Photo Credit: Breanna Stephens
As a college student, academics is seen as the sole focus when committing to higher education but many don’t have the luxury of attending college without needing to have a part-time or full-time job.
Being a full-time student can mean many credit hours and lots of time commitment with extra-curriculars and major requirements to stay on track. As a student, having to maintain a job on top of other commitments can be very stressful.
I am currently a senior journalism major who is going through this experience myself and have been for about 3 years now. I wanted to ask others their thoughts on this. I asked them two questions: “What would you say is the hardest part about being a full-time student and working a part-time/full-time job?” and then a follow up question asking “Can it be rewarding or would you rather be able to not work while attending college?”
I interviewed four people with different majors and these are their answers.
“The hardest thing would be finding time for myself and my homework. Every day I am doing something and I’m always worried about bills. I would rather not work and do school especially with 19 credit hours. It would be nice to sleep in at least one day of the week.” – Brandon Williams, senior instrumental music education major.
“I would say the hardest part about being a full-time student and having a job is just the work load of them both together. At first, it’s easy! But as the semester goes on, you start getting tired and then it’s hard to want to do both. It can definitely be rewarding to have money and go to school. I’m very thankful to be able to do both!” – Hannah Story, junior psychology major
“It’s definitely a challenge working full-time and a being a full-time student. The grind never stops because the bills still gotta get paid but thankfully I am able to work and provide for myself and that’s fulfilling and I am proud of that. Regarding to having to work, yeah that would be pretty nice but it’s obviously not a must. I’ve held onto my good grades and I’m graduating in December!” – Jessie Hernandez, senior business management major
“I think it’s very hard sometimes. Since I am working more hours than I should as a student it tends to be very difficult. However, it has really helped me learn how to take control and time manage better. So it has its downside, but I feel like it is preparing me for the real world. The hardest part is probably finding time to fulfill my mental and emotional needs on top of school and work.” – Shay Waldrop, senior biomedical science major
The four people that I interviewed brought up many of the same points. Working a part-time or a full-time can be hard and trying to provide for themselves is also a main focus that contributes to their struggle. However, while it can be hard at times, most said that it’s fulfilling and that they are grateful to do both.
College and work can take up a lot of time and I applaud those who are working to provide for themselves and striving to achieve a higher education.
