There are many things to think about when you’re deciding whether or not to have a job while in college. On the one hand, having a job can help you pay for school and cover other expenses. But on the other hand, working can be time-consuming and make it more difficult to focus on your studies. In this blog, we will talk about the pros and cons of having a job while in college so that you can make an informed decision about what’s best for you!
How Many College Students Work While Going to School Full time?
According to a study by the National Center for Education Statistics, 73% of full-time undergraduate students have a job. This means that out of the 100 students in a classroom, 73 of them are working while going to school full time. There are many reasons for this, but the most notable is the rise in tuition costs.
The average cost of tuition for the 2017-2018 school year was $34,740 at private colleges, $20,770 at public colleges for in-state students, and $26,590 for out-of-state students attending public colleges. For a lot of students working while going to school is the only way that they can afford the increasing costs of a college education.
Pros of Working While in College
There are many pros to working while going to college. Here are some of the top benefits:
Offset Rising Cost of Tuition
College can be expensive, so one of the main reasons college students choose to work while going to college full-time is to earn money to offset the cost of tuition and other living expenses.
Improve Time Management Skills
Another pro of having a job while going to school is that it teaches you time-management skills. When you have to balance work and school, you quickly learn how to juggle your time so that you can get everything done that you need to. This skill will be invaluable once you graduate and enter the workforce.
Gain Valuable Work Experience
Working while in college allows you the chance to gain valuable work experience that can help you in your future career. Many employers value experience over education, so having a job on your resume can make you more attractive to potential employers.
Builds Your Network
Having a job in college also allows you to build your professional network. You’ll have the opportunity to meet people in your field and develop relationships that could be beneficial to you in the future. These connections can help you find a job after graduation or advance in your career.
Cons of Having a Job While in College
While there are several benefits that come from working while in college, there are also some cons. Below are some potential drawbacks of working while in college:
It Can Be Difficult to Balance Work and School
One of the biggest cons of working while in college is that it can be difficult to balance work and school. You’ll have to juggle your course load with your work schedule, which can be challenging. If you’re not careful, you may start to feel like you’re neglecting either your studies or your job.
It Can Be Stressful
Another downside of working while in college is that it can be stressful. Trying to find time for work and your studies may cause you to feel overwhelmed. Being overwhelmed can lead to anxiety and depression, which can impact all aspects of your life.
It May Affect Your grades
Working while in college can also affect your academic performance. If you’re working too much, you may not have enough time to study for your classes. This can lead to lower grades and may even cause you to fail a class.
Less Time For Social Activities
Going to school full-time while working can cause you to have less time for social activities. When you’re working, you’re usually busy with work-related tasks, which leaves little time for socializing. This can lead to a decrease in your social life and may make it difficult to make friends. Additionally, if you’re working too much, you may not have time to participate in extracurricular activities or other campus events.
Should You Work While in College?
There is not a simple answer to this question. The decision to work while in college depends on many factors, including the student’s personal financial situation, the availability of scholarships and other forms of financial aid, and the course load.
For most students, having a part-time job while in school is a great way to earn some extra money and gain some valuable work experience. However, there are some things to think about if you’re considering working while in college.
First, make sure you will have plenty of time to dedicate to your studies. Working full-time while going to college can be a lot to handle, so it’s important to make sure you can juggle both commitments.
Also, consider the type of job want. If you’re trying to land a job in your field of study, look for internships or part-time jobs that will give you some experience in that area.
Finally, think about how working will affect your financial aid package. Some forms of financial aid, like grants, may be reduced if you’re working while in school. So, it’s important to talk to your financial advisor before making your decision.
What to Consider if You Get a Job While in College
If you do decide to work full-time while going to college, there are a few things you can do to make the best of your experience. One way is to try to find a job that’s related to your field of study. This will allow you to gain some valuable experience that will help you after graduation.
Second, take on a leadership role at your job. If you can, try to get involved in training new employees or taking on additional responsibilities. This will not only look great on your resume, but it will also help you develop some important skills.
Additionally, make sure to use your earnings wisely. It can be tempting to spend your hard-earned money on nights out or new clothes, but it’s important to remember that you’re working to help pay for your education. So, be sure to save some of your earnings or use them to help pay down any student loans you may have.
In Conclusion
Overall, whether or not you should work while in college depends on your individual situation. Weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision, and talk to your parents, advisors, and financial aid office for more advice.