Working vs. School
When I was in grade 12 I was so excited to move on with life. I still have plans to go to post-secondary, but I needed a change. I got along with my teachers pretty well and enjoyed my classes for the most part, but I was tired of the rules that I had to follow and having to ASK to go to the bathroom. I got two jobs and instantly noticed a difference from school. I felt more like an adult and felt more trusted with tasks. With time, I have found that there are pros and cons with both.
First of all, I get paid to work. That is one of the biggest pros of working instead of going to school. We all have those days when we just don’t feel like going to work or school, but at least when you are having one of those days at work you are getting paid. On the other hand, if you don’t feel like going to school, you can just skip. You can’t just skip work if you don’t feel like going.
Something that I actually really miss about school is the dress code. I know that sounds weird because high school dress codes are very sexist and have no consistency, but hear me out. At one of my jobs we have a dress code that allows us to wear black, white, grey etc.. with a professional look in mind. My other job allows us to wear any colour with a professional look in mind. In school we are always taught that we need to dress like it’s a workplace and blah blah blah. To anyone who is still in high school: Wear whatever the hell you want while you still can! Wear those ripped jeans and that spaghetti strap top because once you get a job, depending on where it is, you actually won’t be able to wear those things.
Time off has been another big thing that I have noticed a difference in. In school you get a guaranteed two weeks off for Christmas. If you are working, your hours are crazy at Christmas time. Other than that, I have really enjoyed working hours. I usually work weekends and then have one or two days off during the week. This is awesome when it comes to shopping or booking appointments, because it’s never busy when I go. It all just depends what works for you.
The really nice thing about work is that there are no exams! Yes, there are some things that you need to learn along the way, but there is no staying up until 4AM studying for a math test. It has been really nice to learn about the products that I am selling to people and see myself improve. I have been able to set personal goals for myself and get good at what I do.
Both working and being enrolled in school have their pros and cons. At the end of the day you’re sometimes going to be in situations that you don’t like regardless. I have learned a lot during my time in school and while working. I really hope that if anyone is wondering what the difference between the two is, that I satisfied your curiosity. Do what feels right for you. I hope that this was helpful, and as always thank you so much for reading.
-LG
