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Is it time for me to get a part time job?

My name is Briana and I'll be starting my second year at my community college this upcoming fall semester. I'll be taking thirteen units and my parents have been recently pushing me to apply for a job with nods to "we're hiring" signs. I understand with my age I should be working, but I'm not sure if it would be healthy for me, the amount of coursework I'm taking and confusion I continue to have gearing toward a specific major. I know I need to focus on choosing something to plan out the next three years, but I don't think I can with usual coursework and a job to worry about.
I understand the extra cash would help and my parents want me to have some type of work experience, but I don't want to burn out from stress coming through each direction especially as a horrible multitasker. Thank you for responding and have a nice day! #first-generation-college-students #community-college #psychology #work-life-balance #women-in-stem #japan

psychology work-life-balance women-in-stem japan community-college first-generation-college-students
Thank you comment icon Well, the case here is first, I'm unsure of my final goal. On one hand, if I do continue with psychology, I would want to work toward become a school psychologist/ counselor to be able to work with kids and share my own experiences growing up. Yet I'm only just looking at STEM fields because a career in psychology may not be possible, and I've already shown good grades in high school. Perhaps, I would go toward computer programming, if it allows me to be artistic. I also must add, that I may not be able to volunteer, as I need a paying job in case of any financial issues that may come up later in my academic career. To give you an idea, my parents have recommended something small at places like Walmart or any other nearby indoor stores. Nevertheless, thank you for the advise. Briana
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Laura’s Answer

Briana, I'm sure a lot of your peers can relate to this dilemma and it's great that you've thought through what your options are and started weighing the pros/cons of each scenario. Unfortunately there's not one answer in this case but I would like to offer you some suggestions to consider. As a student, I believe your coursework should come as a priority; however, getting a part-time job and managing the two is also a valuable skill to begin working on. If it's necessary to get a part-time job, consider something that could be related to psychology, STEM, or other fields you're considering, this may turn out to be a good way to gain some insight as you are exploring different majors.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for responding, however the jobs I'm looking at will most likely be unrelated to my coursework out of need to simply work. For example, place my parents have recommended are Walmart, Popeyes, or Micheals. Perhaps, with my own prior experience, I could try looking for a tutoring position. Anyways, thank you again and have a nice night! Briana
Thank you comment icon Briana, Even if the jobs seem to be unrelated there are probably aspects of the job that will teach you valuable skills such as managing your time in order to complete school work on top of a job, how to interact with people, and others work styles. Those type of skills will be crucial in any type of position in the future! Laura Nelling
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Kevin M.’s Answer

My recommendation would be the experience of any possible job can only help you to grow. You will have to determine how much time you can dedicate to any such endeavor so as to still meet your educational goals. If you don't need the money, think about the possibilities for internships or volunteer work that broaden your portfolio of experiences making you more attractive to prospective future employers.
Thank you comment icon Unfortunately, it would look like I do need the money, so while an internship or volunteering would be ideal, it's doesn't seem possible in my finanacial situation or my position as a community college student. It simply seems though, what I understand is to get out there for the experience and practicing time management for the future. Thank you for the suggestion and have a nice night! Briana
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Candace’s Answer

Briana,

I can relate to this as my daughter is in the same situation. As an engineering student at Clemson. I encouraged her to get a part time job to get acclimated to the work force. Due to her work load she was very leery of adding anything else to her plate. She found a work study at the school. She only works a few hours a day. She's gaining experience to put on her resume, as well as making money and finding a work life balance before she enters the workforce full time. As Laura sad there is not one answer to the question but considering a work study job might be a option.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the other option, though work on campus would be difficult to find. Early last semester, I tried to apply as a "campus helper" but later discovered I could not with my current schedule or change it. Perhaps with my open day, I'll try again this upcoming semester to see if it will stick, and try to ask around for any other opportunities. Thank you and have a nice night! Briana
Thank you comment icon Briana, You may want to consider virtual positions if you can. My daughte is a Chemical Engineering student and she has a heavy work load but she wanted to earn money working. She found a virtual assistant job online. She works less than 20 hours a week. It's mostly creating PowerPoint and Word documents online but it gives her a little income and she has something to add to her resume. Best of luck to you Candace Cohen
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Jennifer’s Answer

Hi Briana

I think you've received great feedback and opinions on your question. I wanted to share that I went through this while in college as well. I received a job at the admissions office of my university. This was a great job because it didn't add so much stress to my average day, but allowed me to have an income on the side. The admissions office was staffed by all students so we had very flexible schedules and were able to schedule 10-12 hours a week in between classes or whenever you could. I really enjoyed the job as well since I was speaking with potential incoming students and sharing my opinions about the school. I think if you find a job which is more enjoyable and perhaps on-campus, then you might find it easier to fit into your schedule. I also think I learned great skills by managing school and work - that experience is priceless and many don't have the opportunity or don't choose to pursue it. I would suggest to try and find an on-campus job and see how it goes - do not pressure yourself if you get overwhelmed though.
Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is exactly what I want to try and find because it seems to be the best fit for any full time student on campus. I had tried to apply last semester, but due to my schedule then, it wouldn't work out. As I start the new semester this week, I'll be sure to look around to see if I could work on campus. Have a nice day! Briana
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John’s Answer

I would recommend that you focus the majority of your energy and focus to getting your education and learning as much as you can. you will have plenty of time to work in the future and get experience but now the most important thing is to get a good education to spring you forward into your future.
Thank you comment icon Thank you for your advise and I will take it close to heart. However, I am in a position where it appears to be that it is necessary for me to help support my parents, even by a bit. Thank you again and have a nice night! Briana
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John’s Answer

i believe you need to find a balance that works for you. It is important to make sure you focus on your studies and get high grades. In my opinion the grades will be more important in the long run than any work experience while in school, unless it is related to your degree. If you are looking to earn some additional income, a work study program is the way to go, as others have commented.

