Work AND School

[Navigator]

I know many or even most college students tend to try and work while taking classes to help pay for schooling. I agree with this wish and wanted to do so myself this school year, but because of some bad luck with job opportunities and a little complacency on my part, I haven't been able to find work. I have tried at least 6 different places with no luck. I FINALLY got some luck and have a job at a youth center over the summer, but during the school year, I've had some problems. The problem really never had an impact because I have been receiving money from scholarships, had money left over from last summer, and my Mom has been helping me. (which I don't like, but I need it)

...but just today my Mom said that my checking account was overdrawn after a rent check was deposited. This really set her off...and I don't blame her...She basically said that I need to get a job. I almost don't know if I want to tell her about my summer job because it's so late. So I've been frantically trying to find a job for like the last 3 weeks of classes basically because my summer job will take up a lot of my days after classes end. I have basically come to the realization that I may need to work two jobs over the summer..which isn't bad..but that's my break from school. I feel I'll be more busy over the summer than during the school year.

How do you guys/girls balance school and work???

 

[Danus]

I worked my way through back in the day, but I don't recommend it.

I worked a construction job working for a guy who remodeled homes back in the 80's. I worked from 7:00 to 4:00 then went to class and the guy I worked for gave me time off twice during the week to hit other classes. Later I started a carpet cleaning business which was more flexible for me, but it took off. I started hiring other collage kids and soon quit school to run it. I finished school later in life.

My advice to anyone seeking a degree is know what your goal is, and live on bare bones while going to school.

Going to and Finishing your education after high school is the most obvious path. You don't need a lot. Place to sleep and study, food to eat and very little entertainment / social life. If your hitting a full class schedule, then your time outside of class is study anyway. There are temp jobs, summer jobs, and other opportunities to make a little cash here and there, but for the most part a student could live on very little.

It really depends on your situation, but I'd say if you can find a way to live on scarps and go to school rather than work, do that. You'll have plenty of time to make money.

 

[Navigator]

I worked my way through back in the day, but I don't recommend it.

I worked a construction job working for a guy who remodeled homes back in the 80's. I worked from 7:00 to 4:00 then went to class and the guy I worked for gave me time off twice during the week to hit other classes. Later I started a carpet cleaning business which was more flexible for me, but it took off. I started hiring other collage kids and soon quit school to run it. I finished school later in life.

My advice to anyone seeking a degree is know what your goal is, and live on bare bones while going to school.

Going to and Finishing your education after high school is the most obvious path. You don't need a lot. Place to sleep and study, food to eat and very little entertainment / social life. If your hitting a full class schedule, then your time outside of class is study anyway. There are temp jobs, summer jobs, and other opportunities to make a little cash here and there, but for the most part a student could live on very little.

It really depends on your situation, but I'd say if you can find a way to live on scarps and go to school rather than work, do that. You'll have plenty of time to make money.

Yeah a temporary part-time job is all I'm looking for, but I haven't even been able to find one of those! I have a story about when I was close to acquiring one earlier this year, but was shafted by the company (Kroger) 2

I feel bad because I need to pay rent and just because I can't find a little job, my Mom basically has to pay what's left over after my scholarship money is used...

 

[Danus]

Yeah a temporary part-time job is all I'm looking for, but I haven't even been able to find one of those! I have a story about when I was close to acquiring one earlier this year, but was shafted by the company (Kroger) 2

I feel bad because I need to pay rent and just because I can't find a little job, my Mom basically has to pay what's left over after my scholarship money is used...

Well hang in there, is about all I can offer. It's a tough economy, but it will get better. I do know that God leads us in his way and in his time.

When I went to school I wanted to get a business degree and all I could think about was being in the world and making money. I was not a Christian then, but what I've found is that it does not matter what you want when God is bent on taking you where he will. When you allow yourself to ride his current it will take you to great places, beyond even what you thought best for yourself.

I ended up with a Liberal arts degree ..... useless for making money. People will say it does not matter what your degree is in just get one....NO, don't buy into that. I am a transportation broker and I don't even need a degree to do what I do.

 

[Pard]

This last semester I've been doing 30+ hour weeks at work, 10+ hour weeks at my internship (work without pay!!!), and then my 15 in school hours a week for class. So that's roughly 55 hours a week, not counting studying and stuff. It's a little tough but I have been managing. My grades are not the best but they are not awful either.

Just trust in God and let Him lead you. I found my job after applying to a million other places with no luck (well Sears actually did just tell me they'd hire me, but I'd have to move to Nebraska !!!). It's ok because I like where I work. They are good employers and they even pay time and a half on Sundays! They are also very mindful of kids who go away for college and when I come home for breaks and such they will always have some hours for me to work, which is just awesome.

I'm praying that I can find a new job in Virginia next semester and then just work down there all summer long next summer. That's what I'd like but we'll see what God wants!

 

[Nick]

I'm not sure how it works in the US, but in Australia most people don't live on campus. So we travel each day to uni. I've got a fairly light load (doing BA/DipEd) on 13 hours/week, plus 15.5 hours at work. Pay is alright, but since I still live at home (like most people) I don't have to pay any rent or things like that. Takes a big pressure off, which means I can spend more time worrying about uni and less about finances.

I'd advise you to work as much as possible, but not to the detrement of your education. University is an investment for your future.

In Australia, you don't have to pay your university fees upfront either. We have a thing called a HECS loan. You pay the government back when you earn over $45,000pa at a rate of like 1.5% of your taxable income. The load accumulates almost zero interest, and is literally the cheapest loan you will ever have.

 

[Pard]

Around here, Nick, you can live off campus if you want (and if your school allows it. Most require at least Freshman to live on campus), but most people live on campus as the cost is usually factored into your school cost. And the government will give you a loan based on your family's income which you then pay off after you've finished your schooling (they will keep holding it off if you continue into grad. school, but not if you go for a Ph.D after that).