In today’s academic landscape, the intertwining of work and study isn’t a choice, it’s a growing trend. According to this EU report, a staggering 51% of students in the EU engage in paid jobs while they pursue their studies.
Traditionally, the academic rulebook often advised to put work off until you secure your degree, with lecturers advocating that studies should be prioritised since the working realm awaits us for the decades to come. However, in today’s dynamic landscape, the shifting socio-economic factors are making it challenging to adopt this lifestyle. Why do students embrace this dual journey? Explore these reasons below!
Benefits of Working During Your Studies
This study dives into the benefits, as well as motivations behind this dual-life of studying and working simultaneously. I’ve taken the effort to select the most relevant ones and provided my thoughts on each factor.
- Monetary Autonomy. Despite not being burdened by tuition costs domestially, the allure of monetary autonomy still materialises. Propelling early adulthood, the need to become financially independent is set in motion. Income instills the power of relying less upon our parents and learn the pivotal skill of budgeting. As Malta still maintains a relatively high inflation rate and floats above the 2% desirable margin, higher costs of living propagate income as a necessity.
- Gaining Experience. Your part-time job isn’t just about the money, it involves unique experiences, bridging the gap between theory and practice. This is also a reciprocal relation as your work deepens the knowledge about your field. Plus, with the Eu facilitating labour mobility, industries are evolving into fierce competition. Thus, any valuable experience can be a game-changer, unlocking career opportunities and even lead to a full-time offer if your work is outstanding.
- Developing soft skills, while displaying hard work & determination. Mastering team cooperation, honing communication skills and becoming a decision-making expert. These are pertinent skills that recruiters are constantly riffling for when choosing talent. Getting a head-start can set you ahead of the curve, showcasing your determination.
Those are the usual points that center the stage, but there’s more! This LinkedIn post illuminates further benefits that are lesser-known but equally impactful.
- Learning Time Management. Crucially time management is a life-long skill, entitling you with the key to optimise your invaluable time. The art of prioritisation could be the make-or-break factor, particularly due our thrilling lives as students. Consult with your mentor or boss and work together to unlock the needed flexibility.
- Networking. Fostering connections with essential contacts can be paramount for your future career, hitting the nail on the head by providing advise and supporting your career goals.
- Increasing Your Marketability. This part-time isn’t just to get by, but hopefully a platform for you to shine. Displaying outstanding work is a stepping stone to a future recommendation, accentuating your values and experience.
The Lows of This Lifestyle
Transparency is important to reveal potential pitfalls for this journey. Sure, there are some obstacles, but it doesn’t mean there aren’t methods to conquer them. We’ve reached out to some students who’ve been navigated this path and drawn on advice of my personal favourite educational YouTuber, Jade Bowler. We’ve conjured a number of suggestions hopefully aiding you to entre your thrive era.
Stress
Mental health is the key to everything. Listen to yourself, no one can tell you what you need better than you can.
Jade Bowler
Bonus: Refer to our Mental Health Article for an insight on guidance concerning mental health and facilities that are specifically tailored for students like us.
Your Relations With Family And Friends may weaken
I solely dedicate my Saturday evenings and Sundays for for my friends and family. Time for socialising is very valuable in my life.
Daniela Pisani, Pharmacy student
Sleep deprivation
Make sure to have a work life balance that works for schedule and lifestyle. Remember: you are more important than your work and studies, so make time for yourself to recharge!
Martina Farrugia, Communications student
Time constraints
Uni taught me to get a million things done through scheduling. Things, such as revising notes, don’t happen unless you commit to them through scheduling.
Jade Bowler
Scheduling can appear in various ways, from habits, to setting a defined period for the activity or creating a plan of action. Check out our first article of this campaign, which addresses habits and the importance of systems in your daily life.
Missing lectures and negative impact on academic performance
Befriend your classmates & expand your network. Develop a note-sharing system to ensure you are covered material-wise, in case you miss a lecture. Different perspectives will likely boost your grades.
Ranson Mercieca, Marketing Graduate
Thanks for reading! Stay tuned for the upcoming chapters of Paving Way Through Academics to learn about other insightful recommendations and ways to optimise your academic career to get the full experience.