How many hours should a high school student work at a part-time job?

I'm a high school junior thinking about getting a part-time job, but I'm worried about balancing school and work. How many hours per week do you guys think is reasonable without sacrificing my grades?

The number of hours a high school student can work part-time really depends on their individual circumstances and responsibilities. For instance, the intensity of your academic coursework and the amount of time you need to put into studying will be big factors. Also, involvement in extracurricular activities, whether that's clubs, sports, or volunteering would also influence your available time.

That being said, a typical recommendation is around 10-15 hours per week for a high school student. This allows for a good balance between schoolwork, extra-curriculars, and work. It's important to remember that maintaining your academic performance should be your top priority, so you can adjust your work hours as necessary based on how you're handling the workload.

An additional note, having a part-time job could be seen as a valuable period of real-world experience by college admissions officers, especially if you're able to narrate your experiences in a compelling way during applications. That being said, don't overdo it to the detriment of your academic performance or emotional health.

Balance is key. Try a lighter schedule at first and adjust as necessary based on your grades and stress level. Always remember that you have to prioritize your well-being over everything else.