For a lot of Mount Tahoma students, getting a job sounds exciting. Having your own money, buying things for yourself, and saving for the future can feel like a big step toward independence. But balancing work and school is not always easy.

In a recent Mount Tahoma TV segment, juniors Mauricio and Emely shared what it is really like to work while staying on top of classes. Their experiences show both the benefits and the challenges of student jobs.

Mauricio said he started working last summer and now works around 25 to 30 hours each week. Emely recently got her first job and works about 12 hours weekly. Both students said financial freedom was one of the biggest reasons they wanted a job.

“What made me want to get a job while I’m in school is just to have that freedom, especially financially,” Mauricio said. “Being able to get what I want or put it in savings.”

For Emely, working is helping her save for a car while also giving her the chance to buy gifts for people she cares about.

Still, balancing school and work can become stressful. Both students talked about struggling to find enough time for homework, studying, and sleep. Mauricio said some weeks feel overwhelming because of tests, assignments, and work shifts all happening at once. Emely shared that studying for tests can be difficult after long work hours.

Even with those challenges, both students have learned important life skills. Mauricio said working taught him patience, money management, and stronger social skills. Emely said communication has improved because she talks to new people every day at work.

Their advice for students thinking about getting a job was simple: manage your time and keep your priorities straight. Emely said students should “maintain your priorities,” while Mauricio encouraged students to learn how to save money and stay organized before taking on a job.

Their stories connect strongly to Mount Tahoma’s community values of accountability, adaptability, and academic excellence. Working students are learning how to manage responsibilities while still focusing on school and their future goals. Their experiences also reflect courage and independence as they step into new situations and prepare for life beyond high school.

For students considering getting a job, Mauricio and Emely’s experiences show that it can be rewarding—but only if you are ready to balance both work and school.

Read more stories from The Tower