Best of luck to you.
Thank you comment icon Thank you and have a nice night! Briana
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Keith’s Answer

Briana,
Education should be your number 1 priority, but you can supplement that with some real work experience. I have always been a fan of working and going to school. You can learn a lot not only on the job, but also with balancing priorities. If you decide to look for a job while attending school, it will be important to make sure it strikes the right mix so it in not a distraction. Best of luck.
Thank you comment icon Got it! Thank you for responding and have a nice night! Briana
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Gregory’s Answer

Part time jobs are a great way to learn how to manage your time prior to entering the job market. When you're in high school or college, your part time job will provide you with extra money and the ability to learn how to juggle school work, friendships, parents, relationships, vacations and your job. The better you get at managing your time, the easier the transition will be when you begin to work full time.
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Elena’s Answer

Brianna, I would suggest that you get a part time job. It doesn't have to be 20 hrs per week. It can be 8 hours per week. I would suggest that you find a position that can be used to prove your skillset for the work you plan to do when you graduate. You don't state what career you are working toward. If you have a career goal, you can volunteer at an organization that may give you experience and a better understanding of the industry or customer base you would be working with. You will then be able to communicate more effectively about the organizations you interview and prove the value you can bring to their organizations, based on what you learn in your volunteer or work time.
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Dom’s Answer

Briana,

Your education should of course be your number 1 priority, however being able to juggle school and a job will prepare you for the real world where you don't always get to choose your workload. For example, most people carry a full time job and manage the responsibilities of parenthood.

Having the work experience will also look good on a resume and a potential employer may value the work ethic.

I would seriously consider at least trying it out and putting forth a real effort. You can always quit if it becomes too much.
Thank you comment icon Alright, I'll simply go out there and do it, but never be afraid to admit it's too much, if such a case presents itself. Thank you for responding and have a nice night! Briana
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Alyssa’s Answer

Ultimately, you should listen to your own intuition about your personal limitations as no one knows what's best for you better than you. That being said, there are definitely part time jobs out there where you could get experience and not put too large a strain on your time.

If you choose to look for a job - keep an eye out for places that are willing to give you less than 20 hours a week, jobs near your college campus that way you can cut down on commuting time, and places that employ other students (this way you know they're willing to be flexible with your schedule and understand the demands of being a student).

A lot of colleges have student jobs on campus that you can apply for like working in the library or in an administrative building - these are often harder to come by, but they're great because there's often a lot of down time (that is, time to do homework at work) and have flexible schedules.

Alyssa recommends the following next steps:

Check to see if there are any jobs available on your college campus
Ask other students who also work if their employers are hiring
Seek jobs with flexible scheduling
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Diana’s Answer

I was a student while working at Marsh & McLennan on 9/11.   I took the internship/job to gain experience and also secure future opportunities while working there.   Even though, I went through a tragic even while working there as a student I can say that I am grateful that I did work while completing my studies.   The work experience helped me mature and I became a manager before I was 30 years old.  Overall, I recommend working while in school since it will lead you to opportunities faster in life, gain exposure and maturity.   Good luck and hope this advice helped!
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Denise’s Answer

My kids experienced something similar.  I highly encourage it.  Education should be your primary responsibility, but, having a job will provide you with other real life experience.  Earning money, financial responsibility, time management, customer experience, broadening your interaction with people, etc.  If you can find an employer where you are learning something different while balancing your education, I think it would be very beneficial to you.  Good luck.        

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Paris’s Answer

Hi Briana,

This is a tough decision as it sounds like your coursework is a priority to you (as it should be). However, having part-time jobs or internships while in college can really help you once you are graduated and entering the workforce. If I were you, I would try to get a part-time job at the college you go to. Working at your college means they will most likely understand your schedule and be willing to work with you. I worked as a tutor at my community college and loved it! college
Thank you comment icon Thank you and I will be trying again this semester to see if it works. Now that you mention it, I could go into tutoring since I already carry experience from volunteering in high school. Have a nice day! Briana
Thank you comment icon Glad I could help! Paris Hendry (Weber)
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Drew’s Answer

Hello, my advice would be to give it a try. You can make an attempt and get the experience. Its not going to be easy but you will learn. Thats your main objective right now at this time in your life is to learn as much as you can. You will get some interviewing experience as well. If is too much and you arent able to manage everything then you will have learned where your limits are. You may find that having a part time job will give you relief from the stress of all your school work. Also your parents will be proud of you for trying even if it doesnt work out.

Drew recommends the following next steps:

Go to some interviews and see if you can find an ideal fit for a part time job that you might be interested in.
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