This is one of most tough seasons in someone’s life.As an adult you begin to philosophize and examine things from a different angle.Suddenly you have more responsibilities and feelings of anxiety for the future are logical and expected.Hundreds of questions waiting for an answer.
..”Will I be able to finish college?” … or “The economic times are so hard , is there a worthy job for me? … “I have huge competition , will I get noticed by any recognised brand?” … “I am still too young , I don’t want to work right now but every friend of mine has a job”
Working While In College | Beneficial Or Risky?
You have to pay for rent which is a major factor unless you manage to get in college in your town while you stay home with your parents.But only a few are so lucky…
You have to eat , drink and of course you want a healthy life as a teenager.You need to go out at nights , attend parties and have fun till the sun comes out.
The fraternity or sorority dues and other house expenses add to this catalogue.
On top of that tuition fees may apply and there are more costs involved as your college life unfolds.
There are families that can cover these expenses but the majority of young people will have to go out in a hunt for a job.
Benefits of Working While in College
So , having a job looks like the ideal solution , to reduce costs and stay active while you study.
Money Management and Value
More “Green” in your pocket mean less of college debts , cash to cover other costs or transportations.
Now you feel free , you don’t need your parents help and your management skills are tested.Probably you won’t spend so much money in the way you did in the past.
You understand how difficult was for your parents to raise you as a kid and you begin to realise how hard the future is.
Living on your own , even in cases you share a room with others , will empower your character and status.
Time Management
Your time is restricted , you have to come up with a plan in order to finish all your tasks while studying.
You know that every moment counts so you begin to spend your time wisely.
Networking
By getting a job you join a network of people and some of your connections might be proved valuable for the future.
You stay ahead of the competition , those students that won’t be working at all.
Preparation – References
Working while in college will shield your skills and prepare you for the real life , where you will have to compete with the rest of the world in order to survive.
You might get references from your supervisors or managers to enforce your arsenal.
There are doors opening and opportunities uncovered as you stay active and work.
Now don’t get me wrong , I am a strong believer of this tactic.I recommend young people to work while in college as I have discussed in a previous article.
Some Risks
Generally working is only beneficial for your mental health but during college there are some things we want to consider.
This is a period where you want to make connections , friends , go out , enjoy and have fun.You might not have a second chance
Depending on your financial status you may have to work even full time to cover the costs.In such situations you will get suspended from the majority of those “Social Activities”.
Watching others having fun all the time might not be ideal for your emotions and feelings.Isolation from student groups or other problems may arise.
Are You Planning To Take a Break?
Studying and working for 2 , 3 , 4 or even more years is not a “piece of cake” task.The lessons are hard and demand your full attention , especially during the last season.You need a degree , this is your main target , and this is why you got in the college at first place.
By working like a madman you eliminate your passion for studies and you risk losing exams as you are tired and need to rest.
By the End of the College…
At some point you will need a huge break.Working constantly and studying is not the ideal combination for your health.
My advice would be to take a break right after your graduation before you join real life problems once and for all.
Balance Between Work and Studies
I know that most of you will get forced to get a job to cover the costs but you have to keep in mind your primary target as well.Your studies.
All of these signs may point you to get a part time job instead of a full working plan but that is strongly connected with your financial condition.
If you can afford to abandon your job during the last college season and focus on your studies , while resting your body , might sound like “THE” solution, but of course, it is up to you and your priorities.
Best Jobs During College
Bartender: Ideal for men and those that are looking for some action.Tips and flexible timetable in most cases.Beware though not to get drunk all the time and prefer bars that do not attract many tourists , depending on your city.If you can find places that are calm and don’t stay up all night the better.
Service Assistant (cafes, restaurants, etc.): Not the easiest job but is another option with bonus tips and you get to meet people , creating a hospitality character that can only turn in advantage for you.I would go with places full of young people and students in the local area.
DJ: If you prefer working isolated while in the crowd then this job might be for you.Do not expect tips but you will do something you love and you will meet people on a daily basis.
Local Businesses: Gas stations , laundry or book stores , deliveries (food ,catering) are only a handful of solutions.In most cases they pay well and you can change as you move forward.
Secretary: Law firms , accounting offices or other local listings can pay extra bucks for a few hours work.Armour yourself with the best of your smile and dress well.
Baby Sitting: Obviously mostly suitable for women , a flexible job that will keep you active while at the same time you will have the chance to study your lessons (depending on the baby).Make sure to choose a family with a good reputation and not one that just moved in town.
