| To Work or Not To Work |
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If your backpack is sitting next to your briefcase in the middle of your bedroom, then you have already made the decision to join the workforce when you’re still a college student. However, if you are considering your options on whether or not you should juggle both a job and education, there are many questions to consider.
1.) How imperative, financially, is having a job during college? If you are financially stable through your college years, (which could be a rarity with the rising costs of gas, living, and tuition these days), then having a job may just incur more stress and less time to focus on your studies. Generally, most students will seek a job to help pay the above costs. You may also consider stepping into the workforce to create a savings account. Placing partial amounts of your accumulated work check each pay period could amount to a nice “graduation gift” to yourself when your schooling concludes. 2.) How much can you handle on your plate? Take an honest look at your responsibilities. If you’re a full-time student, athlete, and theater member, you may have already accumulated enough time for no free time. Remember there are only 24 hours in a day. Write down a current, temporary ‘mock schedule’ to see where your life is right now. An example of a mock schedule would look something like this:
Not only will this give you a good sense of whether or not a job can reasonably fit into your schedule, but it will also give you an idea of at what times would be available for you to work. Don’t forget to factor in essentials, such as study and homework time, as well as fun time, (remember, you are in college, it should be entertaining too!). 3.) Besides more money, what can this job do for you? Of course, a hefty reason why students seek jobs during their college years is to accumulate funds for spending on living and schooling. Another incentive to think about would be how could this job improve you and your future? Most jobs will shine on your resume. The idea that you took on the extra responsibility adds to your experience and credibility. Also, aiming for a job in your desired field could give you a leg up in the competition. For example, if you’re studying education at your university, consider working as a teacher’s aide or at a daycare. When you graduate, having something pertaining to your ultimate goal, (say, a sophomore English teacher), could make you better suited for the position than someone with a resume of waitressing jobs. Some Bonus Tips If you’ve decided that having a job will ease financial strain, that you can handle the extra load onto your plate, and it will aid you in future career goals, then by all means, begin your search. Here are some things you may want to consider: -If your time availability isn’t as much as employers would hope, consider a part-time job. Even if you are working twenty hours a week rather than forty, you are still gaining valuable experience and a paycheck. -Don’t be afraid to hand out your resume -- even if there is no “Now Hiring” sign, it doesn’t mean there never will be. When approaching or calling employers that you desire to work for, ask if they are not hiring, if you may send your resume to keep it on file. You never know when a sudden opening may occur. -Consider a weekend job. Working on the weekends may seem like a drag, but consider a job early in the morning. If you work from 6 A.M until, say, 1 P.M., you’ll amass 14 hours after the weekend is over. Plus, it leaves time to have fun in the afternoon and nighttime! -Working from home may also be an option. These types of jobs are out there, but may be difficult to come by. Search a lot and you may just find one that suits your interest. But be weary of scams and pyramid schemes. Do your research into the company before sending your resume if it looks fishy. -Network. Talk to people you know who are already in the workforce. You may just run across someone who knows someone who is the boss of someone that needs a receptionist. Whatever you decide, doing the research into your capabilities and availabilities will lead you to the right path. Christina’s Bio Hello, my name is Christina Olivo and I'm a 22-year old College Senior at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. I'm completing my degree in Advertising/Public Relations next spring and hope to pursue a career as a fashion industry publicist in NYC. Writing has always been a passion of mine, so in my spare time, I contribute to the StudentFinancialGuide.com website as often as possible, as well as other write-ups when the opportunity arises. I also love attending concerts, watching American Idol and Court TV. |
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