We’ve all been there – your friends just invited you to the movies, your study partner wants to meet at Starbucks, you really want a new pair of jeans because your favorite just ripped. The problem is that these things add up and cost money.
On top of paying for college tuition, on or off campus housing, food, and textbooks, it’s likely that you might not have extra cash to participate in all of the activities that you want to.
It might seem impossible to keep up with schoolwork, socialize, and obtain a part-time job in order to make some extra cash. However, with the right time management, it is indeed quite possible to balance everything.
Temple University sophomore, Christopher Persuad, 19, works at The College of Liberal Arts Academic Advising Center at Temple between 10-12 hours per week.
“I think that anyone capable of managing their time can work a job while in school,” Persaud said. “It just requires planning and recognizing that you just have less unstructured time in your week.”
Persaud admitted that while you may have less downtime, working part-time can be beneficial if you manage your time accordingly.
“I use a planner and a color coded calendar. It only gets a little tricky if I have to work the morning of a day that an assignment is due that I didn’t do the night before. Sometimes things get done in that hour between a shift at work and class,” Persaud shared.
He stressed the importance of keeping organized and getting work done ahead of time to ensure less stress.
Similarly, Elly Perlowitz, 19, who is also a sophomore at Temple, works between 4-8 hours per week at Madewell in Center City.
“It’s definitely possible to still have a job and do classes. I’m involved in multiple student orgs and take a full course load too,” Perlowitz stated. “I wouldn’t say it’s easy but it’s doable. Every involvement has to be something you’re dedicated to in order to make it work.”
Perlowitz acknowledged the pressure to fit all of her commitments into her schedule, but believes it is all worth it.
“Only do it if its something you can benefit from,” Perlowitz advised. “The number one tip I have is to have open communication with every party involved. Being a student is my first priority and my full time job, which I express, but Madewell is a business. I need to make sure I can also help them out since I am an employee.”
Rachel Hazzard, 19, a sophomore at Temple University works 25 hours a week at the Temple University Tech Center Help Desk.
“It is a bit stressful sometimes, especially if I pick up extra hours or have midterms or finals,” Hazzard said. “I think the hardest part is that I’m not really involved in many clubs around school because I don’t have time.”
Sacrifices might have to be made in order to work as a college student. Sitting down and prioritizing what is most important to you is a crucial step.
While it is unlikely everything will fit into your schedule, your bank account will thank you in the end.