Every adult, young or mature needs a reason to wake up each morning with something to look forward to, and this is mostly found in a fulfilling career. Part-time jobs are considered as jobs with variable work arrangements where the worker works less than the stipulated full hours, in some cases part-time workers receive full employment entitlements as the full-time workers, but if the reverse is the case, they still get to enjoy the learning, social networking, skills enhancing, teamwork experiences that come with the job. Let’s start with How Does Part Time Jobs Affect Students?
Most part-time jobs are in shifts which is great for students, as they can easily synchronize their study time with their work time. Part-time jobs affect students positively if thought out properly and negatively if poor decisions on part-time jobs are made.
Positive Effects Of Part-Time Jobs
Part-time jobs improve the living conditions of students, as they can afford better accommodations, in vogue outfits, go on vacations, and also be socially responsible, as they can give back to society. It reduces the financial burden on the parents of these young adults who are sponsoring them through college and any special course they might be taking at the moment to achieve their dreams
It improves their future employability as they garner experiences, enhance their skills, gain more competence and confidence, and increase their social and professional network. It motivates the students, many students may get the opportunity to understudy someone who is currently assuming their dream career role. This will go a long way to motivate them intrinsically
Financial responsibility is learned; as the students receive their salaries, and have bills to pay, they learn to prioritize their needs and wants.
Negative Effects Of Part-Time Jobs
Students can lose focus in their studies when they get so engulfed in their part-time jobs, as they may get too tired and have less time for study. Working a part-time job that is not fulfilling can lead to anxiety, as the student feels firsthand the effect of having a ‘failed career.’ Students may lose their sense of belonging in the academic world and start to question their life choices.
Steps To Find Part Time Jobs
Goggle becomes your best friend! Using keywords that best describe the jobs you find suitable, at present, should get used to searching on the internet. Word of mouth; tell a friend to tell a friend. You can share on your social media handles, social media groups, your religious community, neighborhood meetings, and all, of your search for a part-time job. It yields a lot of referrals. Following companies on their social media pages give you a heads up on any available vacancy.
Conclusion
Part-time jobs may have few disadvantageous effects on students but the limitless positive effects overshadow that. It should be on every student’s bucket list to have a feel of a professional environment before finally venturing into it, this makes the transition process easier and less frightening like a known threaded path. Young, still growing, still learning adults, whose academic, social, and professional lives are still much malleable are in much need of this.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you choose a suitable part-time job?
By getting a part-time job that sits close to your academic and career interest: are you in the medical line? Get a part-time job in a medically inclined outfit eg hospitals, pharmacies, medical research institutes, etc. Pursuing an artistic career? Place yourself where you will be surrounded by arts and art lovers; galleries, libraries, museums, etc.
Interested in education? Educational institutions of different levels and specialties will love to have you. The list goes on and on.
- How do I extricate myself from a disastrous part-time job?
It’s never too late to say ‘I quit!’ but before doing that, re-evaluate yourself and identify your career interest and goals. Go ahead and apply for the part-time job that suits them.
- How do I stay focused on my studies while doing a part-time job?
Get an accountability partner; this may be a parent, sibling, close friend, or mentor, all of whom are aware of your academic and career goals. Make out time to discuss with them your challenges and wins. Be open to great advice and constructive criticism.
- Will I still get the feel of professional experience while working remotely on a part-time job?
Yes, you can. Working remotely takes a lot of self-discipline, ability to work with little or no supervision, use of internet tools, knowledge of soft skills, time management skills, communication, and social and interpersonal skills to say the least. These skills and more are learned and enhanced, and the service a building blocks to your future career development.