while having a job in high school can teach valuable lessons, your top priority should be maintaining good academic standing and making the most of your high school experience. Don’t jeopardize your grades, sleep, or mental health for the sake of a part-time job.