Many young people believe that studying and working at the same time is unrealistic, exhausting, or even harmful. This belief is widespread, and it is understandable. School already demands time, focus, and energy, and adding a job can feel overwhelming—especially for young people who are new to the labor market or living in a new country. However, this idea often comes not from real experience, but from a lack of concrete information about how part-time work actually functions and what employers truly expect from young workers.
In reality, combining school and work is not about working full-time or sacrificing education. For most young people, it means a small, manageable number of hours each week—often as little as five to fifteen hours. At this level, work does not usually interfere with studies. Instead, it can help young people build skills, confidence, and independence while still keeping education as their main priority.
One common misunderstanding is that employers expect young workers to arrive with long CVs and years of experience. This is rarely true for entry-level or part-time jobs. Employers know that students are at the beginning of their working lives. What they look for instead is much simpler and more realistic. They want to see basic reliability—someone who shows up on time and informs the employer if there is a problem. They value the ability to follow instructions, communicate clearly, and take responsibility for small tasks. Just as importantly, they look for signs that a young person can balance responsibilities, such as school, work, and personal life.
Even a small amount of work experience can demonstrate these qualities. Working a few hours a week, helping during weekends, or taking a short-term job during holidays can already show an employer that a young person understands workplace rules and expectations. This kind of experience often matters far more than the number of hours worked.
On the other hand, having no work experience at all can create problems later. In some countries, it is socially accepted for people to finish school or even university without ever having worked. While this may seem harmless at first, it often makes the transition into the labor market much harder. Employers may hesitate to hire someone who has never worked before, not because they are lazy or incapable, but because they are untested. Young adults with no experience may also struggle with basic workplace norms—such as communicating with supervisors, managing time, or handling feedback.
As a result, job searches can take much longer, and the first available jobs may offer lower pay or worse conditions. What could have been learned gradually at sixteen or eighteen suddenly becomes a source of stress at twenty-five. In this sense, avoiding work entirely during school often leads to worse outcomes, not better ones.
It is also important to understand that “useful” work experience does not have to mean a demanding or permanent job. Many forms of work can serve as stepping stones. Weekend or evening shifts, summer or holiday jobs, paid internships, short-term contracts, or part-time work in services, logistics, or administration all count. These jobs teach practical skills such as communication, punctuality, teamwork, and problem-solving. They also help young people learn what kind of work they like—or do not like—which is valuable knowledge for future decisions.
Of course, combining school and work does require realistic planning. It is not about perfection or constant productivity, but about making thoughtful choices. A good starting point is to calculate fixed obligations: class schedules, commuting time, and essential study hours. From there, it is often possible to identify one or two regular time blocks each week that could be used for work. Choosing jobs with predictable schedules is especially important, particularly during exam periods. Employers who respect education will usually understand the need for reduced hours during stressful academic times.
At the beginning, it is also wise to prioritize learning basic skills over earning the highest possible pay. A slightly lower-paying job with stable hours and supportive supervision can be far more valuable than a higher-paying job with chaotic schedules and high pressure.
In the end, work should support education, not replace it. School remains the main investment in a young person’s future. But completely avoiding work can limit opportunities, delay independence, and make the first steps into adult working life much harder than necessary. With the right information, realistic expectations, and careful planning, combining school and work is not only possible—it can be an important and empowering part of growing up.