With huge fees to pay, in addition to rent and living expenses, it’s not surprising many students are choosing to get a part time job to bring in some necessary extra income. The student lifestyle may not be glamorous but it doesn’t come cheap and you’re likely to meet several students who having spent their entire loan during Fresher’s week who end up living on only cabbage or baked beans during the last few weeks of term.
After the intense pressure of A2 levels it’s all too easy to get carried away by what, for ‘lazy art students’ at least, may seem a comparatively relaxed timetable. You should be aware however that this work load will increase substantially as end of term essay deadlines loom, and there’s always an endless amount of background reading/work to do that tutors will expect you to get done in your ‘spare time’. So before signing up for all those extra shifts, bear in mind that this may mean you find yourself sitting up until the small hours of the morning preparing that seminar presentation you didn't have time to do earlier.
In my case things got seriously, and I hope unusually, out of hand. In a normal scenario you shouldn’t find yourself working with one manager who has a nervous breakdown, another that has a car crash and finally one who was in and out of hospital! Hopefully you’ll get on well with your colleagues, but despite this don’t let them feel that it’s ok to rely on you to run the place. That promotion may seem flattering but unless they’re paying you a huge salary to take on that extra responsibility and this is a career you’re seriously considering pursuing in the future- Just say no! Also, never forget that when you get that phone call asking you to work 'just one extra shift' at the last minute you are under no obligation to do so!
I admit it’s easy to hand out advice with the benefit of hindsight. During my first year I found myself working up to 30hrs per week, whilst trying to fit in degree work by getting up at 6.30am and spending evenings reading in my room wishing I was out at the Charles or just chatting in the kitchen. Both my coursework and my social life suffered as my essays and seminar contribution deteriorated and going out was no longer a realistic option. Not surprisingly my stress levels became dangerously high and I was frequently too exhausted to do anything except shut myself in my room and struggle to understand that weeks reading. As the situation spiralled out of control I became increasingly bad tempered and had little energy or enthusiasm for my course. At my lowest point the question ‘Are you ok?’ often provoked a crazy outburst of tears. Fortunately for me concerned friends and family members encouraged me to discuss my situation and thanks largely to the patience and support they provided (even offering to go in and attack my manager on my behalf!) I finally summed up the courage to resign.
Don’t let my mistakes put you off the idea of getting a part time job though. Working part time need not prove a serious problem or threat to your studies or your well-being; the most important thing is to strike a balance. I for example have since found a new and much more relaxed job and intend to continue working sensible hours when term starts. Ensuring you impose limits on the time you are prepared to work to no more than 15hrs per week is crucial. It may not sound like much but that’s two days of your week gone! This will leave you with time to fit in your coursework and to make the most of having a little extra money coming in by indulging in a few less academic activities!
If you do find yourself in trouble some of the best sources of help are:
- Careers centre: There are plenty of people here who are more than willing to give you advice about finding part time work and fitting this in round your degree
- Tutors/Supervisors: If you really are struggling to get work completed tell someone about it! Some deadlines can be adjusted if you have a genuine excuse and tutors are much more inclined to be sympathetic if they know why that essay’s going to be late!
- Nightline: Friendly and confidential advice service available during those hours of the night when everyone else seems to be asleep or out partying. Open 8am - 8pm, call (43)3721 or (43)3735, or find them in Goodricke G/D038
- Friends/Family: They can tell you’re stressed and are more than willing to listen to you moan. They can also help you summon up the courage to do something about it!
