Abigail Dunlap, Reporter
Graphic by Abigail Dunlap
In a world where everything seems to cost more each day, being a teenager is expensive. “Want to go out to dinner?” “Let’s go shopping!” “The Rangers game is this weekend – we should go!” It all adds up quickly. By the time you’re a senior in high school, it’s not as easy to ask your parents for money anymore. At some point, you have to start paving your own way and learning what financial independence really means. But between school, sports, and other commitments, finding time to make and manage money can be tricky.
Junior Bea Merritt, a retail employee at Groove in downtown New Canaan, explained her motivation for getting a job. “I felt like I wanted to have money to do stuff with my friends and to go shopping. Also, I felt like I was far enough into high school that I had my routine down. I could take on another commitment in my schedule.” Bea said.
Reflecting a similar mindset, senior James Bakal, who works in food service at Gelatissimo, shared his reasoning. “I just wanted some more money and to fill in my time. I’m not doing any sports right now, so I thought it would be a good idea.”
For these students, having money isn’t just about income – it’s about freedom. Earning their own paycheck represents a step toward adulthood and independence. Senior Lily Sommers, who works at the acai bowl restaurant Sobol, echoed that sentiment. “I wanted to take on a little bit more responsibility, and I also wanted to make some more money.”
Many students want money and freedom – But what kind of commitment does having a job require?
Senior Victoria Greer, a nanny for a New Canaan family, admitted that her job can be demanding. “It can be a big commitment because she asks for a lot from me. Sometimes I have to come in the mornings as early as 5 a.m., so that is hard. It can be a lot of hours.”
Bea has a contrasting experience. “I don’t feel like it’s too much of a commitment because I feel like most of the people who work with me are high schoolers, so our boss understands how much we’re willing to commit to. Seven hours is the default, so you only have to take on more if you want to.”
Lily has a similar experience with flexibility in that her boss allows time off when needed: “I wouldn’t say it’s a major commitment. Hours are pretty flexible. But during the school year, I go straight from school to work, so it’s just kind of exhausting sometimes.” she said. “But it’s really up to how much I want to manage it. Right now, I’m taking time off just to finish my college applications, and then I’m starting back up again.”
Overall, getting a part-time job isn’t the hassle it’s often made out to be. The biggest benefit is learning responsibility and earning your own money, rather than relying on your parents. Each of these students agreed that having their own money helped them feel more independent and proud of their accomplishments. When you wear something you bought yourself rather than something your parents paid for, it just feels different.
Bea had a feeling pride in her purchases. “One of the bigger purchases I made was a pair of Roller Rabbit pajamas. The reason why this was a big deal was because my mom was against it, but I decided that I have my own money that I can spend that I worked hard for.” She said, “Once I bought them, I was so happy. It feels like when I wear them it’s more special because I bought it myself, so I feel proud. They represent something I worked for, as opposed to something just handed to me.”
Overall, having a job in high school can teach responsibility, time management and independence – all essential parts of growing up. It may be a challenge at times, but it can be worth it for the sense of freedom it brings.
