3 answers
kathy
Student
Pasadena, California
3
Questions
Asked
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How do I balance a Marketing degree at a four-year university while also pursuing a tattoo apprenticeship and assisting at a salon I am worried about the cost of student housing in Sacramento and want to know how professionals managed high intensity side hustles during college.?
I’m a first-gen student and licensed cosmetologist transferring to Sacramento State. My mission is to open my own beauty or tattoo studio, and I’m using my Marketing degree to build that dream.
I’m nervous about balancing full-time classes and housing costs with a hands-on apprenticeship or salon job. How do I stay financially stable without burning out? I want to make myself proud and bridge the gap between business school and my creative passions.
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3 answers
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach, Mentor
1239
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Kathy,
It's smart that you are already building your own business while you are still at university and developing the creative skills as well as the business background. I guess the balance would depend on how many hours you need to spend at the tattoo apprenticeship and at the salon and how many hours you need to spend on university work. Also, what is your schedule and how flexible are your hours? Can either one (or both) be parttime?
You could start with a full course load and add to it gradually. See how it goes. Or you could pursue your studies parttime so you have time to earn money and work on your tattoo skills.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
It's smart that you are already building your own business while you are still at university and developing the creative skills as well as the business background. I guess the balance would depend on how many hours you need to spend at the tattoo apprenticeship and at the salon and how many hours you need to spend on university work. Also, what is your schedule and how flexible are your hours? Can either one (or both) be parttime?
You could start with a full course load and add to it gradually. See how it goes. Or you could pursue your studies parttime so you have time to earn money and work on your tattoo skills.
I hope this helps! All the best to you!
KP
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Deborah H
Director, Product Marketing
8
Answers
Lakewood, Washington
Updated
Deborah’s Answer
Kathy, managing everything in college can be tough, but you can do it! I remember juggling a work-study job, a full course load, and extracurriculars like clubs and career fairs. It was challenging, but possible.
Focus on what's most important to you. Maybe your top priorities are: 1) Earning enough to cover living expenses, whether through work or loans. 2) Finishing your degree in four years. 3) Saying yes to opportunities once those needs are met.
Think about whether you need both the tattoo apprenticeship and the salon job right now. Can you do one during breaks or summers? Are there semesters when you'll need to cut back on commitments?
You'll be amazed at what you can achieve when you're motivated. College has its busy times and breaks, which can help you manage everything in the long run.
Good luck with your journey! You've got this!
Focus on what's most important to you. Maybe your top priorities are: 1) Earning enough to cover living expenses, whether through work or loans. 2) Finishing your degree in four years. 3) Saying yes to opportunities once those needs are met.
Think about whether you need both the tattoo apprenticeship and the salon job right now. Can you do one during breaks or summers? Are there semesters when you'll need to cut back on commitments?
You'll be amazed at what you can achieve when you're motivated. College has its busy times and breaks, which can help you manage everything in the long run.
Good luck with your journey! You've got this!
Amanda Schobert
Executive Assistant
9
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
It's great that you're seriously thinking about your future. Balancing a Marketing degree, a tattoo apprenticeship, and work at a salon can be tough, but it's doable! What an exciting career path!
Many successful people juggled demanding jobs, side gigs, or apprenticeships while in college. They weren't perfect at everything; instead, they managed their time well and focused on different commitments at different times.
If I were you, I'd think about your priorities:
A four-year degree is a long-term investment in your career and knowledge.
A tattoo apprenticeship gives you hands-on experience and leads to a specialized career.
Working at a salon provides income and valuable customer service skills.
Instead of trying to give 100% to all three, make a realistic schedule that ensures academic success while gaining experience and earning money.
Regarding housing costs in Sacramento, many students save money by having roommates, living a bit farther from campus, working part-time, applying for scholarships, or staying at home if possible. Successful students often plan their finances before classes start.
My advice: don't compare yourself to others who seem to do it all. Focus on steady progress. If you graduate with a degree, build a tattoo portfolio, and gain salon experience, you'll develop skills, connections, and income opportunities. That's a strong combination.
Remember, careers are rarely straight paths. The marketing skills you learn in college might help you market your tattoo business, build a social media following, attract clients, and manage a brand. Sometimes, experiences that seem unrelated end up working together in unexpected ways.
Many successful people juggled demanding jobs, side gigs, or apprenticeships while in college. They weren't perfect at everything; instead, they managed their time well and focused on different commitments at different times.
If I were you, I'd think about your priorities:
A four-year degree is a long-term investment in your career and knowledge.
A tattoo apprenticeship gives you hands-on experience and leads to a specialized career.
Working at a salon provides income and valuable customer service skills.
Instead of trying to give 100% to all three, make a realistic schedule that ensures academic success while gaining experience and earning money.
Regarding housing costs in Sacramento, many students save money by having roommates, living a bit farther from campus, working part-time, applying for scholarships, or staying at home if possible. Successful students often plan their finances before classes start.
My advice: don't compare yourself to others who seem to do it all. Focus on steady progress. If you graduate with a degree, build a tattoo portfolio, and gain salon experience, you'll develop skills, connections, and income opportunities. That's a strong combination.
Remember, careers are rarely straight paths. The marketing skills you learn in college might help you market your tattoo business, build a social media following, attract clients, and manage a brand. Sometimes, experiences that seem unrelated end up working together in unexpected ways.