Should You Work in College? Pros & Cons of Having a Job in College

If you’re a college student thinking about getting a job while you’re in school, this is a big decision. Some college students think working during the college semester is a no-brainer. However, there are some potential drawbacks to working throughout your college semesters.

When asking yourself, “Should I work in college”, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of having a job during your college years.

As a recent college graduate who worked part time while I was in college, I definitely experienced some good and bad points!

In this post, I share the pros and cons of having a job in college, so you can decide what’s right for you.

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Is Working While in College a Good Idea for Students? Pros & Cons

Pros of Working While in College

According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, 74.8 percent of students between the ages of 20-29 who received a bachelor’s degree in 2021 were employed.

This means that the majority of students who successfully graduated actually worked throughout their time in college.

With that being said, here are the benefits of working in college:

Income

As a college student, earning extra money is fantastic. Going out, eating with friends, and buying nice clothing are huge benefits to working while in college.

A common mentality among college students is living the “broke college student life.” However, you don’t have to live this way. If you can work during the school semester, you can live more comfortably while in college.

Another option is working a summer job. Summer jobs are an excellent opportunity to work full-time over the summer when you don’t have class. This way, when the college semester starts, you will have some money saved up.

Working during college is an excellent option for students who are organized, have good time-management skills, and want to earn extra income.

Work Experience

One of the benefits of having a job while you’re in college is that you will get valuable work experience. When you work, you will learn many important skills that you can take into the real world after college.

While working, you can develop job skills like customer service, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These abilities can come in handy in your future career.

Two valuable skills that I learn while working in college are the ability to work hard and manage my time. Being able to work hard has helped me a lot after college. I developed this skill by working long hours in college.

Time management is another skill that has helped me a lot after college. Managing my time and staying organized is one of the best ways to maximize my productivity.

Potential employers value an employee that has prior work experience. Working during your college years can play a big role in your future success!

Good Opportunity for Networking

A good reason to work in college is because it’s a great way to network, build connections and make new friends. In the long run, making connections at work can come in handy once you’re finished college.

Whether it’s a job related to your career path or if you’re working to earn some extra money, the workplace is a great spot to network.

One of the perks of working on a college campus is that your co-workers will be students. This makes it easier than ever to make new friends and network with others.

Related: How to Make Friends in College – By a Recent Graduate

Independence

Working at a young age will teach you independence. Whether you start working in college or high school, you will learn how to become self-sufficient and independent.

When you earn your own money, it teaches you how to budget and manage your finances. These are two skills that you will come in handy after college.

Working at a job is a great place to become more independent and self-sufficient.

Build Your Resume

One of the best ways to build your resume is by working during your college years. Getting work experience while you are still in college is a great way to build your resume, and it’s something that future employers will value.

When you join the workforce, you’ll get real-world experience that you don’t get in college or university. Employers value employees that have professional experience in the workforce.

Working during college also shows future employers that you can manage your work hours and school life at the same time.

Cons of Working While in College

Although working in college can have its benefits, it’s important to be aware of the downside of working while in college.

Here are the downsides of working while in college:

Distractions from Your Academic Goals

It’s no secret that working during college can affect your academic success and goals. Whether you’re doing part-time work or working a full-time job, you’ll be spending less time studying.

Many full-time college students find it hard to balance getting good grades and working during the school semester. From my own experience, working during college was sometimes a distraction from my school work.

I had to make the most of my free time and focus on studying and working on assignments. I’m not proud to say it, but there were a few times where I missed small assignments, because I was too busy working.

Related: How to Focus in College – 12 Tips That Actually Work

Reduced Social Life

One of the cons to working in college is that your social life will suffer. There will be times when you won’t be able to hang out with your friends because you have to work.

Ideally, you’ll want a job with flexible hours and co-workers you get along with. This way, you can still have a social life outside of school and work and enjoy your job.

One of the good things about on-campus jobs is that you will get to work with other students, and the jobs are pretty relaxed. Working an on-campus job is a great way to make new friends while earning money.

Related: Fun Activities for College Students (interactive, team building, games) 

Physical and Mental Exhaustion

If you’re working a job while being a full-time student, you may struggle with physical and mental exhaustion.

It’s really hard to do everything well. You really have to try and prioritize your health, which includes getting enough sleep, nutrition and downtime.

Increased Stress Levels

Depending on your work schedule and the amount of hours you work a week, having a job during school can increase your stress levels.

Some students find it too stressful to work during the college semester. If you’re a student who already needs help keeping up with your school work, then working throughout college may not be for you.

To work during college or uni, you need to be organized and have good time management skills.

Time Management Difficulties

A major downside to working in college is that it can be hard to manage your time. The mix of going to class, doing homework, living in a dorm, and having a social life, already makes college very stressful.

Many college students struggle with time management throughout their college years. Working too much during college can be physically and mentally exhausting.

As a college student, you want to enjoy your time in college. The last thing you want to do is fail a college class because you were working too many hours at your job.

At the end of the day, your academic performance should come first.

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Final Thoughts on the Pros and Cons of Working While in College

Many students need help determining whether or not to work throughout their college years. There is no right or wrong answer, as it really depends on each student, as well as what they’re studying.

If you can do well in college while working and want to earn some extra money, then getting a job is a good idea. However, If you think that working during the semester will affect your grades and mental health, then working while in college not for you.

A great alternative to working during the college semester is to get a summer job. This way, you will still earn money, and it won’t interfere with your grades during the important months of school.

In the end, remember that your priority is your education and getting your college degree. Even if the extra income seems nice in the moment, it won’t be worth it if you fail your college classes.

Have you worked while going to school? Please let me know in the comments below.