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Is it hard working and going to college at the same time ?

I don’t have a very financially stable family and once i go to college i plan on doing a lot more independently

college work time-management work-life-balance
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Charles’s Answer

Yes. No matter what anybody else tells you, it can be extremely difficult, even hazardous to your health. I was 18 when I started college and the admissions people said you should not be working full-time with a full class load. I said no problem. I can handle it. I was wrong and it cost me my degree. My math Professor told me I was giving him a complex because every time he opened his mouth to teach I started snoring. He was not joking I slept there a lot and I failed basic math even though I'm a math prodigy.
It is possible to do both full-time, but it has to be managed carefully. You will ruin your health by working a physically demanding job, keeping a family household, and going to classes all day. You should seek a job that will allow you to study at work, such as dispatching, working from home doing customer service on the phone or computer, and the like. Seek out an employer who understands the demands of your classes and will help you manage your time on the job so that you can study and work on homework assignments.
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Jerome’s Answer

It can be. Depending on how many classes you are taking and the amount of hours you work, you might find yourself in a tricky spot.

While getting my masters degree I went to school full-time while also working a 50+ hour a week job and cried myself to sleep sometimes.

Balance can be tricky, just make sure you are allowing yourself space to be successful within what you chose to do.
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A. Michelle’s Answer

Marshana - It is possible to work and attend college. If you can find a job through your college’s work study program, that would be helpful. You won’t have to travel to the job and the hours might be more school-friendly. I would also recommend working only part-time, particular early in your college career - unless you are able to find a FT job that provides tuition reimbursement. I worked on campus throughout undergrad. My hours were limited by the school, so they did not interfere much with classes and study time. Best of all, working gave me a measure of financial independence, helped me build my soft skills and bolstered my resume when I applied for jobs after undergrad.
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John’s Answer

To a certain extent, it can be hard to go to school and work at the same time. This depends on several factors including schedule of classes and whether you're full-time or part-time in either work or school. Obviously, it will be more difficult if you're working full-time and going to school full-time. It can be done but, it will take some discipline and some sacrifices on your end (maybe your social life will suffer temporarily). Of course, this all depends on you and how fast you want to graduate. My advise here is to weigh your priorities whether that be work or school. If you're working a full-time job, you might want to consider going to school part-time. This allows you to concentrate on your job without sacrificing the quality of your education since you can easily handle a part-time workload. The advantage here is, if your job has career advancement and educational benefits, maybe you can apply those to your education and not have to worry about your tuition.
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Paul’s Answer

As a college advisor I encountered many people who attempted to work full time and attend college.

The ones who dropped out attempted to work full time and take a full load of credits. The time contraints were just too great.

The ones who worked part time and had a smaller credit load had much greater success. It took them longer to complete their degree, but they achieved their goals.

The ones who utilized work study (part of their financial aid), on campus, experienced a very high rate of success.
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Claire’s Answer

Hey there! I managed to juggle both work and college simultaneously. During my college years, I found that part-time work was a great way to cover my financial needs and other expenses. Remember, it's important to only take on as much work as you can handle without compromising your academic performance. Soon, you'll find a rhythm that balances both school and work, and you'll understand what you're capable of while still keeping your grades up.

I also strongly recommend exploring opportunities for scholarships and financial aid. Don't hesitate to consult with your professors or counselors about any scholarships they might know of - there's a wealth of resources out there that you might not be aware of yet. Keep going, you've got this!
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Samuel’s Answer

It is hard. But the good things in life come from doing hard things. Know when you need to take a break & know nothing is worth jeopardizing your life or mental state. However, it is rewarding to know that you not only went to college but also while working. That's the stuff of winners!
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Stephanie’s Answer

Though challenging, it's certainly not unachievable! Much like you, I too had to juggle work along with my studies throughout my college years. Looking back, I feel immense gratitude for that experience. It equipped me with a myriad of skills and instilled in me a strong work ethic. Today, I am proud to say that I've earned my place through sheer hard work. Plus, it's a great opportunity to make new friends! So, keep going, you're on the right track!
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Alan’s Answer

Marshana, of course it's hard. That doesn't mean it's not doable. A lot depends on the kinds of courses you're taking, how you can arrange your schedule, whether you have the option of going part-time or at night, how demanding mentally and physically the job would be, etc. Your college may offer jobs that would be sufficient to meet your needs. You should look over potential scholarships and loans if necessary, because your future is the most important consideration. If by a "not very financially stable family" you mean disadvantaged, there would likely be programs and scholarships that you would qualify for. Many, many people balance the two successfully. Yes, anything worth doing is hard. You can do it.
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Mustafa’s Answer

In our tech-driven society, earning a college degree is crucial. Equally important is selecting a major that is, or will be, in demand over the next three decades. Striving for high grades in college is also vital, as it reflects commitment, hard work, patience, resilience, and a drive for excellence. These qualities help cultivate a mindset and habits that pave the way for success in life.

