Monday, 26 March 2012
Full-time student, part-time worker
-By Ryan
Have you ever had the experience of working full-time and studying part-time? You possibly have. But have you ever had the experience of studying full-time and working part-time? Possibly not! Welcome to university life!
While some students may decide not to work and instead focus entirely on their studies, there are others who wish to earn a few bucks. Especially, when the cost of living is high and the part-time income can help the student to be a bit more financially independent.
Finding a part-time job can be a daunting experience at times. When I came to Melbourne, I had no idea that I would have to wait for five months to find a part-time job. For five stressful months, I tried everything from applying online on popular websites and visiting job agencies to personally handing my resume at different stores. What eventually worked for me was a friend of mine, knowing someone through whom I got a job. As I reflected over this job-hunting experience of mine, I realised that I myself might have been responsible for my lack of success in obtaining a job. I had a lengthy resume with a list of qualifications which would clearly not help my case to find a simple part-time job requiring minimum qualifications. So the first lesson I learnt was: tailor your resume to the type of job you are applying for.
Once the stress of finding a job was over, there was a new kind of stress! Balancing studies and work; balancing them both can be a stressful experience at times. In my case, it was a bit difficult for me at the start juggling my university commitments and my work life. Sometimes, I wondered why there were just 24 hours in a day! Studying for a master’s degree is no cakewalk, and when you have a job as well, it makes it all the more tough. Some of my friends marvelled as to how I could balance study and work together. But I guess, it all comes down to self-discipline, and that means prioritising your commitments, keeping targets and believing in yourself. I have learnt to be more responsible and take things in my stride. At the end of the day, this experience has made me a more mature person. For now, I leave you with these thoughts of mine and wish you all the best as you pursue your dreams at Deakin.
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It's a hard task but I think the self discipline is the key - including learning to say no and make sure others know you mean it, for as you say, there is only 24 hrs in a day. Best of luck with your Masters - I have til June '13 to go!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments and wishes, and all the best to you as well. Ryan
ReplyDeleteI think the key word to be highlighted here is "self-discipline". I think my biggest challenge of working while studying was juggling 2 casual jobs on top of the assignments and exams. I don't remember how I survived life back then, but yes, 24 hours just ain't enough sometimes. But looking back, I am thankful for those experiences. And looking forward to having the extra $$ in your account makes everything look a little brighter. Hello rewards!! Best wishes to completing your Masters, Ryan. You're almost there!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen for your wishes. As you rightly say, these are experiences that we must be grateful for. One of my work colleague always says that life is a race, and I am sure the experience of university life is just one part of that big race of life.
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