Several studies show that almost 70% of college students work while pursuing a degree. Studies have also shown that working too many hours can affect a student’s academic performance.
Balancing an education while also maintaining financial stability can be difficult especially for young students. While college can take as much effort as a full-time job, many students still have to work in order to support themselves and pay for their education.
According to Understanding Working Students: The Impact of Work on College Success by Ellie Taylor, 67% of students had to work while in college with 40% saying that they worked at least 40 hours a week and 38% saying that they worked at least 20 to 39 hours a week. Working more than 20 hours a week has been connected to poor performance in school, due to less time to complete assignments.
Taylor said, “Financial burdens create significant obstacles to academic success and overall well-being. Additionally, the time demands students face are often intensified by transportation challenges, like finding reliable methods of transportation, commute times, or even available parking.”
Many students feel that the real challenge with having a job while in school is all about time management.
Chance McClenton, a student at Jones College who also maintains a local fast-food job, believes that balance is the key to maintaining success. McClenton is a freshman majoring in computer science while also working around 25 hours a week.
McClenton said, “I feel like many students struggle financially in school. In my opinion, working in college can help but then again some people don’t have a vehicle to [travel to work].”
“Having a schedule that can adjust for school and work is a big benefit. The negative thing about having a job in school is definitely the amount of sleep and homework you get,” McClenton said. “A lot of work is due by the end of the night. Depending on your schedule this could take a big toll on you, especially if you’re not keeping up with your work.”
Yadira Penaloza, a Jones student who is also an assistant manager at her part-time job, said that planning ahead and managing time has allowed her to keep a balance between work and education. Penaloza works 24 hours a week and is majoring in graphic design.
“Students are typically young and don’t have much experience with things like budgeting, saving, and dealing with unexpected expenses,” she said. “They could get better at money management by setting financial goals, learning about credit and seeking out resources that offer financial literacy or counseling.
“Having a job during college is not so bad because I learned how to manage my time in order for me to get my school work done and carry out my work duties to their fullest,” Penaloza said. “Make sure to be organized and prioritize your study first. Break down your assignments beforehand so it could be easier to finish them around your work time.”
Many students, such as Ragen Smith, a freshman majoring in radiology, have joined the work study program on campus, which is a great opportunity to provide students with a source of income while also working around their schedule and not over-burdening them. The Work Study program is designed to help eligible students pay for their education by providing employment opportunities, also allowing them to gain valuable work experience.
“I think Work Study is good because it gives you an opportunity to connect with the Jones family,” Smith said. Smith advises students to, “Keep striving and know it’s okay to ask questions and to get help.”
Students interested in Work Study should contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.
by Jordyne Cochran
