Working Part-time in College: Benefits and Challenges 

Students to-be generally expect a fun time and an enjoyable learning experience when applying to college. As soon as they get on campus, however, most are hit with the reality that college is one of the most hectic and stressful times of young adult life. While college life is unstructured and comes with self-determination, succeeding at higher education requires discipline and motivation. There are also financial challenges to contend with like the rising costs of tuition fees, accommodation, food, clothes and transport. Things get even more frustrating when managing a part-time job outside classes.

While part-time jobs are the easiest way to get additional income to help ease the costs of campus life, there is evidence showing that working students gain way more benefits than just extra cash. According to a recent survey, more than 70% of college students engage in some form of employment while studying. This article looks at the benefits and challenges of working while in college. 

How Do Students Benefit When They Work Part-Time?

There is no denying that working part-time in school can be stressful and yet, more than 14 million people in the United States work while in college. The assumption is that the rising costs of college prompt most students to seek employment in order to afford a decent life on campus. However, working in college does not have to always be stressful. Navigating work and academics together is possible with some organisation skills and wise choices. Here are some reasons why you should consider getting a part-time job while at school

An Additional Source of Income 

It is not uncommon to find students who struggle to pay for college, with evidence showing that more than 30 percent of college students terminate their studies because they don’t have the means to pay up. A part-time job may not cover the entire cost of tuition fees, but it will give you some financial wiggle room in daily expenses.

Managing a consistent yet tight budget will train financial discipline, pushing you to be more careful with spending and more adept at budgeting. These additional funds can also come in handy when employing academia-adjacent services like those of WriteMyEssay online. 

Accumulate Work Experience 

Employers today want candidates with existing work experience when looking for new talent. In addition to bolstering your income, part-time jobs allow you to understand the dynamics of managing a professional working environment. The work experiences you gain can got to building your resume and prepare you for life after graduation. 

Learning to work in teams, navigating workplace hierarchies that exist in the formal workplace and understanding how meritocracy works are of the many takeaways that can spur your career growth. 

Networking Opportunities 

College is more than the a time to gain theoretical knowledge, it is also when you meet life-long friends and contacts which lay the foundation of your professional network. Working part-time is the perfect grounds to connect with these contacts. You will likely meet professionals who can offering mentoring or at the very least provide an example of how to navigate your field. Networking with professionals outside your field is also valuable in gaining insights on navigating the corporate world and may even spur you to change your career path.

Increase Employability 

Upon graduation, you will realise that the job market is flooded with an abundance of hungry, competent candidates looking to fill a scarcity of available positions. Employers look for talent with an extra edge, and having work experience under your belt will come as a bonus. Hiring managers know that students who have worked throughout school are resilient and possess valuable time-management skills, apart from the potentially transferrable professional skills only gained on the job.

Challenges Students Face When Working Part-Time 

While working part-time in college has numerous benefits for students and their future careers, it also comes with several challenges. Here are some challenges you will likely face when juggling work and academics. 

Time Constraints 

Campus life can be difficult to navigate even without a part-time job to manage. Apart from assignments, students have to make time for friends, prepare research data and tutorial resources as well as manage familial responsibilities. If you add a job into the mix, things can get complicated. Students who choose to work additional shifts will face an even more challenging time. To succeed on campus, you have to learn to remain organised at all times.

Motivation

Students who work while studying face a steeper slope in terms of sustaining motivation. What could have been free down time will now go to work, forcing one to find new ways to keep overall energy levels up. You should set clear goals and design routines to help you keep your energy up. Setting targets ma be challenging at the on set, but ultimately rewarding. 

Loneliness and Isolation 

Full-time student life can be frustrating and alienation when time for friends and loved ones become scarce. Research shows that social support systems play an important role in stress management and overall mental health. If you don’t create time to interact with others and have fun intentionally, you may find life working as a student weighed down by an inevitable loneliness.

How to Successfully Combine Work and Studies 

Understandably, most students face challenges when it comes to balancing a busy college schedule with the demands of part-time work. To succeed, students need to give themselves realistic time-frames and optimise time-management skills. This is not the time to be too hard on yourself. Create a plan on how to tackle your weekly tasks and follow a routine. Always make your academic obligations a priority. After all, the main reason you are in college is to study. 

Students working part-time also need to build on and tap into their social support systems. Talk to your friends, lecturers and colleagues at work about any challenges you may be facing. If you find your work and lectures clashing, have your boss and lecturer know about it. Remember, you are not alone and there are often more resources you can turn to for support than you know.

One of the most important things you can do when dealing with a hectic schedule is to prioritise sleep. Amid all the craziness and huge workloads, some students get tempted to postpone sleep or develop poor sleeping habits which have serious implications. Evidence shows that sleep deprivation for prolonged periods can negatively affect your academic performance and diminish work productivity. Create a sleep schedule, ensuring you go to bed and wake up at around the same time each day. Also, remember to schedule short breaks to unwind during busy days.

Another tip to help you navigate college is to seek academic support if you feel overwhelmed. Working on assignments does not have to drain any more of your energy than necessary if you can find a tutor or a writing centre to improve your efficiency and research skills. Make use of the resources available within your campus. 

Looking for Ways to Succeed? 

Are you considering getting a job to earn money as you continue your studies? Understand that juggling the responsibilities of a part-time job and academics is not for the faint-hearted. You will need extra motivation, impeccable organisational skills and sufficient social support. The good thing is that working while you are in college gives you more than monetary gains. You get to grow your professional network and a head start on building your portfolio.

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