Go to school. Take a test. Leave school. Go to work. Come home. Struggle through homework. Sleep. And do it all over again.

Oh, the lovely schedule of a working student.

Let’s be honest, school is tough.  Homework, tests and projects seem to pile up and it can be overwhelming.  Throw an after-school job into the mix and you have a potential recipe for disaster.

Once school lets out for the summer, many students are grateful for their various summer jobs which give them something to do while filling up our pockets for summer fun.  But, once back in school, many students like myself try to keep working. This can be challenging, to say the least.

Seniors especially have a lot on their plates.  Senior project, AP classes, schoolwork, clubs, sports, Powder Puff, the play, and a job is enough to stress a senior like myself out. But wisdom has come to me through experience.

First of all, it’s crucial to talk to your boss. Being on the same page as them guarantees that you won’t have to work beyond your limits.

Now, if you are unlucky enough to have an unsympathetic boss who refuses to yield to your schedule, you should just quit.  Making money is never worth making yourself miserable or becoming ineligible.  Priorities are key in the crazy balancing act of a high school student.

However, if your boss agrees to follow your availability, it’s important that you actually do a good job at work.  No one is going to employ someone who only works two days a week and does a terrible job.  Make the most of your time at work and your boss won’t regret keeping you on for those two days a week.

For a lot of students, this balancing act isn’t possible. Sacrifices must be made so that your main priorities are put first.  But if you’re one of the lucky few who can keep their summer jobs throughout the year, I say more power to you.

But whether it’s work and school or sports and school, it’s simply all about balance.  Figure out what works best for you, and don’t be afraid to talk to people and just work hard.

So good luck to all of you fellow multi-taskers this year, I know I’ll need it.

Rachel Dinsmore can be reached for comment at [email protected]