Finding time to work can be difficult for students. Juggling hard classes, extracurriculars, and family life doesn’t leave much time for anything else, but some students are able to get both their study up and their money up.

It’s not always easy managing all these things together. Often, sacrifices must be made in one area to support another. “Sometimes on the weekends I like to hang out with my friends so seeing my friends or studying on the weekend is much harder, but I enjoy making the money,” Madilyn Kim said. Other students, like Emily Nicoletti who works at a climbing gym in Everett, also find it easier to fit work into the weekend when schoolwork is less of a priority. “I just work Saturdays—at most six hours—not too much but I do get a lot of climbing time after work,” Nicoletti said.

Despite the challenges, many students find extra fulfillment in employment. Will Lemcio hosts Disney parties where he dresses as Prince Eric for the young attendees. He and his fellow employees put on fun games and dances for the excited little kids. Will loves seeing the joy on their faces and enjoys his job. “I was a little nervous because I didn’t really know how to talk to kids, especially in character, but I love Disney so much and it’s really fun being in that environment and it’s fun to see how happy they all are,” Lemcio said.

Beyond making money and finding more fulfillment, work can also provide an opportunity to grow one’s social and communication skills. Especially for those who have a position in sales like Madilyn Kim who works at American Eagle, work experience really comes in handy. “It helps me be able to talk to people more and helps with my social skills a lot,” Kim said. Emily Nicoletti is also uniquely benefitted from her experience as she specifically teaches younger kids to climb and believes her work has helped her grow in other ways. “It has given me a lot more patience and taught me many more problem-solving skills that involve people who are harder to work with,” Nicoletti said.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to fit work into an already busy calendar, however. A more infrequent work schedule can be necessary to prioritize things like clubs and sports. Will Lemcio who has a big role in theater has a more sporadic work schedule. “I play Prince Eric at the parties if I’m available and I’ve only been doing it since last year. We do parties every few months and it’s pretty infrequent, but I think I’ve done three or four,” Lemcio said.

That said, finding employment is still a great option for students who can make the time. School prepares students for the future academically, but is sometimes lacking in terms of real-life practice. “If you can fit it into your schedule, I think having a job gives you more of a sense of responsibility and another step into the real world and the working world,” Nicoletti said.