A growing issue in our society today is the immense stress put on teenagers. Balancing a job, school and a social life can be extremely challenging. This, and the addition of excessive amounts of homework given to students every night, makes for a troublesome school experience. An expectation to be involved in sports or other extra curricular activities is also drilled into the minds of teens, along with an assumption that they will be able to get the full eight hours of sleep. It’s even tough to maintain relationships with friends and family for some teens.

“I love my little siblings, and would love to be able to spend more time with them,” junior Christal Regehr said. “However with school, homework, clubs, and working I don’t have enough time. When I get home it’s late and I don’t have the motivation to do homework.”

The weight of managing everything can increase because of financial responsibility. Having to assume the role of a caretaker in the house is a situation you never want to put a high schooler through, but it happens often anyway. This can force them to find pay, and in turn unintentionally neglect their education.

“It can be difficult for me because I help pay rent; it’s like I’m working as an adult, but still treated like a child,” junior Ciera Beasley said.

Students working after school and on the weekends have less time to focus on their grades and other activities they want to participate in.

“I feel stuck in the same routine; wake up, go to school, then work, come home, and do homework,” Beasley said. “By the time I’m done it’s late at night. I have no time for hobbies or activities.”

Adding a job to teenagers’ already demanding schedules can set them back in their education and plans for their future.