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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.

4 comments:

  1. 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!

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  2. Thanks for your comments and wishes, and all the best to you as well. Ryan

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  3. I 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!!

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    1. Thanks 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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