To Work or Not to Work--That is the Question for Many Students These Days
It’s October–meaning we’ve managed to slave through the first couple months of classes. However, being back in Austin probably means that many of you have taken advantage of eating and going out as much as possible. And everyone knows that with a social life comes spending money—money that we shouldn’t necessarily be spending on frivolous activities. And even though we always tell ourselves that we are only going to eat out once or go out for just one weekend, we never manage to keep our word to ourselves. At some point, when you find yourself using up all of the allowance your parents give you, you’re going to wonder to yourself, “Maybe I should get a job….”
Many students find themselves in the same position, wondering if they will be able to balance working and attending classes during the school year. Can you afford a part-time job? Will your grades suffer as a result? You have to be prepared for the possible repercussions that may occur should you choose to work during school.
As a student who has been struggling to balance school, work, and extracurricular activities, I would not recommend this type of lifestyle for everyone. School is difficult enough by itself, especially if you’re a full-time student. Adding on something like 20+ hours of extra work is a lot harder than one would initially assume. You have to expect that you may have to lose and subtract other things from your schedule as a result.
1. Your Grades
Now, if you are one of those people who have difficulty staying focused and has a problem with procrastination, then be very wary if you decide to get a job. The more hours you work, the less time you have to study and do your schoolwork. In other words, you are going to have to become the master of time management. Because I work from 5-11 three to four times a week, I have to run there right after my classes end. And when I get off, I have to head straight to the PCL to study. It’s tough, but it’s definitely manageable if you want to maintain your grades.
2. Your Social Life
If anything is going to be affected the most when getting a job, it is your social life. Despite the fact that most people acquire jobs in order to fund their social lives, they soon discover the impossibility of finding any available free time. Sometimes, it may not even be the fact that you are working at the time; but rather, it is because you are physically too tired to make the trip down to 6th or whatever other activity your friends might want to drag you to. Be prepared to see your friends less than you would like, because balancing your social life and work life is tough. But it may still be possible for you if that is one of your priorities.
3. Extracurricular Activities
If you are a member of any sort of club or organization, just note that it may be difficult to find room in your schedule to make it to meetings. Moreover, you may not be available during times when other people are available to meet, especially if you are a part of more than one organization.
4. Your Personal Life
Your personal life is going to suffer the most in terms of trying to prioritize what is most important. If you have a significant other, then you definitely have to be careful. While you do need to find a way to balance the rest of your life, don’t forget that you need to reserve time for your boyfriend or girlfriend, as they may begin to feel unappreciated the less time you have to spend with them.
While I am not discouraging anyone from getting a job, as someone who has experienced working and balancing everything else first hand, I feel the need to play the devil’s advocate in this situation and present you with the possible negative results of your decision. But if you do need a job and it is not a question of if, but rather when, then good luck! It’s hard, but it’s definitely worth it if you need the money.