Few things are on a college student’s mind as much as money is. Some things that match it are food, when midterms are, and sleep. Like sleep, college kids are thinking of how to get more money. This obviously leads the decision to get a job. This could mean working in your school’s library, the super market down the street, or serving at a close by restaurant. Working and going to school requires time management skills, commitment, and possibly some stress to add into the mix.
Framingham State University junior, Allie Roe, weighed in on the general topic stating: “I would say that it was a good idea because of the money, but it is hard to manage. So you have to have good time management to get everything done and to make sure you don’t overdo it. You need a good balance of school work and social life because it’s, like, the time in your life for socializing.” It’s true that being able to balance a social life, work, and college plays the most vital role if you choose to work while going to school.
Working on Campus vs off Campus
“I like my job off campus better because I can get better hours,” stated Katy S, senior from Framingham State. And it’s true that off campus jobs, such as stores, can offer less limitations to when you can work, whereas on campus jobs can require a maximum amount of work hours that may not be enough for you and can be less flexible. ”But I also like working my on campus job because I feel like I’m really helping people through admissions and the bookstore.”
“I like off campus because it feels like a break from campus.” Rachel Smith, FSU junior chimed in.
Off campus jobs are most suitable for those who don’t mind a commute to their job and would rather have more control of when they work. Working off campus is an excellent way to separate yourself from school stresses physically. But sometimes there are days were you just can’t and your twenty minute break isn’t enough to read the chapters for your history class and you’re not clocking out until after 8pm. If you don’t have a car with you on campus, you’ll have to rely on the transportation available. This may be a bus or a shuttle through the school. If you’re lucky you can work something out with a friend who does have a car.
“I prefer working on campus for the convenience and I know the people I’m working usually.” Hanna L, an FSU senior states. Having a job on campus is more convenient. Your commute involves you walking across campus (which depending on how big your campus is, can be draining to be fair). Also, like Hannah said, it is a great way to work with people you previously know and meet people on your campus.
How to Balance
Communication is a key when it comes to successfully juggling a job and being a college student. “Talk to your manager so they know you’re also going to school,” Katy suggests. Most of the time, with proper communication with your superior at work, they will work with you so your classes and shifts don’t overlap or cause anyone difficulties.
That brings us to knowing the schedules. Serena, FSU senior, says “Know your work schedule and class schedule to avoid conflict.” Owning a planner is advice that is heard plenty of times and for a good reason; they work.
Marissa Campbell, senior at FSU, clarifies the importance of being prepared. “Have a backup plan just in case you miss your first choice mode of transportation,” she explains. So, it you miss the bus to work, check with a friend if their schedule allows them to help you out if they are a commuter or have a car on campus.
Recommendations
When asked if they would recommend working while being a student, most explained a yes, but then with some caution. Senior Hannah Lavin offers support with “If you can do it, yes!” As long as you know your limits and how much you can handle working in college can be a great opportunity.
Katy adds, “I feel like you should because when you apply for jobs [after college] they won’t think ‘oh, so you didn’t work at all during college?’ Even if you work ten hours.” This can be the case depending on what your ideal job is after graduation.
“It really depends!” Tess, Framingham State senior, reminds us “Club involvement is also a factor to how you spend your time [outside of class].”
It comes down to what works for the student, to be frank. If you are content with handling the responsibility of multiple commitments, working, whether on or off campus, can be a great opportunity to gain experience and maybe some extra money. And if not, there’s no shame in focusing on school! Just be aware of what comes with going to classes and going to work.