2 answers
TLeah
Student
Ooltewah, Tennessee
1
Question
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i curerntly have 4 on campus jobs. i get scholarships and grants. I barely make enough to pay for rent and tuition. should I get another on campus job or look for a job off campus? I do have access to a car but can barely afford gas most of the time.
also winter break is coming up and I currently don't have a way of making any extra money before the next semester. btw I'm a sophomore. I'm studying AS graphic design. I quit my 9-5 job of 10 years to go back to school to get a degree for a career change and struggling. I'm happy that we have a food pantry on campus that's very accessible.
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2 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1886
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, TLeah !
Congratulations on being a returning student ! That is wonderful !
I think that you should complete this semester without adding more to your schedule. I can understand your financial bind especially if housing is an expense on top of all of what you've mentioned. Instead of adding more to the mix on top of the four on campus jobs, it may be time to cut back on expenses as well as consider attending a less expensive school.
You can also consider attending college part time and get one full time job. Keep utilizing the food banks and also try to find a clothing bank, too. You're on the right track because you have recognized that there are these challenges this semester. That is the first step. Of course if you go to college part time, you may not be able to qualify for Federal Student Financial Aid.
Why not apply for a full time job in the Graphic Design field for next semester. Many times, employers will consider people who are actively working on their degree if one doesn't already have the degree. Make a list of all the possible places you can work and send your materials to them. Another thing you can do or additionally pursue is to have your own design service. Freelance plus work full time and take two or three courses at college per semester. You will obtain your degree but things may be much more manageable for you. It's a lot different attending college at 28 than 18 because at an older age, people have their life situated sometimes and already have important commitments going on. This is very normal. You can even take evening and weekend classes if your college offers them.
So my advice is to cut back on some things now, continue this semester with how it is now and make some changes for next semester. I imagine that you have about five to six weeks left in the semester, so now is the perfect time to plan this. Only you know what will work for you so give it some thought, set priorities and I think things will improve for you.
I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best moving forward !
Congratulations on being a returning student ! That is wonderful !
I think that you should complete this semester without adding more to your schedule. I can understand your financial bind especially if housing is an expense on top of all of what you've mentioned. Instead of adding more to the mix on top of the four on campus jobs, it may be time to cut back on expenses as well as consider attending a less expensive school.
You can also consider attending college part time and get one full time job. Keep utilizing the food banks and also try to find a clothing bank, too. You're on the right track because you have recognized that there are these challenges this semester. That is the first step. Of course if you go to college part time, you may not be able to qualify for Federal Student Financial Aid.
Why not apply for a full time job in the Graphic Design field for next semester. Many times, employers will consider people who are actively working on their degree if one doesn't already have the degree. Make a list of all the possible places you can work and send your materials to them. Another thing you can do or additionally pursue is to have your own design service. Freelance plus work full time and take two or three courses at college per semester. You will obtain your degree but things may be much more manageable for you. It's a lot different attending college at 28 than 18 because at an older age, people have their life situated sometimes and already have important commitments going on. This is very normal. You can even take evening and weekend classes if your college offers them.
So my advice is to cut back on some things now, continue this semester with how it is now and make some changes for next semester. I imagine that you have about five to six weeks left in the semester, so now is the perfect time to plan this. Only you know what will work for you so give it some thought, set priorities and I think things will improve for you.
I hope this is helpful and I wish you all the best moving forward !
Doc Raymond
songwriter
12
Answers
Hiawassee, Georgia
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Tleah,
In this world of survival and education, tough choices require a Plan A and a Plan B. From what you have written, it is obvious that you are a driven person. So let's take this desire to succeed and refine to provide for your needs while continuing your education. There are no simple answers to or a how-to book to resolve your dilemma. If it requires 4 jobs on campus then, yes, you need to explore alternatives off campus and hopefully where you would not need a car to get to them. The most logical would be as a server at a food establishment, where you would receive a paycheck and tips. You might be able to earn in the 2 weekend days, what you are now earning with the part-time campus jobs. Don't know your area, but if there is public transportation, that could be an alternative to having to use the car. The bottom line is to stay positive and explore all alternatives for income, BUT, stick to your education, it has to come first. There are no problems, just answers waiting to be found!
Doc
In this world of survival and education, tough choices require a Plan A and a Plan B. From what you have written, it is obvious that you are a driven person. So let's take this desire to succeed and refine to provide for your needs while continuing your education. There are no simple answers to or a how-to book to resolve your dilemma. If it requires 4 jobs on campus then, yes, you need to explore alternatives off campus and hopefully where you would not need a car to get to them. The most logical would be as a server at a food establishment, where you would receive a paycheck and tips. You might be able to earn in the 2 weekend days, what you are now earning with the part-time campus jobs. Don't know your area, but if there is public transportation, that could be an alternative to having to use the car. The bottom line is to stay positive and explore all alternatives for income, BUT, stick to your education, it has to come first. There are no problems, just answers waiting to be found!
Doc
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
TLeah