Working While In College

So a lot of students wonder if they should get a job while in school.  Some say yes all the way while others disagree completely.  Well, I am posting today to discuss both sides and give you my personal opinion.  Hopefully some of these points can help you decide if getting a job while going to school is the right thing for you. 

Working While Studying

Many students need an income to get through school, pay for an apartment, pay for books, or simply to have extra spending money for the weekends and date nights.  Others believe that working while in college will help you build your resume.  Some employers find it impressive that a student can hold a job and go to school at the same time; this shows incredible multitasking skills as well as dedication.  Another part of resume building is just simply to get more experience.  Some students are of the opinion that four years should not be wasted on just studying but also gaining experience in many areas including the workforce (since that is what most students are aiming for upon graduation).  So in most cases a job is for either making extra money or building up your resume and gaining experience while in college.

Studying To Work

Students on the other end of the spectrum disagree with work because they believe it will bring you behind on your studies.  This is the major reason most students quit jobs or don’t get a job in the first place since the extra time at work will cut into study hours.  Another negative side-effect of a job while in school is less recreational time.  If you are working even 10 hours a week that is 10 hours across 7 days you are losing to spend time with friends, go to the movies, go to a club meeting, or even watch your favorite TV show.  Still others find work too stressful on top of college life and cannot handle both.  Working will defiantly cut into recreational time and often cause a little more pressure on your brain as you try to study and stay calm.

My Opinion

I believe that working is relative for each and every person but in most cases I would lean towards working while in school.  Yes, work can be very stressful and cut into your study and fun time but remember to set priorities.  I believe studies come first, money/job second, and last is fun.  Remember to set your priorities and be realistic.  Are you going to stay up late to study after work if you need to?  If not, then I suggest you not get a job but if you are dedicated and stick to your guns you will do fine.  I also believe that you will find time for the things you want to do in life, so I often find myself having no problem balancing everything.   

Try your hardest to vet where you will work.  Do not go to places such as fast food restaurants or department stores that you know will be open until late at night when you should be in bed or studying.  Try to search for positions that will give you a good amount of hours for your schedule but not cut into your time to study.  Stay confident as well!  Jobs are hard to find these days and you may have to wait many months before something comes along; but try, try again and eventually you will succeed!  I work 14 hours a week at a small café so I am very lucky to get a decent amount of hours for some spending money for school.  The store hours at this cafe are only until 5 P.M. so I am not out too late working each night.  I am very lucky to have such a wonderful job but I always have to remember that my academics come first.

 I think that working while in school is great for your resume as well as you is more likely to get a job after college if you worked while you were in college.  Many employers love to see that a future employee can multitask and be dedicated to more than one item at a time.  Working while in school can open doors with connections later on in life too.  Your bosses, coworkers, and even customers can become some of your best connections and references after you graduate.  So having a job in college can even help you attain a job after you graduate. 

Best of luck in your endeavors!