Published January 27, 2026
BY CLAIRE DEIPARINE
As homework deadlines pile up and extracurriculars fill their afternoons, many Carmel High School students are also clocking in for paid shifts, adding work responsibilities to already demanding schedules in a daily balancing act that tests time management, resilience and priorities.
Senior Allie Ratzliff takes a customer’s order during a shift at Dutch Door Donuts, balancing work responsibilities alongside school commitments. Photo by CLAIRE DEIPARINE
From restaurants to retail stores, holding a part-time job in downtown Carmel has become increasingly common for CHS students–and, in many cases, necessary. Some work to save for college or personal expenses, while others seek real-world experience. Regardless of motivation, balancing academics with employment often requires intentional planning and trade-offs.
As more students take on part-time jobs, CHS counselors emphasize the importance of balance and well-being. School counselor Yesel Von Ruden says managing commitments should not come at the expense of mental health or academic success.
“Balance means helping students prioritize their commitments–not just adding more to their plates,” Von Ruden explains.
School athletics can make this task especially demanding. Sophomore Taylor Togneri, a three-sport athlete who works part-time at Gelato By The Sea, highlights that staying organized is essential to navigating a busy schedule.
“I always try to make a schedule for myself for the week,” Togneri says. “You just have to find that right balance for yourself.”
Togneri adds that learning how to prioritize commitments has played a significant role in juggling school, sports and work.
Sophomore Kai Bode (right) clears the pastry display as a part of his weekend closing shift at Carmel Bakery in order to keep his weekdays clear for academics. Courtesy of KAI BODE
Other student-athletes face similar challenges. Senior Bella Boaro works as a hostess at Pangaea Grill on Ocean Avenue while also participating in athletics. She shares that employer flexibility, on top of staying organized, makes maintaining balance more manageable.
“My boss is very flexible with my schedule, which is an added bonus since I have practice, games and tournaments,” Boaro notes.
For other students, balance means setting firm boundaries between academics and work. Junior Lola Voss, who works weekends at Carmel Coffee House, says that limiting her hours allows her to prioritize her school work.
“I balance academics and work by making sure that my school work is prioritized over work,” Voss says. “I specifically work on the weekends so it doesn’t conflict with my schedule during the week.”
Senior Bella Boaro handles a phone reservation while working a weekday shift at Pangaea Grill on Ocean Avenue. Photo by CLAIRE DEIPARINE
Some students emphasize that long-term employment has helped them better manage competing responsibilities. Senior Liam Rodriguez, who has worked part-time at Carmel Drug Store for the past three years, says he has learned to better his organizational skills and self-discipline, over time learning how to take advantage of his free moments at work to complete school assignments.
“After I work the closing shift, I’ll do my homework,” Rodriguez says. “It’s usually easy to balance work and academics since I work on the weekend.”
Another CHS counselor, Jeff Rogers, encourages students to be purposeful about working during high school, especially as students take into consideration their areas of interest for future studies.
“You’ll work a lifetime, but your high school career is a unique learning opportunity that only lasts four years,” Rogers explains. “Be purposeful about your choices and only work if you have a balanced plan that reflects and supports your educational goals.”
For many Carmel students, balancing school and work is an ongoing process rather than a fixed solution. Through busy schedules and constant adjustments, students are learning how to set priorities, manage time and maintain balance–skills that will extend well beyond high school.
