As a college student, you will likely have many expenses, both those related to your education and those related to your personal life. Many students find it desirable or necessary to have a job while attending college. If you don't plan it right, however, your job could end up getting in the way of your college success. It is certainly possible to have a job and attend college at the same time if you take steps to compartmentalize these two areas of your life.
Your work schedule should never interfere with your class schedule, so make sure you seek out a job that is flexible or find an employer that is willing to work around your college schedule. Many students prefer to work in the evenings, choosing to take their college courses exclusively during the day. If this is not possible for you, be sure your employer is aware that you are a student. Remember that it is inadvisable to skip college classes in order to go to work. If this happens, you'll know your job is seriously interfering with your education.
It is important to realistically determine how many shifts you can take on each week. For most college students, a part-time job is the best choice. Working a couple short evening shifts or longer weekend shifts each week will allow you to continue as a full-time student. If it is financially necessary for you to work more than part-time, you should consider cutting back your course load. It is better to take fewer classes and get better grades than to take a full course load but struggle to keep up with all your assignments.
For many students, an on-campus job is a good solution. Having a job on your college campus will save you the problem of commuting to work, especially if you do not have a car. Furthermore, an on-campus job will allow you to work around your class schedule. There are often many options for students interested in working at their school, from tutoring positions to landscaping work.
There may be times when having a job during college can really get in your way, such as during midterms or finals. You will want to fully concentrate on your courses, assignments, and upcoming exams. A job may take away from your ability to adequately prepare.
If you must work during college but you find that there are weeks here and there where it is inconvenient for you to go to a job, consider work where you set your own hours. Babysitting or dog-walking are sources of income that allow you to turn down jobs when necessary, such as during Finals week.
While many students successfully balance a job with their college courses, every person is different. You must evaluate for yourself whether you are able to handle a job during college. Some things to look for are slipping grades, extreme stress, or lack of time to study and complete assignments.
While your job is important, your education is probably your priority. If you take steps to ensure that your job does not get in the way of your online college degree, you can do well in college while still having the income you need.
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