College life can be hard enough with constant deadlines, world-ending projects and even group work. Throwing a part-time job into the mix can make the already heavy burden feel crushing.
Students work for many different reasons, sometimes to pay rent or build a resume. However, for many students, part-time jobs can be both a lifeline and a stressor. Personally speaking, I have two part-time jobs: Student Media and Barnabas Tea Co.
Originally, I joined Student Media because it sounded fun and the money was a nice bonus, but as my debts started increasing and the cost of living steadily rose, I began relying on the money. When 20 hours a week wasn’t enough to pay the bills, I went searching and found another job that I love just as much.
While I love my jobs and the experiences I have gained through them, I know that not everyone else is as lucky. Working isn’t optional for most students; it’s the only way they can survive. Sometimes students have to work jobs they can’t stand because they need the paycheck
While I am fortunate to enjoy the work I do, it is a hefty time commitment. I dedicate 20 hours to Student Media and 15-20 hours with Barnabas each week. That’s already 40 hours of work. Add 12 credit hours on top, and I’m at 52 hours before homework and class projects can cross my mind.
Paper, it doesn’t reflect the world students actually live in, balancing jobs, commuting, familial responsibilities, or taking care of themselves.
In the current situation we find ourselves in, it’s clear that academic expectations everywhere haven’t evolved to match the reality of modern student life. We are still operating in a system made for students who didn’t work multiple jobs to stay afloat.
Starting simple could help the problem. Having flexible deadlines or training faculty to understand the struggles their students face. We shouldn’t have to sacrifice sleep or mental health to meet the academic expectations that have been in place for decades.
Small changes won’t completely remove the pressures we face, but it would acknowledge that our time is limited and that our lives matter just as much as our grades.
When we push ourselves over and over again to meet these expectations, we burn out, fall further behind and begin resenting the education we are working so hard to achieve. College shouldn’t be about choosing between having a life and getting an education.
All of the coming-of-age movies told us college would be the time of our lives. In reality, college is learning to manage work, friends, homework, activities, religion and just existing.
I do not say any of this to complain. I love my job and I love all of the people that God has put in my life through my work. I have grown in so many ways by taking on so much responsibility.
That being said, the conversation around student workers should be one of empathy, rather than dismay. Students who are juggling it all, are doing their best to find a balance between a demanding work and school schedule.
Remember that working students aren’t less committed to their education. If you are a working student please remember that , you aren’t any less worthy of time and understanding.
Edited by Anushma Dahal, Bidhya Sapkota and Jaema Bordelon
