Gabriela
How can I handle a part-time job and college at the same time?
I'm not in college but I do plan on working part-time while doing full-time college. Are there any ways I can prepare myself? #work-life-balance #college-advice #job #student #college
12 answers
Ken Simmons
Ken’s Answer
Here are some examples of how students have balanced their life to work part time, do well in college, and enjoy life.
http://www.mycollegesuccessstory.com/academic-success-tools/college-life-balance.html
Angela D
Angela’s Answer
Hi Gabriela,
Obtaining a part time job is a great way to get experience while you are in school. However, time management definitely comes into play when you are juggling multiple commitments. I worked during undergrad and graduate school, but mostly worked over the weekends. This allowed me to focus on my school work during the week. Also, I was very open with my boss; letting him know which days I was definitely free and which days I could come in if needed.
I knew several people that had on campus jobs for about 10 hours a week. That might be a good option, I would check out the library and computer centers to see if they have availability.
Good Luck!
Sherita Stokes-Floyd
Sherita’s Answer
It takes strategic planning. You must look at your course load and evaluate how much time you have to dedicate to your area of studies. I was very fortunate to have jobs that related to my major of teaching and sports medicine. Working in schools and recreation centers help me cover field hours/requirements for my studies. Currently my younger sister is balancing work and school. She took the time to create a document that had her class scheduled and required field study time. She arranged a meeting with her boss and presented the document, in that meeting she offered to work the scheduled days and offered to be on call/standby on off days to show flexibility. Her boss accepted the proposal based off what she presented and proactively offered to do as an employee. This has made life much easier with attending school. I will say certain industries do not offer this kind of flexibility. I would look for jobs that focus on schools and small mom and pop business they are more flexible. As look into student work study/campus jobs, it's on campus and are not open later than 9 or 10 pm. That'll allow time for studies and work.
Richard A.
Richard’s Answer
Some jobs on campus leave you some time to study on the job, eg library or front desk of some dorms.
Treat school like a second job. Get up early, get to work and when your work is done at the end of the day, you can spend time on social life or organizations.
Gloria Ortiz
Gloria’s Answer
Work (even part time) and college is very much like having two jobs. Your greatest challenge is going to be the balance between the two of them. it can be challenging in part because college classes take up a lot more of the day than high school, which is normally in the morning and early afternoon. College classes that you need for your major can go late into the evening. That can play havoc with your work schedule with every semester change. So your first hurdle is to find a job flexible enough to work around those schedule changes. My nephew handled that challenge by getting a job at the school. Where better to work than a college campus where they know exactly the challenges of working and going to school? If you cannot get one of those, I would say you should communicate with your employer the fact that you are in school and need flexibility. That may impact that job that you choose.
Gloria
Jwahir Leaks
Jwahir’s Answer
This is doable!
You will need to strategically plan out your class time, study time, work hours and personal time. Be realistic in the amount of time you'll need for each area. Based on your ideal schedule, check what classes and work hours align- and make any necessary adjustments.
Let your employer know of your school endeavors so that they are in support of you and your school schedule.
Hope this helps,
Jwahir
Sheila Jordan
Sheila’s Answer
Working part-time and attending classes will require good time management. When I was in college I worked a full-time job, carried a full schedule and participated in activities. It wasn't easy but I got it done. I structured my schedule so that I could attend classes in the morning to mid-afternoon. The days that I wasn't in class or had a late class I would study ahead, meet with advisers, and take care of other things needing attention. You can do it. Just make a plan and work it. I wish you much success on your journey. Best of luck to you! 😉
~ Sheila
Kevin Cronin
Kevin’s Answer
I worked and went to school
I sometime went to school during the day and worked at night
sometimes I worked during the day and took night classes
it may take you a little bit longer to finish college but if you put your mind to it
you will be just fine!!
Paul Gullatte
Paul’s Answer
I worked part-time off campus all through college. It was tough but manageable because I planned everything out by creating a chart and writing out a schedule for both my classes and my part-time jobs. Since I mostly worked Monday thru Friday evenings and anytime Saturday and Sunday, that left me plenty of time to go to class and get school work done during the day. In addition, I had jobs that weren't too demanding so I was able to get some studying done while I was at work .
The point I'm trying to make is that the main thing you have to do is plan ahead and set time aside to study. It really helps to write everything out in an excel spreadsheet or calendar. After you register for classes each semester you'll know your availability to work and if something should change from one semester to the next, you'll have enough time to notify your supervisor.
Simeon Snow
Simeon’s Answer
Monica Monteiro
Monica’s Answer
Congrats on being ambitious and getting a part-time job during college! It is not an easy task, but as long as you communicate and stay organized, you can handle both. When I worked part time in college, I communicated to my boss that school was my number 1 priority. I believe that setting this expectation at the onset of the job helped immensely. Each week I would communicate my school schedule and determine whether I needed to reduce my work hours to balance my workload. I would add those hours to the next week that I did not have as much schoolwork. In conclusion, I would encourage you to communicate and be honest with the people that you work with. I would assume that most people will support you in your schoolwork efforts while working!
