Should I Take Up a Job While Studying or Should I Finish My Studies First?

The decision to take up a job while studying is influenced by various factors, including financial need and the impact on academic performance. Everyone's situation is unique, but understanding the pros and cons can help you make a well-informed choice.

Impact on Academic Performance

Finishing your studies first is often recommended if your academic performance and overall success are not compromised. During my college and graduate school years, I had the opportunity to study full-time without the burden of a job, which allowed me to carry course overloads and study harder, ultimately leading to a more profound learning experience. I believe this privilege is a result of receiving a full scholarship with a stipend.

If you find yourself in a need for a job, it's important to assess whether your chosen employment aligns with your academic obligations. For instance, working part-time during college provided me with valuable work experience, which was instrumental in shaping my career path. However, it's crucial to ensure that the job does not infringe on your study time and performance.

Difficulties of Working While Studying

In the United States, there's a distinction between students who work and workers who study. Students who work typically pick up part-time jobs while attending classes full-time. Part-time employment during college offers a range of benefits, such as gaining work experience and enhancing your resume. However, research suggests that students who work off-campus are less likely to graduate, primarily because managing both work and studies can prove challenging.

Time management is one of the toughest tasks in higher education. The more time you spend working, the less time you have for studying. This imbalance can be detrimental to your academic performance and overall progress. Similarly, workers who study face difficulties completing their degree requirements and balancing work responsibilities.

Common Practices and Balancing Act

Taking up a job while attending university is a common practice among middle and lower-income families in the US. However, achieving a healthy balance between studies and work is essential. Here are some examples of how others have navigated these challenges:

My Personal Experience: During my tenure as a university student, I worked in the residence hall cafeteria and later in the Information Technology department. These jobs provided me with valuable experience that laid the groundwork for my career.

Others' Experiences: A former partner worked in various roles at a university animal farm while pursuing a BS in Animal Science. Another friend balanced a BS in Insurance and Real Estate with rebuilding VW Bugs and assisting at a family business. Yet another student worked as a go-fer for a trailer manufacturing company after an auto accident. A friend even combined her JD studies with a paralegal position.

Despite these diverse examples, the key takeaway is to ensure that your job doesn't interfere with your academic performance. The balance between classes and work is crucial, and you should evaluate how each task affects the other.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision to take up a job while studying depends on your individual circumstances and priorities. Whether you're working part-time or not, maintaining a healthy balance between work and studies is crucial for your success. Whether you're on a scholarship or balancing a part-time job, remember that your academic performance should always be your top priority.

May you have good luck with your studies and the support of the spirit guiding you forward.