Aspen is incredibly fortunate to have a community that goes out of its way to support its young residents. One of the key ways this support is shown is through the many job opportunities local businesses offer to Aspen High School skiers, no matter their prior work experience. Aspen’s tight-knit community and business owners understand the importance of helping young people gain work experience, which not only helps students financially but also provides them with valuable life skills. This shows a commitment to the youth that is truly special.
Many high school students in Aspen demonstrate the mature ambition of seeking job opportunities in the newspaper, bulletin boards, or word of mouth. It’s impressive to see teenagers eager to work and contribute to the local economy, while also managing their schoolwork and extracurricular activities. However, balancing a job with the other demands of high school life can be incredibly challenging. High school is one of the busiest times in a young person’s life, filled with IB class homework, fall/winter/spring sports, clubs, home chores, and social activities. For seniors, the workload is even heavier as they juggle college applications, scholarship essays, and make future plans.
Students spend roughly eight hours a day in school, and once you factor in after-school activities, such as two to three hours of sports practices or club meetings after school, they only have so many hours left to fit in work. This makes time management a critical skill. Students who work must learn to make the most of their limited time, often sacrificing social events or relaxation to make everything fit. It’s an incredible balancing act and those who manage it well gain skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives.
AHS students work in a variety of businesses around town, and these part-time jobs span many different industries. Some of the most popular fields for student employment include retail, restaurants, hospitality, and babysitting. Working in retail is a common choice for many students, offering them hands-on experience in customer service and sales. Businesses like Aviator Nation, O2 Aspen, Pitkin County Dry Goods, and Mystix often hire high school students, allowing them to learn how to interact with customers, handle money, and help keep the store organized. These jobs are often students’ first introduction to the world of work, giving them practical experience they can carry into their future careers.
Anna Dangler, a senior at Aspen High School, shared her thoughts on balancing school with her job at O2 Aspen, where she works as a front desk attendant.
“I love having a job after school,” Dangler said. “It gives my life extra structure and the freedom to spend my own earnings. I feel more independent knowing that I’m working hard and getting paid for it, and it’s honestly fun getting to know the people who come into the store.”
When asked about how she balances everything, Dangler said, “It’s definitely not easy. I have school from 8 to 3, and then I usually have some kind of activity after that, whether it’s tennis practice or homework that needs to be done. But I try to fit my work shifts in on weekends or after my activities, and I’ve gotten really good at planning my week in advance. It’s all about finding a routine that works for you, and once you do, it gets easier.”
Jobs in the local restaurant scene are another popular choice for AHS students. Restaurants like Campo de Fiori, Mezzaluna, and Unravel often hire high schoolers to work as waiters, bussers, baristas, or kitchen assistants. This is not exclusive to Aspen; the Free Range Kitchen in Basalt is almost entirely staffed by Basalt and Carbondale students. These jobs offer students a fast-paced environment where they can learn how to work under pressure, collaborate with a team, and provide excellent customer service. Restaurant work also teaches students how to handle money, follow orders, and take on a variety of responsibilities at once, which are all valuable skills for any future job.
Many students also choose to babysit or to work at the farmers’ market as flexible part-time jobs. Babysitting allows students to earn money while managing their own schedules, and it provides a lot of responsibility, as they are trusted with the care of young children. Working at the farmers’ market, meanwhile, gives students the opportunity to support local businesses while also gaining experience in customer service and sales. These jobs are especially popular among students who need more flexibility in their schedules.
For those interested in the hospitality industry, there are plenty of options as well. Establishments like The Meadows, Maroon Creek Club, Snowmass Club, and the Aspen Recreation Center often hire students for part-time roles in guest services, lifeguarding, or maintenance. These jobs provide an introduction to the world of hospitality, which is a huge industry in a town like Aspen, known for its tourism. Students working in these positions can learn how to interact with guests, ensure their satisfaction, and keep operations running smoothly. Lifeguarding, for example, requires a high level of responsibility and teaches students how to stay calm and composed in stressful situations.
Working during high school is not just about earning money; it’s about gaining skills that will be useful for years to come. Learning to balance school, work, and personal life builds a foundation for future success. By juggling multiple responsibilities, Aspen Highschool students learn how to manage their time, set realistic goals, and adapt to changing circumstances. Time management is one of the most valuable skills a person can have, and students who work part-time are often forced to learn it early on. They must figure out how to prioritize tasks and stay organized so they can meet deadlines, finish school assignments, and still have time for their job.
Working while still in high school also helps students develop a strong work ethic. They learn the value of showing up on time, working hard, and taking responsibility for their actions. These lessons are essential for success in any career. A strong work ethic is something that employers look for in every industry, and students who have it will be better prepared for the workforce after graduation. Whether they choose to continue working through college or start their careers right after high school, they will have a head start thanks to the experience they gained while balancing school and work.
The ability to manage multiple commitments goes beyond just making it through high school. It prepares students for the demands of adult life, where balancing work, personal life, and other responsibilities becomes even more important. For example, when students go to college, they’ll need to juggle coursework, extracurricular activities, part-time jobs, and social events—all without the same level of structure and support they had in high school. They’ll need to be self-disciplined and proactive in managing their time to ensure they succeed.
Later on, in their professional careers, students who have learned to balance multiple responsibilities will find it easier to navigate the complex demands of adulthood. Whether it’s balancing a full-time job with personal obligations, managing finances, or continuing to learn and grow in their career, the skills they develop while working during high school will serve them well. These skills also help students learn how to handle stress, which is another important part of thriving in adulthood. The ability to stay calm under pressure and manage multiple tasks without feeling overwhelmed is something that will benefit them in all aspects of life.
One of the biggest benefits of working while in high school is that it teaches students the importance of balance. They learn how to prioritize what’s important and focus on their long-term goals, rather than getting caught up in the day-to-day chaos of their busy schedules. This skill of balance is not just about surviving a packed schedule; it’s about thriving in it. It allows individuals to pursue their passions, maintain their well-being, and achieve a sense of fulfillment. Whether it’s managing time wisely, staying organized, or developing a strong work ethic, these lessons are invaluable as students prepare for the next chapter of their lives.
In the end, Aspen’s community plays a crucial role in helping its students gain these important life skills. By providing job opportunities and support, local businesses help students grow into responsible, hardworking adults. The opportunities that Aspen High School students have to work part-time give them the chance to develop the skills they need to succeed in both their personal and professional lives. In doing so, they are better prepared for college, their future careers and all the challenges adulthood will bring. With these valuable experiences under their belt, Aspen High School students are set up for a future full of achievements and opportunities.
