Juggling between work and school can be incredibly stressing, especially because both endeavors demand ample time and unfaltering concentration. A recent research study conducted by Georgetown University concluded that over 14 million students work while still enrolled in college. This represents around 70% of American college students, a staggering statistic to say the least. The high cost of college education around the world has prompted millions of students – especially those in the low-income bracket – to look for full time jobs that can help offset the tuition fees. Although most jobs don’t pay students enough wages to cover their living expenses and tuition fees, these wages go a long way in reducing the deficit.
Here are 5 effects of working while studying:
1.It provides a sense of independence
Getting a job while still in college allows students to get a unique sense of independence that previously didn’t exist. Most students enjoy their jobs because it offers a certain degree of financial and personal freedom. The money they get from work is used for a variety of purposes: some students use it to settle their rent and utility bills while others create small businesses using the same funds. Delightfully, money opens a plethora of possibilities. But it’s important for working students to learn the crucial art of financial management to avoid wasting their money on unnecessary stuff. It’s easy to get caught up in the world of drugs and alcohol – that’s why self-discipline is critical.
2.Limited study periods
Students who work usually compromise their study time in favor of their jobs. While this elevates their experience levels and gets them paid, it affects their grades adversely. However, some students prefer the practical skills they gain at work to the theoretical knowledge they’re taught in class. Apparently, it’s all about perspective. Students who desire to live comfortably by their own means would rather incorporate work into their daily schedules rather than wallow in the library. It’s tough to find the perfect balance between work and study – but if such a balance is reached, sleep time is considerably jeopardized. Sleep, as any physician will tell you, is extremely important for human health and sustenance.
3.Increased obesity risk
Naturally, working college students don’t consume healthy meals. Instead, they eat fast foods since they’re more convenient. There’s a variety of dangers surrounding the consumption of high-sugar meals. For instance, it causes insulin resistance within the body which further leads to type 1 diabetes and other lifestyle diseases. Eating an unhealthy diet could also lead to obesity. It isn’t sufficient to follow a strict exercise regimen if you desire to remain fit and healthy. In fact, your diet has a more impacting contribution to health than your workouts. Students with jobs eat less of fruit, vegetables and whole grain. However, health should always be kept top priority.
4.There’s a higher risk of dropping out
One study conducted by Moris Triventi suggests that college students who work more than 35 hours every week have an elevated risk of dropping out of school compared to students who work for less hours and those who don’t have jobs. Unless you’re exceptionally gifted, working for extended hours compromises your ability to study effectively and earn good grades. You’ll place more focus and dedicate more time to your job, abandoning your studies in the process. After constantly getting low grades, most students end up deferring their courses or quitting them altogether – there’s too much pressure from society to perform exquisitely. Earning handsome salaries could also lure working students into dropping out entirely.
5.Gaining crucial soft skills
Students learn a plethora of skills when they’re exposed to a working environment. Soft skills such as good communication and decision making skills usually come in handy when your career kicks off. To a select few, such skills come naturally. However, most students acquire these skills when they start working. In addition, working students also develop a distinct ability to manage their funds and plan their schedules.
Overall, working while studying has both benefits and drawbacks, depending on the number of hours you put in.
Article provided by Wonderlic Test Prep
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