3 answers
Madilyn
Student
Las Vegas, Nevada
1
Question
Asked
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What is the best way to balance work and school if you have a job throughout college?
I am an incoming freshman at the University of Utah and am going to major in Psychology. I have to get a job to support myself through college and I was wondering how to best balance my work/social/academic life and if anyone has any tips.
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3 answers
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1942
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
WORK-STUDY PROGRAM
Madilyn the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) offers a Federal Work-Study program of part-time jobs for undergraduate as well as graduate students who have financial need so they can earn money to pay for their education. Not all colleges and universities participate in the Federal Work-Study program, so it’s a good idea to check with the financial aid office at your school to see if it’s an option. Work-study jobs are open to both part- and full-time students, and the program encourages those who are awarded this aid to find work related to their major. For example, a science major may be able to get a work-study job as a lab assistant in the chemistry department.
HOW TO QUALIFY
Eligibility for work-study is determined once you've completed or renewed the FAFSA. On your FAFSA, you will be asked if you're interested in being considered for work-study. If you are, be sure to check "Yes." If your college participates in the work-study program, and you meet their eligibility requirements, you’ll see “Work-Study” listed on your financial aid offer letter. Head to your school's career center to learn about available work-study positions. Narrow down the list of jobs you’re interested in to decide which ones you want to apply for. After that, make sure you have your job application materials (like your resume and cover letter) ready to begin applying.
WORK-MONEY PAYCHECK
If you’re an undergraduate student, you’ll be paid by the hour. Graduate and professional students can be paid by the hour or by salary, depending on the work. You will earn at least the current federal minimum wage, but the number of hours you’re allowed to work, and the dollar amount you’ll bring in, will depend on what’s been outlined in your financial aid offer. Whatever was determined and listed in the offer letter (based on your financial need and when you applied) is what you’ll be allocated for wages for the year. Work-study paychecks are distributed at least monthly, but sometimes more frequently, depending on the school’s process. How you choose to use your work-study paychecks is up to you, but most use the money for daily living expenses, supplies like books and tuition.
Hope this will be helpful Madilyn
Madilyn the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) offers a Federal Work-Study program of part-time jobs for undergraduate as well as graduate students who have financial need so they can earn money to pay for their education. Not all colleges and universities participate in the Federal Work-Study program, so it’s a good idea to check with the financial aid office at your school to see if it’s an option. Work-study jobs are open to both part- and full-time students, and the program encourages those who are awarded this aid to find work related to their major. For example, a science major may be able to get a work-study job as a lab assistant in the chemistry department.
HOW TO QUALIFY
Eligibility for work-study is determined once you've completed or renewed the FAFSA. On your FAFSA, you will be asked if you're interested in being considered for work-study. If you are, be sure to check "Yes." If your college participates in the work-study program, and you meet their eligibility requirements, you’ll see “Work-Study” listed on your financial aid offer letter. Head to your school's career center to learn about available work-study positions. Narrow down the list of jobs you’re interested in to decide which ones you want to apply for. After that, make sure you have your job application materials (like your resume and cover letter) ready to begin applying.
WORK-MONEY PAYCHECK
If you’re an undergraduate student, you’ll be paid by the hour. Graduate and professional students can be paid by the hour or by salary, depending on the work. You will earn at least the current federal minimum wage, but the number of hours you’re allowed to work, and the dollar amount you’ll bring in, will depend on what’s been outlined in your financial aid offer. Whatever was determined and listed in the offer letter (based on your financial need and when you applied) is what you’ll be allocated for wages for the year. Work-study paychecks are distributed at least monthly, but sometimes more frequently, depending on the school’s process. How you choose to use your work-study paychecks is up to you, but most use the money for daily living expenses, supplies like books and tuition.
Hope this will be helpful Madilyn
Joseph Butcher
Business Analyst
3
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Joseph’s Answer
The key is to be open with yourself and your employer about how much work you can handle. Many universities offer on-campus jobs, which are great because they save time on commuting and fit well with your schedule. You could work in the cafeteria or at the front desk in a dorm.
Mi Hausvater
Program Management and Learning/Development
2
Answers
Snohomish, Washington
Updated
Mi’s Answer
Balancing work and school can be tough, but being honest with yourself and those around you helps. Start by making a realistic schedule that includes time for sleep, meals, and breaks. Decide what is most important and what you are willing to sacrifice in your schedule/activities/focus areas to achieve it but be as realistic as possible. You don't want to build a schedule that is unattainable or that drives burn out by the first semester. You need include time to pause and breathe and step away from it all. Also, be willing to flex/adjust if things don't go as planned.
With that said, I realize that some of us do not have the luxury of choosing between working as much as we can and finishing school. To some, attending class/studying and working as many hours as humanly possible is the only option. For that I would say, try not to push yourself over the edge - meaning, don't burn yourself out completely to get everything done on time or for the perfect grade. Talk to the teachers, find support where you can, at work, in the classroom, etc. Many teachers, counselors, managers, coworkers, fellow students are all willing to support, you just have to be willing to share and ask for help. Sometimes the answer will be no, but you won't know til you ask.
With that said, I realize that some of us do not have the luxury of choosing between working as much as we can and finishing school. To some, attending class/studying and working as many hours as humanly possible is the only option. For that I would say, try not to push yourself over the edge - meaning, don't burn yourself out completely to get everything done on time or for the perfect grade. Talk to the teachers, find support where you can, at work, in the classroom, etc. Many teachers, counselors, managers, coworkers, fellow students are all willing to support, you just have to be willing to share and ask for help. Sometimes the answer will be no, but you won't know til you ask.