When To Get a Job
Balancing a job while pursuing a college degree can be a daunting task, especially when your income is crucial for covering living expenses. The pressure to perform well academically while managing work responsibilities often leads to stress and burnout. Yet, finding the right job at the right time can not only ease financial burdens but also enhance your college experience. In this post, we’ll explore when it’s ideal to start working during college and which jobs are best suited to help you maintain that delicate balance between your studies and financial needs.
Many colleges recommend waiting until after your freshman year to get a job, and for good reason. The transition from high school to college is a significant one, marked by new academic challenges, social environments, and living situations. Overloading yourself with a job right out of the gate can lead to unnecessary stress and potentially undermine your ability to adjust to college life. By giving yourself time to settle in, focus on your studies, and build a strong foundation during your first year, you set yourself up for a more successful and enjoyable college experience.
If you’re reading this ahead of your college start date, it’s a smart move to save up some money to cushion your freshman year. The exact amount will depend on your living situation and spending habits, but we recommend setting aside between $600 to $1,500 specifically for non-essential expenses. This “fun money” doesn’t include tuition, room and board, or class-related costs like books and supplies. Being financially prepared in this way can make your first year less stressful and more enjoyable, allowing you to dive into the college experience without the immediate pressure of needing a job.
What are the best jobs to Get?
The best jobs to have during college are typically those on campus, and for good reason—they’re designed to fit seamlessly with your academic schedule. For example, I worked at a campus coffee shop, which was ideal for my college lifestyle. With gaps of up to four hours between classes, I could easily squeeze in a two to four-hour shift without leaving campus. Campus jobs are not only convenient, but they’re also more flexible and understanding of your academic commitments compared to off-campus jobs. They allow you to earn money without compromising your studies or adding unnecessary stress to your day.
Another important factor to consider is your academic workload, which can vary greatly from one term to the next—and even from week to week—depending on assignments, papers, projects, and exams. Balancing this with a part-time job can be challenging, especially since many off-campus jobs expect you to commit to at least 18 to 25 hours a week. This can be tough to juggle alongside a full school schedule. However, campus jobs are often much more flexible, allowing you to work as few as 5 hours a week, depending on your role and class schedule. This flexibility makes it easier to manage both work and academic responsibilities without becoming overwhelmed.
Always Start Small When Working
Many on-campus jobs will ask you how many hours you want to work each week. It’s important to consider this carefully because once you commit, it can be difficult to reduce your hours if you find you’ve taken on too much. Start with a manageable number of hours to avoid overcommitting. This flexibility is a major advantage, as it allows you to take on only what you can handle. Additionally, your coworkers will likely be fellow students who may need to drop shifts due to their own academic obligations. This gives you the opportunity to pick up extra hours as needed without being locked into a rigid schedule. Plus, by helping out a coworker, you might earn a favor in return when you need someone to cover for you.
Another reason we recommend on-campus jobs is the supportive environment they offer. You’re working with fellow students, for fellow students, which fosters a strong sense of community. Your coworkers will likely be around the same age, attend the same school, and may even share some of your classes. This common ground makes meeting new people and making friends much easier. In fact, this is how I met many of my closest friends, and it made going to work something to look forward to.
Off-Campus Jobs
If you decide to take an off-campus job, it’s crucial to understand your academic workload since these jobs typically require a greater commitment. Ideally, look for positions with 4 to 6 hour shifts, as these can fit more easily into your daily schedule. Jobs in food service or retail often offer this kind of flexibility, allowing you to manage both work and school more effectively. However, keep in mind that these roles can be fast-paced, with a steady stream of customers and a bustling environment, which may add to the challenge of balancing work and academics.
