To work or not to work at uni?
We work hard for the money...
Friday, 11th February 2011
It’s getting to that point in term again. The last student loan instalment seems like months ago, the next one is merely a dot on the distant horizon, your bank balance is ever dwindling and you’re becoming increasingly desperate for funds for your housing deposit for next year, or more importantly, a spring wardrobe/booking your summer holiday/avoiding eating boiled rice for every meal for the rest of the term.
The main solution, (other than robbing a bank - The Yorker does not advocate crime) it seems, is to get a part time job. But before you go rushing out to give your CV to every shop, bar and restaurant in town, consider carefully whether a part time job is the right solution for you, with our guide to the pros and cons of student part time jobs:
The pros
- The money - the first and foremost pro of a part time job has to be the money right? The student loan only goes so far, and even if you don’t need the extra money right now, it will no doubt come in handy soon.
- The discount - many shops etc. offer discounts to their employees, which, as well as saving you money will no doubt make you popular with the flatmates. Plus there’s the uniform allowance for clothes shops....
- The CV - managing a degree and a part time job simultaneously is likely to impress future prospective employers-plus any work experience, regardless of which industry you are aiming for, looks good.
- The people - starting a new job will no doubt result in meeting new people, be they broke students like yourself, or people from the local area. If you get on well with them, bingo, a new group of friends, and they may know York better than you, and will be able to give you an insiders view to the city.
- Independence - for many people, university is the first time living away from home. Getting a job may just prove to your folks that you are managing your independence well and get them off your case...for a while anyway!
The cons
- Timing - does your course allow time for a job? Many employers will expect a minimum number of hours commitment per week. Whilst having had a part time job does look good on your CV, it does not replace the impression that having good grades gives. The university recommends a maximum of 15 hours per week part time work.
- Holidays - if you are not from the local area, and return home to far flung towns and cities during university vacations, check that you will still be able to take these holidays - many employers will not be impressed with hiring you only to find that you will need 5 weeks off over Easter, 2 months over the summer...
- The hangovers - it tends to ruin a night out if you are permanently conscious of the fact that you have to be getting up in 5, 4, 3 hours to be at work at 9am for an 8 hour shift.
So whilst many people do have part time jobs, it’s not for everyone. Yes, your flatmate may manage to hold down a 3 day a week job, plus 6 societies, two sports teams and helping at the old people’s home, but perhaps their course is suffering as a consequence?
