Student employment: a study of full time high school students with part-time jobs

Abstract

A survey of literature about high school student employment is presented and a research project described. A questionnaire on independence from the family, part-time employment factors and uses of money is given to 6th formers at an urban boys' school. The students' results in the Test Of Sholastic Ability (TOSCA) from entry to high school is used as a baseline and compared with form 6 (year 12) marks in mathematics and English using regression analysis and ranking coefficients. Conclusions are: 1. Characteristics of the "new work place" evident are that most jobs are in the food industry with minimal training. "Traditional workplace" characteristics found include enjoyment of work, responsibility and supervision by adults. 2. The level of part-time employment is high with 74% of students reporting having jobs during years 9 to 12 (forms 3 to 6). 3. Academic achievement is negatively affected for those students who work 10 or more hours a week, or who have worked through each year of high school. A multi-factorial model for those students who work, using money earned, TOSCA results, socioeconomic status, independence, hours of work and homework, indicates that independence is the most significant factor and money earned and hours of work are least significant. 4. Average earnings are $60.89 per week. 38% is spent on food and entertainment and 40% on saving for the future. The main reason given for working is to have extra spending money. 5. 35% of working students found their jobs boring and 65% found them interesting or challenging. 6. Negative influences related to alcoholic drinking (46%) and availability of drugs (20%) but most students reported little dishonesty and considerable responsibility. 7. 36% of working students reported failing to complete homework on time because of job commitments. 8. Students with jobs show greater independence from their families in some aspects but not in others.