As a student, having a part-time job can help you make extra cash on the side. After all, pursuing a degree abroad isn’t going to be cheap. As much as possible, you want to find ways to make sure all your expenses are covered. Working part-time not only benefits you financially; it also offers a great learning experience that helps you develop social and problem-solving skills.
But just like with everything else, some things may not go smoothly. You may be energized in your first weeks at work, then feel extreme fatigue by the next.
Juggling between part-time work and studying is a challenging task, but it can be rewarding too. Here are some things that you need to consider before applying for a part-time job while you’re still in school.
Time Management
We all have 24 hours, but depending on your given situation, 24 hours would feel like an eternity.
Think about the total amount of time you spend in class. Then think about the amount of time you need to get ready, the time you need to travel home, and the time you need to rest.
All of these things are essential to you as a student. So how can part-time work fit into your busy schedule?
Before applying for part-time work, grab your class list and figure out if you have more free time before or after classes. From there, you can get an idea if you can work in the morning or at night.
Get in contact with your prospective employer and discuss your availability. As much as possible, make sure that your prospective employer understands that you can’t be forced to go to work at a time that you’re supposed to study.
During examination week, make sure to inform your employer beforehand. And if you have to be absent at work due to academic reasons, make sure to tell your employer immediately.
Benefits to Personal and Professional Growth
Generally, part-time jobs help students develop social skills. Aside from that, you’ll earn extra cash, you become more confident, you become more independent, and you can even enjoy special employee perks and discounts.
But the truth is that most part-time jobs for students out there aren’t substantial enough to be placed in your resume. Your job title at your part-time job may be too irrelevant and too different from your degree that it may not carry its own merits.
Fortunately, part-time jobs give you transferable skills and soft skills that are essential in life and the workplace.
Contemplate which part-time job you need to take. Ask yourself some questions: Do I need this job for the money and skills? Do I need it for better chances at employment?
Your answer should influence your choice of a part-time job.
Stress Management
Think you can manage the emotional, mental, and physical pressures of part-time work?
Working part-time while studying will always be stressful, no matter what time of job that is. On top of that, you might be taking a very demanding program.
When you’re in this situation, the tolerance for stress will grow thinner each day. You’ll also notice an increased tension between performing school-related activities and working.
Apply for part-time work if you think you can handle intense levels of stress. And if you decide to go for it, make sure to relax once in a while so you can recover well.
Getting your dream degree isn’t cheap, but working part-time may be more costly for you if you don’t know how to invest your time and energy. Take a part-time job once you’ve thought about your time, the job’s benefits, and your stress tolerance.
Think you have what it takes to work part-time while studying abroad? Use our articles here at MSM Unify as your leading resource to land that part-time job you’ve always wanted.
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