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.