By JAMIE PRICE

Danville High School 

Have you wondered how you would get your first job? Most teenagers want their own money so they can get what they want and not have to worry about asking their parents for money. I have interviewed a few students that go to Danville High School and also have a job.

When asked about high-schoolers working, senior James Price, who currently works at the Danville Burger King, said, “I think it’s a good idea because you don’t have to have your parents buy you things; you can just buy it yourself.” At his job, Price said, “I cook everything.” While this might not sound like a super luxurious job, he said he “like[s] making the money.”

James Price isn’t the only student at Danville High School balancing school and work. Sophomore Josh Horton also works after school. “It’s good to have a job because you will have money of your own,” he said.

Junior, Christian McDowell, who currently works at Danville’s Little Caesar’s, had similar thoughts on getting your first job in high school. “I like having my own money and getting what I want,” he said.

However, our working Ads also noted that working isn’t always fun and that sometimes you have to learn to get along with people you don’t see eye to eye with. Sophomore Haley Price, who works at the Sonic in town, said, “Sometimes it’s hard to keep up the positive energy.”  McDowell said, “The people that work with you can be rude.” James Price saw another challenging aspect of being an employed student. He said his sleep schedule is the hardest part of working and going to school.

If you or someone you know is looking to get or keep their first job, here are some tips from our students. Haley Price said that young people looking for their first job should “study what you’ll be expected to know for the interview and work on your people skills.” When asked what advice he’d give to other teenagers looking to get a job, James Price said, “ Always be nice to the customers and your boss, because if you don’t, you will be complained on.” Horton advised to “always be respectful to your co-workers.”

Having your first job is great because you can have your own money, buy whatever you want, and not have to worry about asking your parents for money. If you want a job for the first time, go for it, just be respectful and do what you’re supposed to do on the job.

Jamie Price is a journalism student at Danville High School.