A levels and Saturday Job

Elfbert

I think it's great for self-confidence and learning how the world of work...works.

I worked three nights a week and one day of the weekend when I was doing my A-levels, got into Uni onto my first choice of course. Then worked every holiday during uni, but not term time, as I had saved up all my wages so I wouldn't have to (I was on a very full-time course, no 'study' time at home or anything, so I didn't fancy it.)

When it came to get a 'proper' job after uni, people who hadn't ever had a job when they were at school seemed far more nervous/unsure of themselves, and many went into the sort of job I did at school (supermarkets/shelf filling/checkouts etc.), instead of something a bit more 'interesting'.

Homeownertobe

Actual work history is just as important as education at that age. 16-18 is the time to build up a history of steady of employment, any employment if necessary. Then university is the time to build on that and make the work relevant to your career.

bouicca21

There is statistical research that suggests working part time impacts negatively on results.

Personally I suspect a lot depends on the type of student and the type of job. There aren't a lot of jobs out there for students and those that are are often pretty boring. Ideally what the student needs is a job that helps develop skills - team working, time management, etc. and of course it's a bonus if the job can lead to vacation work whilst at uni (assuming the student wants to go to uni). And once uni is over, evidence of work based skills is a great boost when applying for jobs - it also gives the student a much better idea of what they are good at in real world rather than academic world terms.

Savvy_Sue

I think my lads had the best job in the world for an 'A' level student: one after another they worked part-time at the local cinema, part of a very small chain rather than one of the large multiplexes.

When they were between films (ie everyone in and watching) they could sit and do their homework. And were still paid.

Plus they got two 'free passes' each week, and if they didn't use them we could get in for free.

We still get in on the student rate.

Oh, and they learned to turn up on time and be professional. And they all got excellent results ...

GwylimT

My son didn't work as such as he wanted to be a doctor, so on Saturdays he voluntered at a local care home and on Sundays he voluntered at a residential unit for adults with various disabilities.

When he had completed his A-levels he worked for a year, he had two jobs one as a HCA at our local hospital, the other was working at a small independent chemist and he was also a volunteer with st Johns Ambulance.

dirtycredit

I worked Friday nights, Saturday nights and some Sundays collecting glasses in a pub. It wasn't boring. I loved it! I just did my school work during the week. My boss let me have 2 weeks before and the 2 weeks of exam preriod off. I got 3 A's.

I loved earning money and being independent but I knew I didn't want to miss university so I made time for both. I did a full time university course which was only 7 hours a week (English) and worked full time then as well!

onomatopoeia99

I didn't work Saturdays, but I did work full time in the holidays. I never did any school work on Saturdays in any case, Sundays were saved for that.

Spendless

How many hours on a Saturday is she working? I worked all day Saturday and studied (O'levels) and managed fine. Isn't study periods during the schoolday timetabled in any more?

ellesbellesxxx

I think doing a part time job in your teens sets you up beautifully for life as an adult!
I had a paper round from the age of 13, and earned the princely sum of £6 a week (and £50 tips each Christmas!) I saved the 5 each week which added up nicely over 3 years.
When I was 16, I started working at Waitrose. I started with a Saturday contract but could pick and choose overtime so often would work a week evening or two, then work solidly in the holidays. I managed to get all Bs in my A-levels regardless of my weekend work and found that it set me up nicely for life at University.
Those of us who had had part time jobs before living away from home found it easier to budget, manage our time and problem solve than a few others. One person in my friendship group actually had her student loan paid to her Dad's account then he would transfer it across weekly as she had never been able to control her finances!

ellesbellesxxx

Plus working at Waitrose meant I had a discount and a bonus each year!!!!!!!