Working College Students

            While college classes may only take up twelve to eighteen hours per week, homework assignments, extra-curricular activities, and sleep (when there’s time for it) add to take up a majority of hours. This leaves little time for work. Even so, many students have to acquire part-time jobs. US News published an article entitled "Consider the Pros and Cons of Working in College" that speaks of valid reasons for both working and not. Although it can be a stressful, US News has found research that shows students who work ten to fifteen hours per week are more likely than others, including those who don’t work, to earn their degrees.

            Working and attending school may be difficult at times, but it has many benefits. It helps college students to learn professional skills that employers expect to be learned by the time they graduate and apply for jobs. Many jobs involve speaking to customers and developing customer service skills/communication skills. This is vital to almost all jobs after graduation. Having a job also helps people learn money management and time management.

            US News explains that a downside to having a job in college is also the risk of it interfering with school. That can lead to increasing the time it takes to get a degree or not completing it at all. Time management is thus very important. School’s normally provide planners at the beginning of the year that helps in keeping track of assignments, due dates, and when campus events are being held. Calendars on the smartphones seemingly work well too.

            Although full-time school, part-time work, and social/family life can seem like a lot to handle, it provides many benefits and allows independence rather fully than relying on one’s parents or family members. With strategic planning and everything in moderation it is possible.