Should I get a job?

<p>I live in an upper-middle class neighborhood, but my family is in a low income bracket. My dad got fired and money from my job could help support my family but we could do without it. I'm working as a lifeguard now at an outdoor facility; the pool will close for the school year. However, I am guaranteed a part-time job at the ice rink for the school year if I want it (I'm going to be a senior). Lifeguarding is my first job so I've never had to balance work and school.</p>

<p>I doubt I'd be able to still volunteer twice a week if I took the job. Also, I will be taking 3 AP's next year and have never taken any before. Because of a messed up situation my grades started out poor but my last semester unweighted GPA was a 3.5. With no job in the equation, I expect those grades to improve significantly.</p>

<p>So I'm wondering from people who have had part-time jobs during the school year, how hard was it to keep your grades up and work? Also, I want to know if an admissions counsel will fault me for working instead of volunteering. I really want to work but if it's going to kill my chances at decent colleges (thus eliminating some future job prospects), I don't think it's worth it.</p>

<p>Colleges like that you have dedicated yourself to something, so I don't think it would make that much of a difference if you worked instead of volunteered. Also, having less time helps you focus more during the time you have.</p>

<p>Thank you!</p>

<p>Does anyone else have an opinion or experience with this?</p>

<p>I got a job last fall, and I realized that it wasn't a good fit - I couldn't get the hours I needed, and with six weighted classes and hours of homework, I decided to quit after two months. Right now, I'm working at a job that I love to death, and I know that my boss will work with me in the fall to come up with a schedule that will fit, so some of it totally comes down to the job itself. If you're scheduled from 4-9, will you actually be able to leave at 9? If you say that you can't work any Tuesdays, will your boss schedule for Tuesdays anyway? Like the other poster said, it really can push you to use your time more effectively. I'd say go for it - if it doesn't work out, it's not the end of the world if you quit.</p>

<p>Thank you! At my current job we are not allowed a say in our schedules; I will see if that is different during the school year (it would be the same boss). If not I won't apply.</p>