Pros and Cons of Having a Part-Time Job in College

Is it possible for students to focus on GPA scores when they have a part-time job? Even though it is a major distracting factor, a job can have a positive influence on the studying process. It is all about prioritizing. If you put your studies first, you will get the results you want. On the other hand, working too hard can lead to wearing oneself out and therefore bad grades. There are many things to consider before making the decision to get a job while studying in college. These pros and cons will help you make up your mind!

Pros

Stable income

This is the first benefit that comes to mind. It is a great opportunity to start earning money. Students often complain about their financial situation and getting a part-time job can fix it. Take this decision seriously and try to understand if you are ready to take on this kind of responsibility. Do not look for a job with the sole intent to earn money. Think carefully about the responsibilities you will have and evaluate your skills objectively.

Ability to spend money wisely

Having a part-time job teaches students not only to earn, but to spend money as well. It is very tempting to buy all those little things you’ve always wanted now that you’ve received your first paycheck. But it is wiser to start saving. Life is full of surprises. You never know what you might need that money for in the future. It is more practical to have some savings than exchange your remuneration for a fading instant joy.

Improved time management skills

Always being late is not a good characteristic for an employee to have. It is a sign of disrespect and irresponsible attitude. Some students think that there is no way to combine classes and work without sacrificing something. There is a constant dilemma of skipping classes to be on time for your shift. To solve this problem, you need a job with a flexible schedule. Discuss the schedule with your manager and ask if there is a chance to adapt your work shifts according to it. Have a study plan and manage your time taking it into consideration. The tight schedule will help you to understand the real value of time and spend it wisely.

Valuable experience

No matter what kind of job students can find, there is always an opportunity to get useful experience for your future career. The working environment can improve your communication skills. A candidate who can easily find common ground with others has more chances of landing a job interview than the one who does not. Your first job can teach you to solve conflicts, find non-trivial solutions to all kinds of problems, and be more responsible. All of these qualities will come in handy after the graduation.

Networking

The people you get to know while working might have a tremendous impact on your future professional development. You never know who will be your lucky ticket to the business world. Be polite and try to maintain good relationships with your colleagues and managers. It is often a friend of a friend who knows someone and can arrange a job interview for you.

Cons

Bureaucracy issues for foreign students

Foreign students will have to go through more stages before they can get a job. They will need to fill out paperwork to prove that they are students and have permission to work. As a rule, such permission does not give foreign students the right to get a part-time job somewhere in a private business sector, so your college is one of the few places you can take your chances to find a job.

Constant exhaustion

Be ready to face the unwelcoming reality of sleep deprivation. Being tired all the time is an annoying component of working. Your time management skills might have nothing to do with it. Putting too much on your shoulders has its drawbacks and exhaustion is one of them. If you see that this feeling does not go away, think about the health issues you might have. Your health is by far more important than getting a salary.

Lack of time

The sad truth about having a job while you are still in college is the need to reject the invitations from your friends because there is no time left for fun. That is not entirely true, but you may meet up with friends less often than you did before.

Thoughts of leaving college

This might be one of the negative consequences of earning money so early. Students do not see any sense in going to college if there is a possibility to get paid without a diploma. Although there are some examples of people without college degrees starting a successful business, it is better to have one just in case.