If you're balancing work and studies, ensure they complement each other. Seek employment that aligns with your field of study. If you need to juggle work and college, consider part-time options for both. Full-time study with part-time work might impact your grades negatively. Maintaining an excellent GPA is key for the reasons stated above.

Many colleges offer on-campus jobs or have partnerships with companies offering part-time positions. Start by speaking to your college administration and counselors. Additionally, reaching out to HR personnel at various companies can provide valuable job information. Nowadays, many companies are keen on supporting students, offering not only part-time jobs but also tuition assistance for fields they're interested in hiring from once the student graduates.
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Brandon’s Answer

You will need the right balance between work and school, which WILL be hard. You will need to find the right balance between the two in order for the schedule to work for YOU. This will be through a lot of trial and error, you will feel a lot of pressure from trying to keep up with work hours and getting good grades.

I would suggest taking as much hours as needed for you to survive and pay for neccessities. Try and limit your pleasure spending to a minimum. Every cent will count.

As some of the others that have replied before me has suggested, you may want to try and find scholarships to help out eith tuition. That will be key to trying and living while in college.
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Prajwal Prakash’s Answer

Balancing work and studies together can definitely be a bit tricky, but trust me, it's completely manageable. Here's a little trick that some of my pals used during our college days: they tried to schedule as many classes as they could into one day. This way, you only need to focus on classes for about 2-3 days in a week. You can then use the remaining couple of days to work or finish up your homework. And guess what? You still have the entire weekend to hit the books and study!
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Candace’s Answer

It can be challenging to balance work and college simultaneously, but it is definitely possible with the right mindset and time management skills. Between work, kids and schoolwork, there were some nights I wasn't sure if I wanted to even finish. It requires a lot of dedication, discipline, and prioritization of responsibilities. It may also mean sacrificing some social activities and leisure time, but the reward of earning a degree and gaining work experience can be worth it in the long run. It's important to communicate with your employer and professors to ensure you have the support and flexibility needed to succeed. Remember, seeking help and support when needed is also a sign of strength, not weakness. Best of luck on your academic and career journey!
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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Marshana,

Working and going to college at the same time can be challenging, but it is manageable for many individuals. The difficulty largely depends on factors such as personal time management, organizational skills, and the specific demands of the job and academic program.

Challenges:

Time Management: Balancing work and college requires efficient time management. You’ll need to allocate time for studying, attending classes, completing assignments, and fulfilling work responsibilities.
Stress and Fatigue: Juggling multiple tasks simultaneously can lead to increased stress and fatigue, which may affect your performance in both work and college.
Reduced Social Life: With limited time, you may have to sacrifice some social activities and leisure time.
Lower Academic Performance: Due to the competing demands on your time, you might experience a decline in academic performance, especially if you are unable to allocate sufficient time for studying and completing assignments.
Financial Constraints: Working while attending college can help cover expenses, but it may not be enough to cover all costs, leading to financial stress.

Strategies to Cope:

Prioritize Tasks: Identify the most critical tasks and prioritize them accordingly. Focus on completing essential tasks first and then move on to less important ones.
Time Management Techniques: Utilize time management techniques such as creating a schedule, setting goals, and using productivity tools to maximize your efficiency.
Effective Communication: Communicate with your employer and professors about your situation, and seek their understanding and support.
Self-Care: Prioritize your physical and mental well-being by maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep.
Seek Support: Reach out to friends, family, or support groups for emotional support and advice on managing work and college.

Conclusion:

Working and attending college simultaneously can be challenging, but it is achievable with proper planning, time management, and support. It is essential to prioritize tasks, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and seek help when needed. Your determination and commitment to succeed will play a significant role in overcoming the challenges you may face.

GOD BLESS,
James.
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DaSabria’s Answer

Balancing the demands of earning a college degree while holding down a part-time or full-time job can indeed be stressful, but it's important to remember that it's not an impossible task.
As someone who is a full-time employee, a full-time mom, and a full-time student, I can attest to this. The real secret to successfully managing all these responsibilities lies in effective time management and clear prioritization. Each person's situation is unique, and in my case, I've found it more beneficial not to overload myself with courses.
Drawing from my personal experience, I've found that focusing on 2-3 classes each semester and aiming for good grades is a more fruitful approach than taking on too many classes and barely scraping by or falling behind. Being both a worker and a student requires a well-balanced schedule to keep your sanity intact. So, remember, it's all about balance and focus. You've got this!

DaSabria recommends the following next steps:

Talk to your boss about your academic goals.
Discuss family arrangements before enrolling.
Obtain a system for staying organized.
Be efficient with your downtime.
Take time out and reward yourself.
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