By Colin Ross
Campus News
During the school year, some students choose to work a job in addition to managing their course load. Either through work-study, campus jobs, or at nearby businesses, many students balance the already strenuous life of a being a student with the demands of being an employee. Although many may feel like taking on a job may be overwhelming, it is quite possible to continue being a good student while making some extra money.
Some people already have jobs built into their college experience. Through federal work-study, some schools include this option as a way to get financial aid. By working a few hours a week for the college/university, you will get paid a set amount each semester. When finding a particular work-study, try to pick one that will not be too much of a burden, such as working the information desk in your college’s student union. Some of these work-study opportunities will even let you do homework during your shift!
If you do not have a work-study already built-in, another great opportunity is to find work off-campus. Many colleges are located in towns/cities with ample opportunities to work for local businesses. During the summer, try to fix up your resumé so that you can apply right when you get to school. Businesses located near colleges will most likely be sympathetic to your situation and will allow you to get flexible shifts. Try to build your shifts around your class schedule and extracurriculars, and make sure you’re getting enough time to do homework and have social opportunities.
Once you have secured a job on campus, you must keep up on your time management skills. Utilize your computer or cell phone’s calendar to keep track of your shifts, so you aren’t blindsided by one. Leaving your shifts simply up to your memory will often fail you as new situations arise during college all the time.
In addition to keeping track of your schedule through a calendar, make sure to calm down on the shifts you take during midterms/finals. If you know you’re going to have a stressful week full of tests, projects, and papers, give your employer a little heads up that you won’t be able to take on shifts then. Trying to overload yourself will probably backfire and in the end, you have to prioritize your classes over your job to be successful in school.
At times you might find yourself stressed out from the extra workload. It is at these moments where it is most important to place extra focus on your self-care. You’ve got to keep your sanity during your college years to make sure you don’t burn out. Find activities in which you find solace, such as running, listening to music, hanging out with friends, etc. Make sure to set time aside for this in your schedule and try not to attempt to relieve your stress through work.
All in all, it is important to stay focused on your big goals while you are in college. First and foremost should come your academics, which will result in a large chunk of time being taken up by homework, classes, tests, and projects. If your situation requires you to work in college, make the most out of it! Be sure to balance your schedule and try to find a job that will not make it impossible to have a great four years.
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