Managing your work-study and your actual study
June 12, 2012
One of the many college grants options for students is the Federal Work-Study program. Based on need, students will qualify for a maximum number of part-time work hours for an on campus job. Some of these positions will be cushy but potentially slow (library assistant), while others might involve a lot of work in a social and fast-moving climate (snack bar short-order chef), and some positions may actually be academic (tutor, T.A., office assistant). There are a wide variety of student jobs on every campus, and generally you'll be able to find the one that fits you best. But how much time should you put into your work-study program, especially if you're allotted more than 25 or 30 hours a week? Work-Study can eat into study hours rapidly. Consider these tips to help find and keep your ideal balance.
1. Seek out a position with some down time. These jobs will make themselves known to you early on campus - they're the ones most people want. Though less sociable than being a dorm R.A., scanning cards at the gym or library will give you a lot of free time to finish up homework, especially if you're working the desirable low-traffic hours.
2. Find a position that may earn you tips. Most work-study jobs on campus are going to be settled right around the minimum wage, but a few may offer tips alongside your paycheck. These will usually be service positions, like cashier, short-order cook or barista. Remember though that even the dishwasher will likely get a cut of the tips jar. Supplemental tips will help you make more money in fewer hours.
3. Keep yourself organized. While you're not 9-to-5ing it like a full time employee, you still need to manage your time extremely well. Keep a calendar marked with all your work hours as well as class times, then block in set hours for studying. Of course, nothing will get done if you don't have time to relax and blow off steam, so make sure to leave time for that as well.
4. Look into scholarship opportunities. The multitude of college scholarships and grants are not limited to work study. Research and apply for the numerous other scholarship options and financial aid information available to students. These will help you along financially without sucking up free time.
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