Are part-time jobs essentially bad for students pursuing a degree? Taking on a paid position while pursuing a degree comes with both risks and rewards. For a multitude of personal reasons, some students are forced to take part-time jobs out of necessity. Let’s look at two groups of students with part-time jobs.
Let’s identify the first group as “A Group.” These students must shoulder the partial or full responsibility of paying university tuition, housing fees, and general living expenses as an undergraduate. The second category “B Group” is motivated by a different set of circumstances. These students might work to assist a familyowned business or earn money for daily expenditures. Other students in B Group may work solely for future purchases. Envision your new camera, a trip abroad or even a home downpayment. The key difference is that students in B Group work without compulsion.
A Group students and B Group students might be motivated by different reasons but are presented with a similar set of blessings and curses as working students. Let’s look at the obvious negative impacts that may befall any student working in a parttime position. Risking lower scores and a compromised academic performance is the primary concern for most students. Social relationships may also be threatened. The required minimum working hours set forth by the employer are also an important factor to consider. Maintaining good health is
another element to contemplate.
The human immune system is strongly influenced by poor lifestyle choices. Lack of sleep, inadequate nutrition and increased stress quickly cause fatigue. Adding a parttime job to an already jammed schedule could have adverse effects on our physical and mental states. While it may sound like a frightening prospect, there are benefits of working and studying simultaneously.
So what are these advantages? Developself-confidence and create lifelong financial skills. Earning one’s own money, even a small wage does create a higher level of personal confidence and a sense of accomplishment. Earning an income can boost self-confidence and allow students to have some fun with their paychecks.
Landing the first full-time job is no easy task. If possible, students should choose part-time work that introduces them to their preferred career path. This allows students to build essential introductory experiences in their fields of study. In doing so, the working student gains an edge on the competition.
Deciding to take on a par t-time job ultimately boils down to an individual’s set of criteria. There are inherent risks when choosing to accept a part-time job. However, with each risk comes opportunity. Students should strongly consider their academic load beforehand and negotiate the maximum number of working hours with a potential part-time job employer.
Challenges to health, social standing, and academic performance are threats to working students. The advantages of a part-time job may offset the short term risks by responsibly planning a social calendar, making sound lifestyle decisions, and remaining sensitive to changes in academic performance. The advantages are certainly worthwhile to contemplate.
