Many East students feel overwhelmed with a return to in-person classrooms after the freedoms of remote.  So, it’s even more of struggle to balance work and school if you have a job.

In a recent survey of 128 Morton East students, 92 students feel overwhelmed, and feel as if they don’t have time for much. Recent studies done by UW researcher have found that balancing work and school can have its inevitably present cons such as stress and fatigue. Although being able to make money and continue to work sounds good to many, most who take on such a challenge find themselves overwhelmed by responsibilities and start resorting to adult behaviors such as, drinking, smoking, and having sex at such an adolescent age. Not only does it cause a big nuisance in your brain with all the built up stress but it also creates an uninterest in school and lack of motivation for future goals. 

“Most of my good moments I had spent with my friends, and now after working, I just don’t see them as often,”  Osby Juarez said.

Having time for anything outside of homework, studying, and sleep is hard to come by.  Coming home from work, all most want to do is sleep.  Students couldn’t agree more. 

“Sometimes I get home so tired, I don’t even feel like doing the homework, and if I’m being honest sometimes I don’t and just go to sleep,” Anthony Alvarez said. 

Teachers also feel like work and school can be a little too stressful for students, and can cut time away from focusing on academics.  Most of them feel that school should always be the number one priority.  

“Students should not be working during the school year. Most are too tired to come in for extra help or can’t set aside time for after school help either,” said one teacher.  

It takes a hard-working student to be able to balance work and school, but in the long run is it worth it?  Students have to make that decision for themselves.  But, less focus in school can lead to lower grades, that’s for sure.