While a student is in school, their top professional priority should be studying, learning, and advancing their education. I think most people (and especially parents) would agree with that. However, gaining some work experience is also valuable. For example, during summer break having a seasonal or part-time job can be a valuable experience. I realize students are more likely to want to take a complete break during the summer, and that down time can also be valuable for their health and well-being, but learning about the realities of the working world can give them a good perspective and a better understanding of the challenges they may face once school is over and they enter the professional world full-time.
And Dad Says “Get a Job”…
I recall one of my friends had a father who was rather strict about this, routinely insisting that my friend get a job during summer breaks. This may explain his work ethic and ability to deal with the stresses of modern professional life. On the negative side, it may also explain his willingness to give up on his dreams and work at a job simply for the sake of a job to earn a good salary, but I suppose depending on your views that may actually be a good thing – we all need to earn money to support ourselves and our families. Maybe he is not idealistic enough, but then again, maybe I’m foolishly not practical enough.
…or Not
I remember my first “real job” was selling knives. It did indeed provide me with important perspective about the working world, the difficulties of earning money in a professional role, dealing with exhaustion while driving because my previous workday had been long, and other such challenges that all working adults must learn to deal with. It also gave me a real sense of pride of being my own man for the first time in life, earning my money rather than simply receiving it from my parents and family.
Avoid Entitlement Trap
The experience will also help avoid kids becoming entitled, spoiled brats. If they want some fancy meal, expensive toy, or latest tech gadget, then earning and spending their own money to make that purchase will reinforce a good work ethic and appreciation for the value of money, precisely because they themselves had to work hard to earn the money for that purchase. We don’t want our kids to be afflicted with “affluenza” where great wealth, not rightfully earned through hard work, causes them to be entitled, lacking empathy or any sense of responsibility.
Difference Between Theory and Reality
Working while still in school will help students fully appreciate the difference between work and school. They will learn to appreciate that work may not be as intellectually creative or stimulating as school was, may be much more repetitive and boring, but that the stakes are much higher. Not understanding how to solve a second order differential equation may result in a bad grade in math class. But failing to do something as simple as clean solder connections properly as a flight avionics technician may result in circuits failing and possibly an airplane crashing, causing the death of pilot, aircrew, and any passengers on board that unfortunate airplane.
Develop Appreciation for Value of Education
Working at a job, before they are qualified for fully professional jobs such as engineering, law, medicine, or whatever, will also help students realize that without a good education, the jobs that they can get may not be particularly enjoyable. This can help motivate them to study harder in school so that they can qualify for jobs they will actually enjoy and find satisfaction in.
What do you think? Please leave a comment below.