Sales: Most of the local businesses and companies are looking to expand their horizons.If you can talk fluently and you are friendly go on.Although the majority of businesses pay on a sales ratio you will be developing skills that can be proved very useful for your future career.Sales is the ultimate science and will always be one in demand.
Offline Solutions: Can you tutor someone?…I bet you are expert in an area…Is it mathematics?…Music?…Dancing?…People are searching for tutors and wealthy families are more than willing to offer their children 1-1 education.
Freelance and Remote Work: If you have skills in writing, graphic design, web development, or even social media management, you can become a member of freelancing forums, communities, and networks.
Campus-Based Jobs: Library assistant, teaching or research assistant, event coordinator, or resident advisor are pretty decent options.
Tech-Driven: Applications or software tester, data entry, and related jobs are worth investigating.
Gig Economy: Why not become a delivery or rideshare driver for Uber or Lyft? It works well in urban areas, you get tips as well, but there is constant danger from driving for many hours. Plus, it requires a driving license and flexible hours.
Volunteer-Based: Some of the following jobs may not pay enough or even not at all, but if you are a fan of adventure and want to build a network from this age, you might check them out. I’m talking about NGOs, startups, or cultural institutions.
Creative Pursuits: You can become a content creator and use platforms like YouTube, TikTok, other social media, or even your own blog and website.
Let me know if you need help in the last direction, creative pursuits. I have a special program, exclusively designed for students. It’s part of the “7 IDEALS” methodology.
Final Words
I want to underline once again that working , while in college or generally , is only beneficial for you.
But during college we have to stay alerted and attend the classrooms as we can not afford losing exams that may hold us back.
I believe that part time jobs , if you can cover the costs , is the proper path to follow.
I hope you enjoyed another article , here , on Web Market Support.I am waiting for your comments and thoughts as always. Till next time.
Till next time.

Tasos Perte Tzortzis
Business Organisation & Administration, Marketing Consultant, Creator of the "7 Ideals" Methodology
Although doing traditional business offline since 1992, I fell in love with online marketing in late 2014 and have helped hundreds of brands sell more of their products and services. Founder of WebMarketSupport, Muvimag, Summer Dream.
Reading, arts, science, chess, coffee, tea, swimming, Audi, and family comes first.
Working while you are in college is really stressful. You need to balance your time between your school projects and also your chores at work. Actually right now I tried doing both at the same time. And I can say that it is really tiring. But then, I don’t have a choice with it because I have to sustain my financial needs.
By the way, I have read in some articles that students can have their own business even in their leisure time, have you already heard of any business of this kind?
Welcome back John , I congratulate you for being active and work while you are attending the lessons.It needs huge efforts but as with the majority of people there is no other way.The bills have to be paid and life expenses have to be considered.
There are many ways in which a student can create a business , but it is in my intentions to cover this subject in a future post.But basically I will be focusing in online opportunities as they offer flexibility and the potential is limitless.
Thank you for another visit and for stating your experience here.Good luck with your studies and work , all my best.
I totally agree that the ultimate purpose of going to the college or university is to earn the degree. So, better not to risk yourself with a full-time job and losing the degree at the end of the study.
If due to the financial concern, a part-time or freelance job would be ideal for college students as it is more flexible.
Looking forward to your next article on the possible jobs for college students. I would think writing article could be one of it.
Welcome Jan , so glad we agree on this important subject and that you find the “degree” as the ultimate goal.That is why I believe part time jobs would be ideal.Yes , you guessed so right , writing articles is one of the recommendations I am going to discuss about in the next chapter.
Thank you for visiting my blog and for sharing your thoughts.All my best.
I can relate so much with your article as I have spent my life working while I am studying to make ends meet. Like you said, it is very tiring and too many risks involved. But it always depend on what you want to achieve. There are some things you got to give like getting enough sleep because you have to stay awake to do assignments after work or while at work. This article is a good reading and for students who plan or in the moment of deciding whether they pursue working or not. 🙂
Welcome Jezza , I am glad you share your experience here with me.Totally agree , this decision has to do with what you want to achieve and of course it depends on your financial status.Some will get forced to work hard , some not.
In general it is a period that transforms teenagers into adults and I believe young people having a tough time with so many responsibilities that come in their way.
Thank you for this visit , your kind words and I congratulate you for being active and fighting during the college.It is not an easy task.All my best..!