I began looking for a job shortly after depositing my belongings in my dorm room as a college freshman. I was fortunate to get one of the few work-study jobs available. I worked eight to 15 hours a week, filing and doing other secretarial work. It was enough to buy books and give me some pocket money.
Just before returning to school the following year, I received a letter saying that my class schedule conflicted with the hours they needed me to work. So when I returned to school, I went in search of an off-campus job.
One of the many applications I filled out produced a job in a pizza shop. Though I liked job and the people, the hours began to disagree with me. To start out, I worked about 15 to 20 hours a week. I soon found myself working late on busy nights, sometimes until 3 a.m. on weekdays and 5 a.m. on weekends.
While working was good for my checkbook, it was bad for my grades. One semester, I was naive enough to think I could handle an 8 a.m. class after working late the night before. That arrangement didn’t last long. Morning after morning, my alarm went unacknowledged and my books unopened. I eventually dropped the class, and realized that I had to find another job. I felt I was one of the unlucky ones. I trudged off to work while my friends socialized and slept. Little did I know that I was not alone.
Many college students find themselves working a job in order to buy books they’ll have little time to study, or to pay rent for an apartment they’ll rarely occupy. But as hard as having a job at school can be, it can be done successfully.
FIND THE RIGHT JOB Finding the right job, as well as an employer who understands your needs, can make all the difference. Work-study, a federal aid program that gives financially needy students jobs, generally offers students the flexibility they need to combine work and classes. In order to qualify for work-study programs, you must meet the financial requirements. Work-study is generally awarded to freshmen, as well as upper-classmen who have done work-study before.
Apply for the work-study program when you apply for federal financial aid. Work-study programs vary from one school to the next, but each have some common characteristics. Work hours: No more than 20 hours a week. Students who qualify for work-study are also allotted a maximum number of hours they are allowed to work. Salary: Your salary will greatly depend on your job and level of experience. You will make at least the current federal minimum wage. Types of Jobs: Most work-study jobs are on campus. Jobs can include being a tutor, clerk, lab assistant, film projectionist, library aide, food service worker, administrative assistant, store clerk, secretary, stage helper or sports assistant. Most schools provide students with a list of available jobs, then allow the student to choose their work. If possible, find a job related to your major so you can put it on your resume.
To find out more about available work-study jobs at your school, contact the financial aid office. If you find a job that’s not related to school, be forewarned. Off-campus employers may not be as eager — or as able — to arrange your work hours around your class schedule. Many students find restaurants are good places to work. TIPS ON MANAGING SCHOOL AND WORK Whether you’re working on-campus or off, it is important to keep sight of your academic goals. The main reason you are in school is to attend classes so you can begin a successful career. In order to keep on track, keep the lines of communication open with your employer. Inform them of the maximum number of hours you can work from the start, and keep them up-to-date on your changing class schedule. Unfortunately, not all employers are open to the needs of student employees. If this is the case, you may find that your class work suffers because of your job.
IF IT BECOMES TOO MUCH These clues may tell you you’re spending too much time at work and not enough with your head in the books: • Drop in grades since beginning work • Decreased study time • Doing papers at the last minute • Skipping classes to make up study time or catch up on sleep • Stressing out about work
You need your job, but you also need to keep up with your work for school. Confront your employer and request fewer hours or a more flexible work schedule if you’re feeling overwhelmed. While this may be intimidating, it’s necessary. Point out that you are a hard worker and assure your employer that the job is important, but you just can’t neglect school. Your boss will most likely respect your straight-forward attitude and your dedication. Should your boss prove unreasonable, however, you may have no other choice but to quit your job and find one with more flexibility. And when it comes down to it, quitting a job will have less impact on your future than dropping classes or flunking out of school.
